PaUlA dEeN dRiPs WiTh RaCiSt BuTtEr

                                  Paula Deen                    

America's grandmother from the South, who captured television viewers' hearts with her southern drawl and infamous one liner hey ya'll -- has truly bitten off more butter than she can chew!

Food Network favorite Paula Deen has the Internet abuzz, over her controversial use of the "N" word. Published passages from a video deposition printed in the National Enquirer, showed Paula admitting to using the "N" word while making racist jokes.

According to The Huffington Post, the deposition was held on May 17 as part of a court case brought forth by former Paula Deen Enterprises employee Lisa Jackson, against Deen and her brother Earl “Bubba” Hiers. In the suit Lisa claimed there were several instances of sexual and racial workplace discrimination.

For example: Lisa was asked to plan a wedding for Paula's son Bubba. Lisa claims Paula said she wanted to do a slave style wedding. In Paula's words, "I want a true Southern-plantation style wedding. Well what I would really like is a bunch of little niggers to wear long-sleeve white shirts, black shorts and black bow ties, you know in the Shirley Temple days, they used to tap dance around.  Now that would be a true Southern wedding wouldn't it?"

The deposition goes on to claim that black workers at 'Uncle Bubba's Restaurant', were required to use the back entrance to pick up their checks and were all required to use the same bathroom at the back of the restaurant; white employees could use the customer's restrooms. Black employees that worked in the back of the restaurant weren't allowed in the front of the eatery.  

Lisa proceeded in quoting Deens' brother Bubba as saying things like, "I wish I could put all those n****** (in the kitchen) on a boat back to Africa," and allegedly, "They should send President Obama to the oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico so he could n*****-rig it." 

Below are direct passages from the interview with Paula Deen and attorneys on her usage of the "N" word: 

Lawyer: Have you ever used the N-word yourself?

Deen: Yes, of course.
 

Lawyer: Okay. In what context?     

Deen: Well, it was probably when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head.

Lawyer: Okay. And what did you say?

  

Deen: Well, I don't remember, but the gun was dancing all around my temple ... I didn't -- I didn't feel real favorable towards him.
 

Lawyer: Okay. Well, did you use the N-word to him as he pointed a gun in your head at your face?

  

Deen: Absolutely not.
 

Lawyer: Well, then, when did you use it?

Deen: Probably in telling my husband. 

On Deens' brothers behavior:

Lawyer: Are you aware of Mr. Hiers admitting that he engaged in racially and sexually inappropriate behavior in the workplace?
 

Deen: I guess.
 

Lawyer: Okay. Well, have you done anything about what you heard him admit to doing?
   

Deen: My brother and I have had conversations. My brother is not a bad person. Do humans behave inappropriately? At times, yes. I don't know one person that has not. My brother is a good man. Have we told jokes? Have we said things that we should not have said, that -- yes, we all have. We all have done that, every one of us.

In a carefully worded statement Deens' attorney defended her honor: 

"Contrary to media reports, Ms. Deen does not condone or find the use of racial epithets acceptable. She is looking forward to her day in court." 

Kudos to Lisa Jackson, for being courageous enough to stand up for what is morally correct. 

Read the FULL deposition here.

2013 LA

ReGgIe BuSh ShOws OfF hIs BaBy GiRl!

Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush, has released this adorable first photo of himself holding his precious baby girl, Briseis! This picture release comes one day after the official announcement of his ex-girlfriend's birth, Kim Kardashian.

"I always wish her well," Bush told Us, acknowledging that they're no longer in contact. "Always."

Gushing about his new love who entered the world on May 6, Reggie commented, "She's amazing. "She's so beautiful. I love her to death. It's just been an amazing experience so far so I'm very excited – just being a father."

Congrats to the happy papa!

2013 LA

BrOdY jEnNeR uNlEaShEs On SeAsOn 8 Of KuWtK!

"Keeping Up With The Kardashians" season eight has turned into "Keeping Up With The Jenners", as Brody Jenner (Bruce Jenner's son from a previous marriage) unleashed on his dad for not being there during his childhood, on Sunday night's new episode.

Brody Jenner was extremely bothered by his dad's affection shown to his two youngest step-sisters Kendall and Kylie, while publicly wondering why he never received such affection and attention from his dad. 

Bruce Jenner seemed very stand-offish about the situation brewing with his son Brody. Bruce's biological son Brandon and step-son Rob, both suggested that Bruce reach out to Brody and have a talk once and for all. Bruce made a comment that Brody is almost 30 years old and should be over the issue, but the comment felt like a cop out for being embarrassed about his absence from his children's lives. 

Finally, Bruce listened to his kids and decided to have a talk with Brody, which proved to be a successful conversation. All this time all they needed to do was communicate, in order to put the horrid past behind them. Communication is very powerful. And just because Bruce's son Brandon chose not to be as vocal as his brother Brody, a parent should never think all is in the past because you don't bring it up. 

The past will always be there just as hurt will always be there, it's not something that can be covered with dirt and forgotten. Because when there is unfinished business from the past, it always makes its way back to the surface -- always!

Great show! I was always curious about the Jenner brood and why they were never filmed, I guess now I see why. Good luck with your renewed relationship guys and I hope all works out for the best.

2013 LA

MaRrIeD tO mEdIcInE rEvIeW

Have you seen the newest reality show titled "Married to Medicine?"

I was intrigued by the concept of the show, although I crave a reality show with politicians wives -- I felt doctor's wives could be interesting. And interesting it was, in particular, because the show included doctor's wives and wives that are doctors.

Breakdown of characters:

1. Mariah - who introduced all the ladies on the show, is married to an ER doctor and they have two children. Mariah's language, outfits and make-up reflect her personality; colorful, dramatic and sassy. Although Mariah is well off she exudes the "girl next door" attitude, while making it blatantly clear who the "Queen B" is. 

2. Quad (Quadriyyah)  - is Mariah's BFF, Ace Boon Coon or Sister from another mister (this is how tight they are.) Quad is married to a psychiatrist and have no children, although she refers to her two dogs (Chloe and Kary) as her children. Her style of dress is most often professional but because her curves go on for days -- her "professional" look to some can be regarded as sexy. Quad is known to be very reserved and classy until you get on her bad side, that is.

3. Kari - is English, and she makes it her point to remind you. With her English accent being the obvious difference from the other five women, Kari is married to a neurosurgeon with whom she has two children. Kari doesn't fare to well on the show since she's gridlocked in an argument with Mariah and Quad! Kari may not like physical conflict, but she sure knows how to take a dig at people behind their backs. She's actually pretty funny! Especially when she tried mimicking Mariah's signature two-liner "Yeeeees honey' and side-eye look! Have to give her props for trying.

4. Toya - knew Mariah first, and proceeded to get to know the other women quickly. She's married to an ER doctor, with whom she has two children. Toya always seemed like she meant well; making strides to befriend the ladies while working ferociously at her entrepreneurial endeavors. She's a hard ass that knows what she wants but appears to be a bit controlling at times, and as displayed on the show her "behind the back talking" got her caught up in a fight with Mariah and Quad! Toya and Mariah fist fought, well, maybe "pulling hair" fought, and Quad blasted on Toya about her DUI record! Yea, it get's nasty. I will say to Toya, that throwing Mariah's christening gift in the fire was pretty mean, and watching your husband call Mariah the "b" word was very disappointing. I'd hate to be your enemy!

5. Dr. Simone - delivered Mariah's baby, which is how she was brought in to the circle. Dr. Simone is comical, compassionate, tough, blunt and a WHOLE LOT OF FUN! It's like, should you ever meet her she'll say to you, "I am who I am, take me or leave me, now pass the vodka." She doesn't want any conflicts or drama, but doesn't mind partaking in conversation about the other ladies to solve their problems -- of course. Dr. Simone is married with two children and often expresses on camera, how she wishes she had more time for her kids. I would imagine running your own practice is time consuming, but from what I see she's an amazing doctor with an infectious personality. 

6. Dr. Jackie - is friend's with Dr. Simone and their practices are next door to one another, which means lunch dates and lots of interesting conversation. These two are like night and day, yet they work well with each other. Dr. Jackie is a cancer survivor and has publicly admitted that the illness took away her ability to conceive, and it also took away her adoption options. She commits herself to good health by eating healthy and exercising, and often appears to be the "mother" or "mediator" of the group of women. She believes women should act like ladies while portraying wisdom and maturity. Dr. Jackie is married with one step child. She appears to be a great doctor, mother and wife.

And when you combine all these different personalities together what do you get? A rubik's cube of confusion!

Check your On Demand listings for past episodes if it sounds interesting, the network is Bravo!

2013 LA

KaNyE wEsT lAtEsT tRaCk: NeW sLaVeS

Celebrity rapper and Kim Kardashian's baby daddy Kanye West, has once again struck a mental cord with his latest lyrics titled, 'New Slaves'.

The Chicago natives reputation has constantly been scrutinized, vilified and at times reprimanded due to his outlandish rhetoric in songs or simply in public. If you remember during the Hurricane Katrina tragedy when then President George W. Bush, was criticized at his lack of progress to help the hundred's of vulnerable and dying Americans, but instead went back home to his Texas ranch to finish his vacation; this didn't sit well with Mr. West.

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina affected all compassionate Americans including many celebrities, who vocally worked tirelessly, with the red cross to help render aid to those in need. Kanye West was one of those celebrities that pleaded with Americans to help one another during this natural disaster, and in doing so he made the statement that, "President Bush doesn't like black people."

West caught a lot of flack for that statement, and because the President took what he said to heart, Kanye eventually offered up an apology -- somewhat.

And in today's news the explicit lyricist is at it again, bringing the hard knock lives of African Americans back to the forefront of people's minds. It's almost as if West is crying out for America to realize the serious plights, which still linger within black culture.

I for one commend Kanye West, for having the cojones to write such a song and for keeping the race conversation alive because it still really is an issue in the 21st century. Minorities are still being denied employment, job promotions, bank loans, food/housing assistance and even a good education based solely on the color of one's skin. This is real talk. I personally know from experience that race in America, is still an epidemic that needs quarantining.

Keep up the fight Kanye! I'm with you! You'll make an activist out of Kim yet! Why am I seeing Kim Kardashian, in a all black leather 'black panthers' outfit LOL!

2013 LA

FiRsT lAdY mIcHeLlE oBaMa AnD jImMy FaLlOn DaNcE iT oUt!

2013 LA

ThE cAsT oF "RoOtS" fIrE bAcK aT dIrEcToR qUeNtIn TaRaNtInO

Yesterday on "The Wendy Williams Show", part of the cast of the infamous slave film "Roots" came on to share with America, the timeless classic story written by author, Alex Haley. 

The cast also appeared on daytime talk show "The View" with co-host and moderator Whoopi Goldberg, leading the extraordinary first time on prime time TV interview to the masses!

I had NEVER in my life seen the characters of this film appear on prime time TV, and Ms. Goldberg hinted a suggestion that ABC, should air the film in its entirety one day. I concur! But I digress.

On The Wendy Williams Show, the exuberant host shared a public statement made by writer/director Quentin Tarantino, and his thoughts on the film "Roots": 

“When you look at Roots, nothing about it rings true in the storytelling, and none of the performances ring true for me either,” said Tarantino. “I didn’t see it when it first came on, but when I did I couldn’t get over how oversimplified they made everything about that time. It didn’t move me because it claimed to be something it wasn’t.”

Levar Burton, who played the character of young Kunta Kinte in the film, immediately took offense to Tarantino's comment and had this to say:

"Come and explain to me. He makes movies that are adolescent fantasies on steroids."

Leslie Uggams, who played the character Kizzy in the film, also had fierce words for Tarantino:

"We're telling our black story, he ain't black!"

I am a fan of certain Quentin Tarantino films but for the director to make a comment such as this, it makes me feel he doesn't fully understand the black struggle. For him to say "Roots" was oversimplified is astonishing to me, because I actually felt that his film "DJANGO UNCHAINED" was more oversimplified than any slavery movie I've ever seen. Even the slave film "Mandingo" was more reminiscent of slavery time than, "DJANGO".

Tarantino got the usage of the n-word down packed in his film, and the hostility and violence was graphic but true. However, the story itself just doesn't compare to Roots, period. 

DJANGO was more of a drama-comedy and during those horrid times of slavery, there was hardly anything funny about it. But Tarantino found a way to make light of the human holocaust. 

The film was absolutely interesting, but doesn't come close to the "authenticity" that Roots so brilliantly portrayed. 

Sorry Quentin can't have your back with this one.

2013 LA

BeYoNcE's SuPeRbOwL PeRfOrMaNcE sToLE tHe ShOw!

The Superbowl is one of the biggest games of the year, and although Americans eagerly tuned in to watch the San Francisco 49er's go head to head with the Baltimore Ravens, ultimately it was the half-time performance and commercials that stole the show!

Beyoncé's stage set up was fierce displaying a lit up silhouette of her body, along with a lit up outline of her face and flowing fabric resembling her long tresses. The graphics of the show was sick, and kept your attention with every mind blowing move and mirror reflection! Beyoncé owned that stage, and gave us all a bit of diva-ish runway model appeal to go with it!

Destiny Child's members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams (seen above), appeared on stage next to Bey, performing a few of their group songs. 

During Destiny Child's performance, group member Michelle Williams, seemed a bit off cue with her dance moves and appeared to be uncomfortable with the sexy moves that Kelly and Beyoncé had already mastered. I thought it was just me, until I read singer Keisha Cole's comment on twitter stating:

I think I was frightened to blink for a sec. Then Michell sung and woke my ass up from my daze! She always fuckN the groove up/
But hey! I love y'all too! And y'all girl is WACK and always will be!
-Keyshia Cole

Hostile words from the West coast singer, and probably not the words I would have used but relevant nonetheless.

Anyhoo, awesome performance ladies, and Beyoncé good luck on your new world tour titled: The Mrs. Carter Show!

2013 LA