Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
More Americans than ever using food stamps
A lot has changed about food stamps during the past few years. For one, the program is currently called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and it has made buying groceries much easier by providing debit-style cards.
But another aspect has changed even more dramatically: The number of Americans tapping into the social-welfare program is soaring.
Enrollment in SNAP has surged 70% since 2008, reaching a record 47.8 million Americans in December. Even more shocking, that means 15% of the country receives the benefits, nearly double the rate as in 1975, when the U.S. suffered from soaring inflation, a recession and an oil crisis.
stamp benefits last year, more than double what the program shelled out before the Great Recession. Remember, that downturn officially ended in 2009, and by many measures the economy has improved since the financial crisis and housing meltdown.
So why are the food stamp rolls expanding? It can all be explained by a slow job market, more pockets of poverty and a push from states to get residents to apply for SNAP, reports The Wall Street Journal.
The program's expansion goes back to 1996, when President Bill Clinton overhauled the welfare system. That law has allowed states to loosen asset and income tests for SNAP applicants, which means people with savings and relatively higher incomes than in previous years are now qualifying, The Journal notes.
But that doesn't mean the program is courting the well-off or even the middle classes. Generally, a household's income can't be more than 130% of the poverty level, which is about $25,000 for a family of three, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonprofit that looks at issues that affect low- and middle-income families.
An official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture told The Journal he expects the rolls to shrink as the economy continues to improve.
"While the perception may be different, the actual raw numbers, almost 50 million people (under the federal poverty level), is certainly one of the principal reasons why we see the enrollment increases in the SNAP program," Kevin Concannon, undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services at the Department of Agriculture, told the newspaper.
But the food-stamp market has become so large that major companies are targeting recipients. Monster Beverage(MNST -1.00%) has changed its labeling so that it can qualify for food stamp purchases, as MSN moneyNOW reported last week.
Changes might be coming to the program. Congress will revisit SNAP later this year, and Republicans have pushed for new limits on who can receive assistance, The Journal notes.
"Food stamps have actually saved my life, really," Diane Hendricks, 43, told the paper. After losing her job and divorcing, she relies on SNAP to provide $380 a month to feed herself and her two kids. "The benefits helped me get back on my feet. It was one less thing to worry about so I was able to look for work."http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=e9caf453-75ca-4ad6-ae9d-9b991cd6702f
Monday, March 25, 2013
Texas High School Senior Matt Poursoltani Lifts 700 Pounds, Rivals NFL Bench Press Record (Video) Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/03/texas-high-school-senior-matt-poursoltani-lifts-700-pounds-rivals-nfl-bench-press-record-video/
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/03/texas-high-school-senior-matt-poursoltani-lifts-700-pounds-rivals-nfl-bench-press-record-video/
http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/msn/texas_high_school_senior_matt_poursoltani_lifts_700_pounds_rivals_nfl_bench_press_record_video/13226986
Thursday, March 14, 2013
'Storage Wars' buyer Mark Balelo found dead at workplace
The reality personality died of carbon monoxide poisoning, the Ventura County Coroner's Office confirmed to E! News. His death was ruled a suicide.
Balelo was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and was scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on Feb. 19.
The 40-year-old was the owner of Balelo, Inc., a liquidation merchandise business. He came to the media's attention in April 2011 when he returned a rare copy of a 1938 Action Comics comic book he found in a storage locker, more than 10 years after it was stolen from its owner -- actor Nicolas Cagehttp://theclicker.today.com/_news/2013/02/12/16935975-storage-wars-buyer-mark-balelo-found-dead-at-workplace?lite
Monday, March 4, 2013
Mindy McCready Death Has Dr. Drew Defending 'Celebrity Rehab'
Dr. Drew Pinsky defended his show "Celebrity Rehab" on "The View" today, saying that he received messages of support from former participants after the death of Mindy McCready. . She was the fifth person who has appeared on the show to die in the past two years.
Dr. Drew was defending his show in the face of fresh criticism from the public and recovery advocates who say the process "doesn't belong on our TV screens." The grandfather of another one of the show's deceased alums said that when he heard about McCready, he thought to himself, "Dr. Drew lost another one."
"I wish I could be more responsible for them," Dr. Drew said of the show's alums when he called into "The View" today. "I've received yesterday about 10 emails and texts from those that are doing well that are so grateful and wanted to reassure me."
Former madam and show participant Heidi Fleiss emailed Dr. Drew to tell him the show was "the best thing I've ever done for myself," he said.
Dr. Drew said he hadn't been McCready's doctor in years, but wished some of the show's participants would have continued treatment with his team. The VH1 show had five seasons from 2008 to 2011. McCready appeared on the third season of the show.http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/mindy-mccready-death-dr-drew-defending-celebrity-rehab/story?id=18537591
McCready, 37, died Sunday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Arkansas home, police said.
Dr. Drew said he reached out to McCready recently after her boyfriend and father of one of her two children, David Wilson, died in January of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"She was so severely shattered by that experience. All the people around her, her friends began calling me," Dr. Drew told "The View." "She was in trouble...She was really struggling and she knew it."
He said McCready was "mortified" about the "stigma and judgment" from the public and the press and that it took convincing to get her to go a hospital. He said she eventually went, but left "prematurely" because of the fear of stigmatization and "that's when things really unraveled."
Losing custody of her children was "the last straw," Dr. Drew said.
The country singer who soared to the top of the charts with her debut album, "Ten Thousand Angels," struggled with substance abuse, served time in jail and fought a lengthy battle with her mother over custody of her son.
McCready's death has revived much criticism for the TV show from the pubilc on social media and from experts.
"For whatever reason, there's this incredible fascination with people while they're actively using and their lives in addiction and we really think it doesn't belong on our TV screens," Patricia Taylor, executive director of Faces & Voices of Recovery, an advocacy group for people in recovery, told ABCNews.com.
"We don't have shows with people with cancer or diabetes or other health conditions," she said.
Taylor said that people not wanting to get treatment because they are afraid of how others will perceive them is an issue with many people, not just celebrities.
"We are very concerned about the deaths and unfortunately too many people in America are dying from addiction and we really need to make sure to make it possible for people to get the help that they need to recover," she said.
FBI files indicate someone wanted money from Houston to keep quiet about the star's 'private life.'
The FBI, in answer to Freedom of Information Act requests, has released files on Whitney Houston.
Among the 128 pages of documents are several fan letters and FBI paperwork regarding an extortion case that eventually was closed without anyone being prosecuted. But it does appear that Houston paid off the person who was demanding hush money.
In 1992 a letter, marked "extortion" by the FBI, was sent to Houston's New Jersey offices of Nippy Inc., in which a woman demanded that unless Houston paid $100,000, "certain details" of her "private life" would be revealed. A later letter upped the ante to $250,000 and claims to have "intimate details" of Houston's "romantic relationships."
The FBI interviewed Houston, two lawyers and her father, John Houston. The singer tells agents she considered the woman "a friend" and "did discuss personal things" with her.http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/03/04/whitney-houstons-fbi-files-released-extortion/1961901/?kjnd=ojBqxOkf9Y8bdSYPe2zi%2FF%2BNZChrS2wEL1XQkVO4u9Cz7ReEKWk%2BUVR7nOyMWfUd-a316abb6-b17a-4ec6-ac6b-bd75edf79fc2_vUjzv7kJSpLPRXOGJ08CQWrEVc7DCXBI0S3%2FCl3lAOKzdF7hzUDGCuJZ6OsVd%2Fig
Friday, March 1, 2013
Ricky Schroder directs his daughter in new Hallmark TV movie
Three decades ago, Ricky Schroder was a child star on TV's "Silver Spoons." Today, he's back on the small screen... and he's bringing his family with him this time.
Schroder wrote, directed, and stars in "Our Wild Hearts," a family drama set to debut next month on Hallmark Movie Channel. And he already knows his lead actress pretty well: Ricky's 16-year-old daughter, Cambrie Schroder, makes her acting debut as Willow, a headstrong teen who moves from Malibu to a dusty horse ranch in the mountains to live with her father Jack (played by Ricky).
Sunday, October 14, 2012
About NBCAM.org
The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.
Since its inception more than 25 years ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. NBCAM recognizes that, although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. Today, we remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health.
Although October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month , NBCAM is dedicated to raising awareness and educating individuals about breast cancer throughout the year. We encourage you to regularly visit these sites to learn more about breast cancer, breast health, and the latest research developments. Click on any of the websites below for more information.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Kristen Stewart's 'humiliated' boyfriend
Kristen Stewart
As the fallout continues for Kristen Stewart and her “Snow White and the Huntsman” director Rupert Sanders after they confessed to a fling Wednesday, reactions from their scorned lovers are beginning to come in.
Stewart’s longtime boyfriend and “Twilight” co-star Robert Pattinson is said to have moved out of the home he shares with her, and is “heartbroken and humiliated” after her shocking admission, according to People magazine 
. After Us magazine obtained photos of her kissing Sanders, Stewart issued an apology yesterday.
. After Us magazine obtained photos of her kissing Sanders, Stewart issued an apology yesterday.
“I am deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected,” Stewart, who has been dating her “Twilight” co-star Rob Pattinson for several years, said in a statement 
. “This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry.”
. “This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry.”
But sources tell People that this may be the end of Pattinson and Stewart.
"I'm not sure they'll be able to recover from this," the source said.
Pattinson and Stewart were reportedly seen fighting backstage at the Teen Choice Awards Sunday night, just days after Stewart, 22, and Sanders, 41, were snapped in their steamy rendezvous.
“Rob and Kristen were having a long and intense conversation backstage, and he looked miserable, heartbroken and humiliated. She was pleading,” a source told Page Six.
Another source reportedly told the paper that Stewart “begged” a photographer not to publish the pictures that were obtained of her “indiscretion.” She was then was forced to own up to Rob late last week.
“Rob is deeply in love with Kristen and is very jealous when other men hit on her. This will crush him,” the source told the Post.
Meanwhile, Sanders’ wife, model and Stewart’s “Snow White” co-star Liberty Ross reportedly took to social media to share her thoughts in a series of cryptic messages.
She reportedly tweeted “wow” and the Marilyn Monroe quote "sometimes bad things fall apart so better things can fall together." She later deleted her account.
“wow” and the Marilyn Monroe quote "sometimes bad things fall apart so better things can fall together." She later deleted her account.
Just weeks before the scandal broke, she said in an interview with YOU Magazine that she had been through major challenges with her husband.
I romanticized domesticity for a while, and loved having a shopping list of groceries stuck to the fridge for the first time," Ross said. "But moving here and starting a life all over again was a lot harder than I had anticipated. I just didn’t think it would be as isolating and daunting as it turned out to be."
"I would never say out loud that I am raising my children alone, but a lot of the time it has felt like that,” she added. “I went from the glamour of working with Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano to living on an isolated hilltop, with my husband gone most of the time.”
"I would never say out loud that I am raising my children alone, but a lot of the time it has felt like that,” she added. “I went from the glamour of working with Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano to living on an isolated hilltop, with my husband gone most of the time.”
Sanders also issued an apology to People magazine Wednesday, saying:
"I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family," the English director told Us. "My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together."
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/07/26/kristen-stewart-rupert-sanders-scorned-lovers-humiliated-over-cheating-scandal/#ixzz23UNVzDnD
NEWS/Robert Pattinson on The Daily Show: Jon Stewart Offers Breakup Ice Cream
ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP/GettyImages
We can all breath a collective sigh of relief:Robert Pattinson is just as charming and witty as ever.
The stoic actor visited The Daily Showtonight, as good a place as any to both promote a film and not worry about being asked "So, how did you feel when you found out Kristen Stewart had been unfaithful?" questions.
Because Jon Stewart knows not (nor would he care) to go there, right?
Ha, not exactly!
Stewart handled his business-as-usual interview turned major get with comedic flair, offering Pattinson some Ben & Jerry's ice cream and joking that they were "just two gals catching up."
"A breakup can really feel like the end of the world to a young person, doesn't it?" Stewart knowingly asked the Cosmopolis star.
"It is," Pattinson agreed.
The huge "awwwwww" that sounded from the audience indicated the fans all feel for him.
"That's not what I meant!" the actor insisted.
Cosmopolis, which he and Stewart then proceeded to talk about, is in theaters Friday
Sunday, July 29, 2012
NEWS/Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart: Moving Vans Spotted Outside of Their Los Angeles Home
Does this mean Robsten is really over?!
Moving vehicles were spotted at Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's love nest in Los Angeles on Saturday. The home, which E! News confirms is R.Pattz's, has been quiet since the British actor began hiding out last week after K.Stew's cheating scandal with Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders went public.
It's still unclear if Rob or Kristen moved out of the posh pad first—or if just one of the stars flew the coup—but after one moving vehicle was spotted pulling out of the driveway, another one was seen at the house shortly after.
Looks like the estate that once housed one of the most talked about couples in Hollywood could now be vacant—kind of like the hearts of all the Twi-hards who are also dealing with this possible breakup.
Both Twilight stars have remained MIA from their Los Angeles home since the news broke.
A source close to Pattinson told People that the 26-year-old is "heartbroken and angry" and in seclusion, and not currently in contact with Stewart.
Kourtney Kardashian's Photos Of Baby Penelope Are A Hard Sell
Sunday morning, the world's next reality star, Penelope Scotland Disick, was born to parents Kourtney Kardashian and boyfriend Scott Disick with little fanfare, by Kardashian standards. With everyone focused on Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, the interest to secure first images of little Penelope has been at best tepid.
"It's been a long time since paying to secure exclusive images of a celebrity baby guaranteed huge sales," one editor tells me. "Kourtney's second child isn't such a big deal. If it were Kim's baby, it might be different, but with the exception of hardcore fans no one is waiting to see what Penelope looks like."
People purchased the most recent baby exclusive, paying Jessica Simpson a reported $800,000 for the first pictures of her baby daughter, Maxwell, which went on to sell below average on the newsstands. So it's unlikely anyone is going to write big checks to see the latest Kardashian.
"She will be lucky if she gets $20,000 to $30,000 for the pictures," one editor tells me. "The Kardashian craze has been over for some time now. Now a picture of Tom and Katie is worth more.
toy chihuahuas...
check out this link....http://mysa.kaango.com/ad-toy-chihuahuas/20922685
interested in some cute baby chihuahua...Sunday, July 1, 2012
Rodney King remembered as 'symbol of forgiveness'
Rodney King was remembered during a Saturday service at Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills as a "symbol of forgiveness" who bore the scars of his infamous beating with dignity.
The Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy, said at a news conference before the funeral that King never showed bitterness to the officers who beat him."People should not be judged by the mistakes that they make, but by how they rise above them," Sharpton said. "Rodney had risen above his mistakes, he never mocked anyone, not the police, not the justice system, not anyone."Sharpton added that King had become a "symbol of forgiveness."
King was found in the bottom of his swimming pool in the backyard of his Rialto home on June 17. His death at age 47 is being treated as an accidental drowning, though autopsy results have still not been released.Family members held a private service early Saturday, followed by a public memorial and burial.
"I will remember his smile, his unconditional love," said daughter Laura Dene King, 28, to a phalanx of news cameras outside the Hall of Freedom at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills. "He was a great father, a great friend; he loved everyone. People will just have to smile when they think of him."
Donors who had contributed to the funeral and other arrangements included TV producer Anthony Zuiker, who donated $10,000.
"We lost a symbol, but they lost a loved one," said Zuiker, creator of the CSI: series. "Rodney was a healer."
King became famous after his videotaped Lake View Terrace beating by Los Angeles police in 1991 was broadcast worldwide, as were photos of his bloodied and bruised face.
Those images became a national symbol of police brutality.
"That showed what was evident all over the United States, that police brutality was alive and well," observed Lawrence Tolliver, the owner of well-known barber shop in South LA.
When four officers charged with felony assault on King were acquitted by a jury with no black members, the verdict sparked a riot that lasted for six days and brought U.S. military presence to patrol LA streets.
During the unrest, which left more than 50 people dead and caused more than $1 billion in property damage, King famously pleaded for peace by asking, "Can we all get along?"
King's words were embroidered on the lid of his casket, next to a portrait of him.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Best cheap cities to visit
A $5 bill might not go far in big-ticket cities like Paris or Tokyo, but the best meal in Bali costs three bucks, one of the funkiest cool hotels in Berlin has rooms for 80 Euros, and a five-day yoga course in Guilin, China, costs the same as a couple hours of Soul Cycle in New York City. Read on for more about these and other fun, affordable cities.
Eat: The thriving food truck scene is both budget-friendly and creative. The Southern-and-Asian fusion Peached Tortilla truck serves global tacos and delicious sliders like crab cakes with Sriracha mayo, from $3 to $3.50 apiece.http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/best-cheap-cities-to-visit.html
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Should This Little Girl's Big Bow Be Banned? 4-year-old's Hairstyle Sparks School Drama
There are bows and then there are Lady Gaga bows. Four-year-old Marcella Marino chose the latter for a school photo, only to end up in tears, according to her dad.
Photos: Lady Gaga's most outrageous hairstyles
The British primary school student asked her father, professional hairstylist Marcello Marino, to make her look like a princess for her upcoming class photo. The salon owner went more rock princess than Cinderella, and tied his little girl's long blond hair into a tilted bow, a look popularized by Gaga back in 2009.
Marcella loved the look but her school didn't, according to the Daily Mail.
"When she went for the school photo on Monday she was told she wasn't allowed to wear her hair in that style because of the dress code," Marcello told the British paper.
In fact, the primary school his daughter attends has a very strict dress code, which is detailed on its website. With regards to hair, the school requests ribbons or bows are "made of dark colors, maroon/navy blue/black" and states
There are bows and then there are Lady Gaga bows. Four-year-old Marcella Marino chose the latter for a school photo, only to end up in tears, according to her dad.
Photos: Lady Gaga's most outrageous hairstyles
The British primary school student asked her father, professional hairstylist Marcello Marino, to make her look like a princess for her upcoming class photo. The salon owner went more rock princess than Cinderella, and tied his little girl's long blond hair into a tilted bow, a look popularized by Gaga back in 2009.
Marcella loved the look but her school didn't, according to the Daily Mail.
"When she went for the school photo on Monday she was told she wasn't allowed to wear her hair in that style because of the dress code," Marcello told the British paper.
In fact, the primary school his daughter attends has a very strict dress code, which is detailed on its website. With regards to hair, the school requests ribbons or bows are "made of dark colors, maroon/navy blue/black" and statesThere are bows and then there are Lady Gaga bows. Four-year-old Marcella Marino chose the latter for a school photo, only to end up in tears, according to her dad.
Photos: Lady Gaga's most outrageous hairstyles
The British primary school student asked her father, professional hairstylist Marcello Marino, to make her look like a princess for her upcoming class photo. The salon owner went more rock princess than Cinderella, and tied his little girl's long blond hair into a tilted bow, a look popularized by Gaga back in 2009.
Marcella loved the look but her school didn't, according to the Daily Mail.
"When she went for the school photo on Monday she was told she wasn't allowed to wear her hair in that style because of the dress code," Marcello told the British paper.
In fact, the primary school his daughter attends has a very strict dress code, which is detailed on its website. With regards to hair, the school requests ribbons or bows are "made of dark colors, maroon/navy blue/black" and states
http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/little-girls-big-bow-banned-4-old-hairstyle-220000255.htmlTuesday, May 22, 2012
vote JESSICA SANCHEZ AMERICAN IDOL
MANILA, Philippines - Jessica Sanchez's skillful singing, the kind that's deemed way beyond her tender years, has apparently been harnessed early on thanks to her Filipino grandmother.
The ''American Idol'' Season 11 Top 2 finalist, born to a Filipina mother from Samal, Bataan, and a Mexican-American U.S. navy father, was just two years old when her family first saw her potential as a performer. According to Jessica's relatives, it was her ''lola'' Virgie Bugay who used to accompany her to singing contests.
''Bitbit ng lola 'yung apo. Since bata palang, laging sinasabi sa'min ng lolo't lola niya, bata palang pangarap niya na 'yon,'' Jessica's aunt, Catherine Bugay, told ''The Buzz'' on May 20 of the 16-year-old ''Idol'' contestant's aspirations of becoming a singer.
The Chula Vista, California-born Jessica also took voice lessons, her aunt Catherine added.
''Laging ine-enroll. Kumbaga ang mamahal nga raw ng enroll doon,'' she related.
As Jessica's passion for singing grew, she had to be home schooled. She gained prominence in her hometown at age 10, appearing on various TV stations in San Diego. She went on to take a shot at singing for a bigger audience in 2006, when she joined ''America's Got Talent.'' Jessica, however, didn't make it past the semi-final round. Nevertheless, another exciting opportunity opened for her through ''American Idol,'' where she is just a step closer in bagging the title.
Her relatives believe that Jessica will win over 21-year-old Phillip Phillips in the finale, which will be held this week in Los Angeles. Their belief in Jessica isn't surprising, especially with one of them saying in a GMA News interview that they are a family of musicians.
Aside from her kin, other half-Filipino singers recently extended their support for Jessica, such as Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Disney singer-actress and granddaughter of music veteran Sylvia La Torre.
In the same ''Buzz'' report, the ''Godspell'' star said, ''I'm very proud of Jessica Sanchez. I look at her and I think the Filipino Whitney Houston. Her voice is so powerful.''
Meanwhile, Jasmine Trias, the first ''Idol'' contestant with Filipino blood to reach the Top 3 (back in Season 3), tweeted on May 19:
''Congratulations @JSanchezAI11 on reaching the @AmericanIdolFinale! Crossing my fingers & toes for you to go all the way!#PinoyPride #Idol.''
Jessica is apparently in utter disbelief over making it to the finale, tweeting last May 18, ''You guys..I have never in my life thought I'd be in this position..Thank you so much! <3''
She and Phillip will sing three songs each during the Top 2 showdown episode (which will be aired on May 22 in the US), namely their favorite song during the competition, ''AI'' producer Simon Fuller's choice, and this season's song penned for the winner.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys dead at 47
Adam Yauch, who helped make hip-hop a worldwide cultural force as one-third of the influential crossover group the Beastie Boys, has died after battling cancer. He was 47.
The band's publicist said in a statement that Yauch died in his native New York on Friday morning. Yauch, also a film director who co-founded the distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories and an organizer of several charitable concerts, including the Tibetan Freedom Concerts, was first diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his left salivary gland in 2009.
His death was reported by GlobalGrind, a media company partly funded by Russell Simmons. Simmons and Rick Rubin led Def Jam Records as it rose to prominence in the 1980s thanks to acts including the Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.
With bandmates Mike D (Michael Diamond) and Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz), Yauch started the Beastie Boys in the late 1970s as a hardcore punk outfit. But they evolved into a sneering, comedic rap group that, under the guidance of producer Rubin, broke through by mixing hip-hop beats and classic guitar riffs -- the same formula often employed by Run-DMC.
Photos: Beastie Boys | Video: History of the Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys' lighthearted approach -- and whiteness in a genre dominated by African-Americans -- helped them achieve mainstream success at a time that hip-hop was often dismissed as urban braggadocio set to music, despite the artistry behind it. MTV's heavy rotation of the Beastie Boys' "Fight for Your Right to Party," and Run-DMC's "Walk This Way" helped expose millions of young people to hip-hop for the first time, paving the way for every massive act that has come since, from Public Enemy to Kanye West to Eminem.
But the Beastie Boys became one of the longest-lasting acts the genre has produced by evolving constantly. While their breakthrough record, "License to Ill," was full of fratty party jams, their follow-up, "Paul's Boutique," was one of the first albums to recognize the vast potential of aggressive, whimsical, multilayered sampling. It made so many lists of "underrated" hip-hop albums in the '90s that it quickly shed that status. For the follow-up, "Check Your Head," Yauch and his bandmates played their own instruments, deftly combining hip-hop, grunge, jazz and psychedelic influences.
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=725977
Monday, April 23, 2012
Dick Clark Dead at 82
Paul Shefrin, a rep for the entertainment legend, told ABC News his client suffered a "massive heart attack."
The Mount Vernon, N.Y., native, who was born Richard Wagstaff Clark, became a breakout star after being tapped to host “American Bandstand,” an afternoon dance show for teenagers, which debuted nationally in 1957. Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin and the Jackson 5 were just some of the big acts featured on the hit show, though he reportedly regretted not booking The Beatles. He went on to form his own production company and put out many popular shows, from the hidden camera series "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" to game show "$25,000 Pyramid." He also produced many TV award shows, including the Golden Globes.
[Related: Dick Clark’s ‘Rockin’ New Year’s Eve’just turned 40]
In 1972, he hosted "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" for the first time, helping Americans countdown to midnight as the ball dropped in New York's Times Square. He continued to helm the special until 2004 when he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. After Regis Philbin stood in for him the first year, Clark passed the baton to "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and, after recovering, made an annual appearance to address the audience.
[Related: Dick Clark's Rocking Malibu Retreat for Sale]
Clark's first time back in 2006, he had the same boyish spirit people had grown to know. Although he clearly struggled with his speech, sounding hoarse and sometimes indecipherable, he candidly addressed the audience, saying: "Last year I had a stroke. It left me in bad shape. I had to teach myself how to walk and talk again. It's been a long, hard fight. My speech is not perfect but I'm getting there." Noting, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
Following the news of Clark's death, Seacrest offered condolences. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark, he tweeted. "He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Other celebrities expressed their sadness over the passing of Clark as well. Jenny McCarthy, who appeared on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," tweeted:“RIP dick Clark. You were amazing to work with. U will be missed. Xxxoo.” Joan Rivers chimed in, writing: “Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed!” Even Snoop Dogg remembered the TV man, posting: “REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir.”
Clark is survived by his three children and his third wife, Keri Wigton, to whom he has been married since 1977.
Call it GLAAD's Year of Chaz.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation on Saturday handed out two
additional prizes to Chaz Bono as part of the watchdog group's
23rd annual Media Awards.
Bono, whose transition from female to male was chronicled in Becoming Chaz, was joined on stage at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles by directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato to pick up the prize for outstanding documentary for the OWN release.
In addition, Bono was also honored with GLAAD's Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is presented annually to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. Cher presented her son with the award and was joined on stage by Rep. Mary Bono Mack.
STORY: Lady Gaga, 'Dancing With the Stars,' Among GLAAD Award Winners
Bono's two awards come a month after the organization recognized ABC's Dancing With the Stars as outstanding reality program after a season in which Bono became the reality competition series' first transgender contestant.
In other categories, ABC's Modern Family took home the GLAAD Award for outstanding comedy series, with star Jesse Tyler Ferguson accepting the honors. The Steve Levitan/Christopher Lloyd comedy shared the honor in the category last year with Fox's Glee.
Drop Dead Diva's Josh Berman and Brooke Elliott and Hot in Cleveland's Betty White, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick accepted honors for their respective series for outstanding individual episode, for "Prom" and "Beards," respectively.
Focus Features' romantic dramedy Beginners, starring Christopher Plummer, Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent, was honored as outstanding film, wide release. Plummer took home a supporting actor Academy Award for the role.
The Hunger Gamesstar Josh Hutcherson received GLAAD's Vanguard Award, which is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community.
PHOTOS: GLAAD Media Awards Red Carpet Arrivals
The actor, 19, is a founder of the LGBT ally organization Straight But Not Narrow and has remained outspoken about equality. Hutcherson co-starred as the son of a lesbian couple in the 2010 pic The Kids Are All Right, which took home the GLAAD Award for outstanding feature, wide release. Benicio del Toro presented the award.
Bono and Hutcherson were joined by Smash executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, who picked up the Vito Russo Award earlier this year.
During the ceremony, Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, along with her partner Alicia Burns and their four children, appeared on stage to gather signatures from attending celebrities to petition the Boy Scouts to end the exclusion of gay scouts and parents. Tyrrell was ousted as her son's den leader earlier this month because of her sexual orientation. Thousands have already signed Tyrrell's petition.
Additional honorees and awards -- including drama series -- will be June 2 in San Francisco. Glee's Dianna Agron will host.
The GLAAD Media Awards fund the organization's efforts to bring stories of LGBT people and issues to Americans. Each year, the events raise nearly $3.5 million for the group.
For a complete list of winners, go to glaad.org/mediaawards.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit
Bono, whose transition from female to male was chronicled in Becoming Chaz, was joined on stage at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles by directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato to pick up the prize for outstanding documentary for the OWN release.
In addition, Bono was also honored with GLAAD's Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is presented annually to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. Cher presented her son with the award and was joined on stage by Rep. Mary Bono Mack.
STORY: Lady Gaga, 'Dancing With the Stars,' Among GLAAD Award Winners
Bono's two awards come a month after the organization recognized ABC's Dancing With the Stars as outstanding reality program after a season in which Bono became the reality competition series' first transgender contestant.
In other categories, ABC's Modern Family took home the GLAAD Award for outstanding comedy series, with star Jesse Tyler Ferguson accepting the honors. The Steve Levitan/Christopher Lloyd comedy shared the honor in the category last year with Fox's Glee.
Drop Dead Diva's Josh Berman and Brooke Elliott and Hot in Cleveland's Betty White, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick accepted honors for their respective series for outstanding individual episode, for "Prom" and "Beards," respectively.
Focus Features' romantic dramedy Beginners, starring Christopher Plummer, Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent, was honored as outstanding film, wide release. Plummer took home a supporting actor Academy Award for the role.
The Hunger Gamesstar Josh Hutcherson received GLAAD's Vanguard Award, which is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community.
PHOTOS: GLAAD Media Awards Red Carpet Arrivals
The actor, 19, is a founder of the LGBT ally organization Straight But Not Narrow and has remained outspoken about equality. Hutcherson co-starred as the son of a lesbian couple in the 2010 pic The Kids Are All Right, which took home the GLAAD Award for outstanding feature, wide release. Benicio del Toro presented the award.
Bono and Hutcherson were joined by Smash executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, who picked up the Vito Russo Award earlier this year.
During the ceremony, Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, along with her partner Alicia Burns and their four children, appeared on stage to gather signatures from attending celebrities to petition the Boy Scouts to end the exclusion of gay scouts and parents. Tyrrell was ousted as her son's den leader earlier this month because of her sexual orientation. Thousands have already signed Tyrrell's petition.
Additional honorees and awards -- including drama series -- will be June 2 in San Francisco. Glee's Dianna Agron will host.
The GLAAD Media Awards fund the organization's efforts to bring stories of LGBT people and issues to Americans. Each year, the events raise nearly $3.5 million for the group.
For a complete list of winners, go to glaad.org/mediaawards.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit
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