About dayum time!!! Congratulations ! Rev. Fred Luter Jr. is set to become the first African American president of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination organization when convention delegates vote next week in New Orleans. It’s a big step for a denomination that was formed out of a pre-Civil War split with northern Baptists over slavery and for much of the last century had a reputation for supporting segregation. In recent years, faced with growing diversity in America and declining membership in its churches, the denomination has made a sincere effort to distance itself from that past. Many Southern Baptists believe the charming and charismatic Luter is the man who can lead them forward. Many Southern Baptist leaders, when speaking of Luter, mention how respected he is for his determination to stay in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, destroying Franklin Avenue and scattering its members. Luter said the disaster shook his faith and he didn’t know at first if the church could recover. A photograph from that time shows Luter on a helicopter tour of the city, wiping tears from his eyes as he gazed at the flooded buildings and vans of his church. He told the Baptist Press the tragedy showed him that “life is like a vapor on this side of eternity. What you have today could be gone tomorrow. You can’t put your trust in earthly things.” As David Crosby, of First Baptist New Orleans, puts it: “It’s such a note of grace and favor from God that a man of this caliber would step forward to become the first African-American president of the SBC.” This sounds nice and all, but we have a couple of questions that need to be addressed. If he is elected, do you think it will have less to do with his qualifications, and more to do with demonstrating how the new Southern Baptists aren’t racists? Similar to how Michael Steele was elected head of the RNC right after Obama’s election. We support the organization “turning a new leaf” but we have to question the timing and motives behind the election. Just sayin’.
Pop Queen continues to flash her flesh by baring her backside following her much-publicized breast flash last week. By John Mitchell Madonna Photo: Dani Pozo/ AFP/ Getty Images Madonna is back in action, but this time she’s mooning the audience instead of flashing her breasts. Late last week, while performing “Human Nature” during her sold-out concert at Istanbul, Turkey’s T
Wow… He lived through that??? Ronald Poppo, the man who was viciously attacked in Miami Memorial weekend is doing much better according to his doctors. Miami Zombie Attack Victim Up Walking And Talking In Hospital But it turns out that in addition to having to survive 50% of his face being chewed away, he also had to recover from a gunshot wound: As if things couldn’t have been worse for the vagrant whose face was chewed off by the horrifying “Miami Zombie,” doctors revealed Tuesday that cops accidentally shot him as they tried to save him. Ronald Poppo, 65, had two holes in his left chest when he was brought bleeding to Jackson Memorial Hospital, doctors said. They were apparently entry and exit wounds. Maniac Rudy Eugene, who was not armed, was on top of Poppo when police opened fire to stop the gruesome attack. A stray bullet hit the victim, too. Poppo is recovering surprisingly well, eating, walking and even cheering on his basketball team, doctors said, calling him “charming.” They released two graphic photos of Poppo, showing him in a hospital gown walking down a hallway with help. His nose and right eye is gone, his left eye is covered in a bandage and his forehead and cheeks are a mass of bloody wounds. The bottom half of his face, from his salt and pepper mustache on down, appears okay. “He’s coping remarkably well,” trauma surgeon Nicholas Namias told reporters. “We have mental health professionals to help him.” Doctors said he remembers the horrifying attack but has displayed a surprisingly upbeat attitude. Asked if he had a message before the news conference, doctors said Poppo replied: “Go Heat!” The Miami Heat play Oklahoma City Tuesday night in the NBA finals. Poppo, who was blinded in the attack, has undergone three surgeries so far – including skin grafts – and will need more. “First he needs to recover from the three surgeries he’s already had,” said plastic surgeon Wrood Kassira. He will remain hospitalized for “weeks at least,” Kassira added. The hospital has started a fund to collect donations for the destitute vagrant’s care. So far they’ve raised $15,000. Doctors said they won’t know whether Poppo can be a candidate for a face transplant – an experimental new procedure being funded by the Defense Department – until his wounds heal. The bizarre attack on Poppo, a harmless homeless alcoholic who started life at Manhattan’s prestigious Stuyvesant High School, captured the sympathy of the world. He was reclining under a shady overpass on Memorial Day weekend when a deranged naked wastrel named Rudy Eugene fell upon him unprovoked, beat him and chewed off more than 50% of his face. Eugene, 31, had shed all his clothes and ripped out pages from the Bible he always carried he walked along the McArthur Causeway joining the city to Miami Beach, CBS reported. Eugene was shot and killed by police when he refused to stop attacking Poppo. An autopsy found no parts of Poppo’s face in Eugene’s stomach – contradicting accounts by appalled witnesses that the attacker was swallowing the pieces of flesh he ripped away with his teeth. The autopsy did not find an explanation for Eugene’s unusual behavior, though more tests are still pending. Poppo’s family in the New York area had long believed him dead. So far, Poppo has not had any visitors, doctors said. That’s really sad that his family hasn’t come to visit him. We think the Miami Heat should head over to the hospital as soon as they have a chance, especially if they win this championship. Well, if curiosity has the best of you, you can check out the photo of what Poppo looks like now below: Source Jackson Memorial Hospital
‘I am deeply touched,’ tearful Stone says during acceptance speech at MTV Movie Awards. By Jocelyn Vena Emma Stone wins at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images UNIVERSAL CITY, California — Emma Stone became the first-ever MTV Trailblazer at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards on Sunday night (June 3). “The Amazing Spider-Man” actress was on hand to accept for special Golden Popcorn, which celebrates her diverse r
‘He’s been the person … who would call me and say, ‘Yo I don’t hear no records on the streets, son,’ ‘ N.O.R.E. tells ‘RapFix Live.’ By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway N.O.R.E. on “RapFix Live” Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News N.O.R.E. is ready for the next chapter in his career. As half of the Queens, New York, rap duo Capone-N-Noreaga, N.O.R.E. dropped an underground rap classic with pair’s 1997 debut The War Report. As a solo artist on a major label, he’s made his mark with unforgettable street singles like “Superthug” and “Grimey.” Now N.O.R.E. is looking forward to going independent and releasing his S.U.P.E.R.T.H.U.G. album and movie. For the album, N.O.R.E. hooked up with his buddy Busta Rhymes , who will partner with Noreaga on the business end of things. “He’s been the person, when I was away and wasn’t around, who would call me and say, ‘Yo I don’t hear no records on the streets, son,’ ” N.O.R.E. said when he appeared on “RapFix Live” on Wednesday, using his best Busta impression. “He’s my peer and he’s also a fan, but he wants to see me win. So why do anything separate?” N.O.R.E. hasn’t signed to Busta’s Conglomerate record label, but they have joined forces. “I’ve been down too long to be anybody’s artist. So it’s a partnership, Militainment and Conglomerate as partners for the S.U.P.E.R.T.H.U.G. album.” The accompanying film will blend long-form music videos with some acting, similar to what Jay-Z did with his 1998 cult favorite “Streets Is Watching.” The flick will star N.O.R.E., Ice T, Lil Wayne, Slaughterhouse’s Joell Ortiz and Fred the Godson, just to name a few. As far as whether or not he will make another record with C-N-N partner Capone, N.O.R.E. isn’t sure. “We’re straight, we’re brothers,” he confirmed about their personal relationship. “As far as recording, I don’t know yet.” Before he commits to another album, he needs to see Capone exhibit a passion for the music. “He has to love his job just as much as me, and I’m not judging him, but the thing is I actually love this,” N.O.R.E. said. What is your favorite N.O.R.E. single? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ Goes Big With K.R.I.T., N.O.R.E And A ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ Reunion Related Artists N.O.R.E. Busta Rhymes
‘It all sounds ridiculous to me,’ drummer David Prowse says of the critical acclaim heaped on their second album. By James Montgomery Japandroids’ Brian King Photo: MTV News The best rock record of 2012 is not some overwrought, double-disc affair, nor was it presided over by a studio pro like Rick Rubin or Butch Vig, and it doesn’t contain a single instance of dubstep . Rather, it is an eight-song, 35-minute fist-pumper called Celebration Rock, the second (barely) full-length from Japandroids , a pair of unassuming everydudes from Vancouver. And what Celebration Rock lacks in general grandiosity, it more than makes up for in sheer sonic wallop, featuring thundering drums, rousing riffs and more top-volume “Woah-oh-ohs!” than any record in recent memory. Much like the duo that made it, the record is a brazenly blue-collar, proudly scruffy thing, a revelatory, celebratory disc that seems tailor-made for beery, cheery sing-alongs and all manner of drunken debauchery. It is meant to be played very loud, very often and very late at night. It doesn’t quit, and it never really slows down to catch its breath either. And it has, in the weeks leading up to its release, earned all manner of critical acclaim, including a Best New Music designation from Pitchfork and a recent review on Grantland that compared it to the Who’s Who’s Next, Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run, Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction, the Replacements’ Let It Be, Nirvana’s Nevermind and the White Stripes’ White Blood Cells … all in the space of a single paragraph. And if that last bit of praise seems a bit, well, unbelievable to you, you’re not alone. Not surprisingly, the guys who actually made the album are having a pretty hard time wrapping their heads around all the adoration Celebration Rock has received. “It all sounds ridiculous to me,” drummer David Prowse laughed. “I mean, come on. ” “We love all those records, and I don’t think it would be out of the realm of reality to say you could hear those influences on our record, but to compare them in a quality sense is pretty ridiculous,” guitarist/singer Brian King added. “Especially given the fact that a lot of those records weren’t hailed as masterpieces, like, the day after they came out. They had to earn their place in rock history … obviously, we’re nowhere near that yet.” Yet, they’re definitely appreciative of all the attention. After all, making Celebration Rock was a true task in every sense of the word. Burned out after two years of touring behind their debut (2009’s Post-Nothing ), Prowse and King returned home to begin work on the album, only to find, well, they had nothing left in the tank. And the situation certainly didn’t improve over the next few months. So, riddled with doubt and no record on the horizon, they decided to leave the city and head all the way across the continent, to Nashville, where they isolated themselves and decided to make an album that would give them an excuse to head back out on the road. “I think, in general, the first record was about being stationary and not wanting to be stationary, and this record is actually about being on the move and liking being on the move,” King explained. “When we wrote the first one, we were just a local band. We had never been on tour, we had no fans, so you’re just kind of writing the songs for yourselves, for fun. But having played a couple hundred shows in between writing this one, you now have a brand-new thing to take into account when you sit down to write a song. You have an audience, you play shows every night, you know when you play songs what works and what doesn’t. And you can apply that to the songwriting process. “And having played all those shows, we’ve known what songs garnered the kind of reaction that we wanted,” he continued. “And it was sort of like, ‘Let’s just write a whole album of those kind of songs, so when we play a set, instead of it being kind of like peaks and valleys of energy and excitement, it’s just one big peak the whole time we play.’ ” So far, Japandroids have basically done nothing but play the songs on Celebration Rock, and the end result has been shows that match the album’s exhilarating scope — “On a good night, it’s just a big, sweaty mess,” Prowse laughed — and they’ll remain on the road until the end of the summer. And then, perhaps, they’ll actually take a minute to bask in their accomplishments, and prepare themselves for the album’s inevitable conclusion on year-end “best of” lists. But then again, maybe they won’t. “Maybe when all the touring is done, we’ll enjoy it. Everything has been happening so fast, and when we’re on tour, the focus is on the shows, and everything else goes right through you,” King said. “It’s only when you get an extended break, you get a chance to breathe … and you can kind of take a load off and let it sink in. But even then, you know, we probably still won’t believe it.” Related Artists Japandroids
Jon Hamm, Jennifer Aniston among the deliciously despicable characters up for Best On-Screen Dirtbag award. By Kevin P. Sullivan Jennifer Aniston in “Horrible Bosses” Photo: Warner Bros. While the MTV Movie Awards are all about celebrating the best from the past year in film, they’re also about shining a light on the very worst. This year, we’re introducing a brand-new category for all the deliciously despicable characters: Best On-Screen Dirtbag. We’ve broken down all the nominees in the category below, but it’s up to you to vote one member of this detestable quintet to the podium to collect his or her Golden Popcorn. We will all find out who the worst of the worst is this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET live on MTV. Bryce Dallas Howard – “” If an on-screen dirtbag does his or her job properly, naturally the audience will beg for some comeuppance. Without a doubt, none of this year’s love-to-hate-’em nominees got it worse than Bryce Dallas Howard’s horribly racist Miss Hilly. Apparently, revenge is a dish best served in the form of a chocolate pie made out of human feces. Colin Farrell – ” Horrible Bosses ” Even if it weren’t for the cocaine addiction and his propensity for firing those that “creep him out,” Colin Farrell’s character in last summer’s hit comedy “Horrible Bosses” may have ended up on the short list for On-Screen Dirtbag for that comb-over alone. Sometimes a poor choice of hairstyle can be just as bad as a person’s behavior. Jennifer Aniston – ” Horrible Bosses ” There’s nothing wrong with a small workplace crush as long as human resources has been notified, you keep your conversations work-appropriate, and you don’t spray your co-worker’s pants with water in order to see the outline of his junk. Jennifer Aniston’s character in “Horrible Bosses” did not heed any of these rules as she aggressively tried to seduce her dental hygienist, played by Charlie Day. Jon Hamm – ” Bridesmaids ” Sure, he might seem like a great guy. He’s rich, and hell, he looks like Jon Hamm, but Ted is not a man you want to be around. He does that thing that can only be described by Kristen Wiig as she drags that back of her limp hand across her face. It’s not pretty. Oliver Cooper – ” Project X ” Sometimes dirtbags are funny. One of our nominees this year, Oliver Cooper of “Project X,” has the distinct honor of earning nominations for both Best Comedic Performance and Best On-Screen Dirtbag. And that’s the beautiful balance that Costa strikes. Yes, he’s going to turn up the speed on the treadmill that you’re running on, but you’ll probably laugh about it later. Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET. Related Videos 2012 Movie Awards: Best On-Screen Dirt Bag Nominees Related Photos Sneak Peek Week At The 2012 Movie Awards
Singer asks fans to obey police as outdoor concert turns into mob scene. By John Mitchell Justin Bieber performs in Oslo, Norway Photo: Getty Images Justin Bieber attracts a crowd wherever he goes, but things got a little out of hand in Norway on Wednesday as the pop star kicked off the European promo tour behind his new album, Believe . Bieber was in the Scandinavian country’s capital city, Oslo, to perform a free six-song concert outside of the Oslo Opera House, but the site was quickly overrun by several thousand fans, who at one point began chasing after a car presumed to be transporting Bieber to the concert location while ignoring police warnings and causing a spike in mobile usage that briefly crippled cellular service in the city. Police reportedly threated to cancel the performance — and, according to TMZ , nearly declared a state of emergency — before Bieber took to Twitter to try to calm his legion of fans. “Please listen to the police. I don’t want anyone getting hurt. I want everything to go to plan but your safety must come first,” Bieber tweeted . “For the show to happen u must all listen to the police. We are all concerned for your safety and I want what is best for u. Please listen.” The “Boyfriend” singer’s words of caution apparently tamed fans enough, and police allowed the show to proceed. However, officials demanded Bieber push the start time back by half an hour so scene security would not deteriorate further. Billboard reports that an on-scene security officer said “about 15 girls passed out.” Police cite the venue chosen as one of the key issues that contributed to the chaotic scene: “The concert should be held somewhere other than roof of the Opera, which has clear space limitations,” a police official told the Norwegian NRK news service . The concert was filmed as part of Bieber’s upcoming ” Justin Bieber: All Around the World ” TV special, which follows the singer on his 12-day, seven-country promo tour. The special is set to air at 8 p.m. June 21 on NBC. Bieber is currently on his way to Paris for his next appearance. This isn’t the first time Bieber’s presence has resulted in an out-of-control scene: In November 2009, a teenage girl was injured and several fights broke out as thousands descended on the Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island, New York , in what devolved into a stampede ahead of the singer’s scheduled appearance there. Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal nuisance for failing to properly control the situation after receiving police warnings about potential problems at the venue. Those charges were later dropped. Related Videos MTV First: Justin Bieber Related Photos The Evolution Of: Justin Bieber Related Artists Justin Bieber
Before accepting the award, Depp joined the Black Keys onstage to perform ‘Gold on the Ceiling.’ By Terri Schwartz Johnny Depp Photo: Getty Images UNIVERSAL CITY, California — Talk about a grand entrance. Aerosmith rock gods Steven Tyler and Joe Perry walked onto the MTV Movie Awards stage to congratulate a “truly revolutionary artist,” an actor who has become a rock star in his own right. Johnny Depp was the recipient of the MTV Generation Award , joining the prestigious ranks of Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood and Godzilla. Depp joined the Black Keys on stage to perform a rousing rendition of “Gold on the Ceiling” before going on to accept his award. “I’ve got to thank MTV for this. This is quite an amazing honor, truly. It’s like the Get-Out-Of-The-Business Award, ‘All right, you’ve done too much.’ Clearly, based on the clips, there’s nothing wrong with me,” Depp said when he received his Golden Popcorn. “I just thank you very much. And it’s an honor to be presented by these two legends, Steve and Joe, and these up and coming legends, [The Black Keys], so thank you very much.” This has been a big year for Depp. “21 Jump Street” was nominated for six MTV Movie Awards, including one for Depp himself. In addition, he reunited on the big screen with Tim Burton to create their passion project, “Dark Shadows.” But the Generation Award is less about Depp’s last year and more about his legacy. From when we first saw him die brutally in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” to when he won us over as Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” we’ve known he was a star worthy of our attention. Next year will be big for the three-time Golden Popcorn winner as well. We’re excited to see him transform onscreen yet again, but this time as sidekick Tonto in Gore Verbinski’s take on “The Lone Ranger.” And there’s always the planned fifth “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie and inevitable reunion with Burton to look forward to in the future. The 2012 MTV Movie Awards are officially under way! Stick with MTV News for minute-by-minute coverage, and don’t forget to go to MovieAwards.MTV.com to cast your vote for Best Movie! Related Videos 2012 Movie Awards: Most Talked-About Moments Behind The Scenes At The 2012 MTV Movie Awards Related Photos 2012 Movie Awards: Full Fashion Recap
MTV News heads into the Gibson Amphitheatre to learn where all the A-listers will be sitting Sunday. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello Jim Cantiello with the MTV Movie Awards’ seating cards Photo: MTV News UNIVERSAL CITY, California — Every year, the MTV Movie Awards gathers some of the biggest names in Hollywood as they vie for the coveted Golden Popcorn. But who will be closest to the stage to grab those trophies? Well, MTV News got the inside scoop by checking out the seating cards in the Gibson Amphitheatre, so we know where your fave celebs will be sitting when the big show goes live Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. “Of course we have to put KStew in the front row. Hello, Bella!” Jim Cantiello said when he found “Twilight” star Kristen Stewart’s card front and center. “I like that we found the one photo of her almost kind of smiling.” Making his way around the room, Cantiello gave the “Magic Mike” crew’s seating cards a proper strip-club welcome with a lap dance. He also noted that Hollywood hottie Michael Fassbender had two seats, one for him and one for his … well, anyone who saw “Shame” knows what we’re talking about. With Stewart on hand to represent “Twilight,” Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks and more will also be there for that other big franchise. “Last but not least, we can’t have the Movie Awards without the ‘Hunger Games’ cast,” Cantiello said of the movie, tied with “Bridesmaids” for the most nominations. To see where the rest of the celebs are sitting, check out the 2012 MTV Movie Awards this Sunday. Russell Brand is hosting and there will be performances by Fun. , the Black Keys, Martin Solveig and Wiz Khalifa . It all goes down from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California at 9 p.m. ET. Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET. Related Videos Behind The Scenes At The 2012 MTV Movie Awards
