Last night during a fundraiser at the Apollo Theater in New York City, President Barack Obama pulled out all the stops including belting out Rev. Al Green’s "Let’s Stay Together." Watch the video inside and see photos from President Obama’s visit to the home of director Spike Lee and wife Tonya Lee Lewis….
On the road to re-election, President Obama isn’t holding anything back when it comes to getting folks to donate to his campaign. And last night at the Apollo, President Obama did as anyone would do at the historical theater, and showed off a voice we never knew he had.
During his speech, he made a gesture towards Rev. Al Green (who was in the audience) and sang a note or two of "Let’s Stay Together."
No Sandman.
FUN FACT: President Obama is the first sitting president to attend the Apollo!
Watch the video here:
Earlier in the evening, President Obama was guest of honor at an intimate affair with director Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lee Lewis and 45 guests (including Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon) at their Upper East Side brownstone. A ticket for the event was ,800! Spike tweeted two pics from the evening….
Mrs. Michelle Obama made her way to "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" last night. And rocking a pastel green pencil skirt and golden blouse, she looked every bit the fabulous First Lady.
Video clips of her talking about Mr. President always finding time to sing to her, and Malia & Sasha djusting to Presidential life…
She may not have watched any of the GOP debates or paid any attention tot he primary polls, but First Lady Michelle has her focus on her man, her kids, and the 2012 re-election campaign.
Mrs. O. mentioned that for her recent birthday, the girls and First Granny baked her fave red velvet cake at the White House–even though it’s unusual for a First Fam to bake themselves there.
And as for her Presidential hubby who just turned 50, she said he’s aging, but still gorgeous. Awww.
About President O. breaking out in song recently at an event at the Apollo and now making Al Green‘s "Let’s Stay Together" even more popular, Mrs. O says she didn’t expect him to do it — but he surely sings all the classics to her all the time. Must be nice….
The First Daughters are adjusting nicely to White House life–and Malia even got her first cell phone. As for what she told Sasha about why big sis could have one and not her, the answer was simply No.
Here’s some video clips:
First Lady on Presidential Campaign
First Lady on Singing
Loves her. By the way, to keep her body looking fab, she works out every day with President Obama and runs 3 miles a day, kickboxes, etc. Her book American Grown is coming out in a few months.
Earlier today, it was announced that Rep. Lamar Smith has withdrawn SOPA, the highly controversial anti-piracy legislation attempting to be passed in Congress. Read his statement inside and find out how Swizz Beatz and other celebs play a role in all of this….
It’s been a messy week online for a few a few internet companies and a few top notch celebs. A while back, Universal Music Group got pissy after a few of its artists (Diddy, Kanye West, Will.i.am, Chris Brown, The Game, Alicia Keys) appeared in an online video for "Megaupload" (a file sharing company for which Swizz Beatx is the acting-CEO).
So what’s the problem? Don’t celebs lend their names to upstart companies all the time? Well….yes. But this is a file-sharing company and the music industry (not always the celebs themselves) gets pissy about those because "sometimes" folks use them to trade music and movies (for free). Which is also labeled as "piracy." So the hugely popular file sharing site was totally shut down by the Feds yesterday and also sued for “racketeering conspiracy, conspiring to commit copyright infringement, conspiring to commit money laundering and two substantive counts of criminal copyright infringement.”
Swizz Beatz was surprisingly revealed to be the ACTING CEO (not the owner), but was not named in the suit–only the German, Hong Kong, and other owners/investors were named.
Watch the video here:
Also, check out the Dept. of Justice statement about Megaupload which names all the people arrested and charged with piracy over at DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD Here.
Simultaneusly, there was also a bill put forth in both the House (SOPA) and the Senate (PIPA) which targets cracking down on online piracy (which folks claim Megaupload would be used for). The bill was looked at as a slippery slope into censoring ALL internet and social media, as it would vaguely control (meaning SHUT DOWN) any website that has any dealings (whether directly or indirectly) with any unapproved property uploaded/linked to on the site. Even if commenters/users were the people uploading. And even if the artist approved. The debate crossed political, musical and social media platforms.
And Hollywood was not silent about its views on SOPA. Several celebs tweeted their opinions:
Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk) said,
“Please don’t ignore what’s happening here. IMPORTANT MOMENT IN HISTORY! #StopSOPA http://t.co/fgPx2zQH”
Omar Epps (@omarepps) said,
“Dear Wikipedia, Until you legitimize your sources and hold yourself accountable for falsities and misinformation, you really won’t be missed at all. Sincerely, Me”
MC Hammer also tweeted his opposition to SOPA, in one instance, a fan asked him
@MCHammer Wouldn’t it be nice if the tech & content industries could work together from scratch to find a solution? #stopSOPA.”
MC Hammer responded, “yes.”
And the White House shot down SOPA as well saying,
" While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet.”
After a big messy week with blacked out sites, pissy celebs, Hollywood big wigs still attacking the President despite his stance, the bill ended up dying.
Rep. Lamar Smith, who was the chief sponsor of SOPA, announced earlier today that he’s pulling the bill “until there is wider agreement on a solution.” He added, “I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy. It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products.”
“We need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products. “The problem of online piracy is too big to ignore. American intellectual property industries provide 19 million high-paying jobs and account for more than 60% of U.S. exports. The theft of America’s intellectual property costs the U.S. economy more than 0 billion annually and results in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Congress cannot stand by and do nothing while American innovators and job creators are under attack.”
“The online theft of American intellectual property is no different than the theft of products from a store. It is illegal and the law should be enforced both in the store and online.
“The Committee will continue work with copyright owners, Internet companies, financial institutions to develop proposals that combat online piracy and protect America’s intellectual property. We welcome input from all organizations and individuals who have an honest difference of opinion about how best to address this widespread problem. The Committee remains committed to finding a solution to the problem of online piracy that protects American intellectual property and innovation.”
Over in Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) also stopped their bill saying,
“In light of recent events, I have decided to postpone Tuesday’s vote on the PROTECT IP Act.”
The internet is a little bit safer from Big Brother…for now. But folks are still watching and the block is hot…
Dr. Martin King wasn’t just the iconic personification of what the world should be…he was a husband, father, and seemingly great friend. We adore these rare and vintage pics and video of a happy, loving and smiling Dr. King with his wife, Coretta, and good friend and fellow civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte….
We came across the above 1956 photo…coincidentally just the day before we observe Dr. King’s Born Day…and it captured our hearts. So often the masses focus on solely the iconic social and political influences he brought to the world. But it’s also important to see the human side of someone so great. Because it makes their greatness seem that much more attainable for our own selves. And inspires us to do our part in carrying on the legacy.
Check out this rare video of Martin Luther King, Jr. on a talk show cracking a joke–not the way he’s usually perceived in tv/media at that time–and breaking his always serious image while talking about his turbulent flight from Washington, DC the day before:
Even though the video says it was done on the Michael Douglass show, some say this is actually from The Johnny Carson show in 1968 while it was being guest hosted by Harry Belafonte.
The First Fam put on their Holiday threads for tonight’s National Christmas tree lighting festivities. We’ve got the pics of the President Obama & First Lady Michelle & First Granny and our fave up-and-coming YBF chicks Sasha & Malia inside…
The Obamas looked their Presidential selves at tonight’s annual National Christmas Tree Lighting.
Marsha Ambrosius, The Black Eyed Peas, Kermit the Frog, and more helped the President light the 26 foot tree. And Christmas carols and a biblical message from POTUS were all part of the occasion.
Loving Sasha’s coat!
I see somebody’s still daddy’s little girl. *swoon*
Mrs. O. donned a fab coat and scarf as well:
Sweet!
And yesterday, FLOTUS welcomed military families to the White House to be the first viewers of the Holiday decor:
Yep…a gingerbread version of the White House…plus Bo.
The real Bo was hanging out at the back of the White House.
Nice!
The Randomness:
1. The uber fine Darren Sharper is set to retire from the NFL. Damn. Story
Celebs (and even our President) are getting in their last minute Christmas shopping. Kevin Hart was spotted out with his girlfriend in Beverly Hills getting in some Chanel gifts. And President Obama copped Sasha, Malia, and Bo a few gifts too.
Pics inside…
Kevin Hart and his fab girlfriend made their rounds in Beverly Hills yesterday. The comedian and actor–who has had an amazing year in 2011–was spotted carrying every girl’s fave black & white bag. The couple hit up Chanel and a few other stores and looked happy to see the paps.
By the way, Kevin is starring in a new movie called "Exit Strategy." It also stars Big Boy from Power 106 & Q Deezy of Philly’s Hot 107.9.
Check it.
And over in Alexandria, VA yesterday–just minutes from the White House–President Obama took a little break from saving the world to cop a few Christmas presents for Sasha, Malia, and First Dog Bo.
He was spotted at PetSmart where Bo played with a few other doggies. And got some treats and toys from dad. The Prez even cracked a few jokes.
"While at the store, People.com reports, Bo encountered a small brown standard poodle named Cinnamon, prompting the President to say, ‘Okay, Bo, don’t get too personal here’."
The Commander-In-Chief then went next door to Best Buy to cop the Just Dance 3 game that is on Sasha and Malia’s Christmas lists.
"The girls beat me every time on these dance games," Obama confessed. "You’ll never get a picture of me [playing] because I get graded ‘F’ every time."
Sweet!
And then he was spotted grabbing some food at the nearby Del Ray Pizzeria:
During a recently stop for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign, one of the Marines boldly asked FLOTUS Michelle Obama to be his date to the Marine Corps Ball! First out what Mrs. Obama’s response inside………..
While passing out hundreds of Christmas gifts for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign, Michelle Obama scooped up an admirer AND a possible date to the Marine Corps Ball.
While the First Lady was leaning over a toy bin, Lance Cpl. Aaron Leeks, 20, asked Mrs. Obama to accompany to the Marine Corps Ball because he admires her work to support the military. SIDEBAR: He’s a cutie right!
So what was Mrs. Obama’s response? Aaron said,
"She said she’d love to go. Actually, she said I’d need to speak to her husband, too, but she said she’d love to."
Aaron revealed that he will be deployed to Afghanistan in January but plans to attend the ball when he returns next year.
Hmmm…..what do you think President Obama will say?
See more pics here:
Extras:
1. Grammy-winning singer Cesaria Evora dies at 70. Story.
Earlier today, President Obama issued a statement revealing that the last American convoy has exited Iraq, effectively ending the Iraq war. Get the deets inside…..
On Thursday, U.S. soldiers were photographed rolling up the flag of American forces in Iraq and slipping it into a camouflage-colored sleeve, symbolically ending the Iraq war.
And in a statement on his website today, President Obama said,
Early this morning, the last of our troops left Iraq. As we honor and reflect on the sacrifices that millions of men and women made for this war, I wanted to make sure you heard the news. Bringing this war to a responsible end was a cause that sparked many Americans to get involved in the political process for the first time. Today’s outcome is a reminder that we all have a stake in our country’s future, and a say in the direction we choose.
Thank you.
Barack
Although nearly 170,000 American soldiers were on the 500 bases across the country, only around 150 U.S. soldiers will remain after Dec. 31 at the U.S. Embassy near the Tigris River.
Our thanks go out to all of our soldiers for their hardwork and dedication.
In a not-so-shocking turn of events, Republican Presidential candidate, who has grabbed the lead a few times in the polls, Herman Cain has suspended his Presidential campaign. Check out what he had to say today inside…
As the Cainwreck rolled into Atlanta today, Presidential semi-hopeful donned his sunglasses as he spoke to his supporters. And his wife was on stage to support him.
As new allegations of a possible 13-year affair with a woman named Ginger White have emerged, Hermain Cain’s campaign has taken hit after hit. So he has decided to suspend his 2012 campaign for the White House with lack of funding, sagging poll ratings, lack of foreign policy knowledge, and bad staffing cited among his major issues.
No clue what "suspending" your campaign means. Maybe he thinks everyone will forget about all his allegations until he decides to come back. Or if he is planning to come back at all. Who knows…
The Obamas got cutesy and giggly on the sidelines of the NCAA Oregon State Beavers and Towson Tigers game yesterday. The First Couple spent Small Business Saturday shoppng with Sasha and Malia, then sitting courtside to cheer on Mrs. O’s head coach brother.
Pics inside…
The President and First Lady hopped on Helicopter 1 to head to Maryland to watch their brother Craig Robinson, Oregon State’s head coach, beat out Towson yesterday afternoon. First Daughters Sasha and Malia were there a few rows behind mom and dad to cheer on their uncle as well.
First Lady Michelle looked cute in her orange heart sweatshirt and hair bun, and clearly her hubby thought so too.
The Obamas kicked it with actor Bill Murray.
And waved to the crowd.
Gota have some eats.
When members of the Towson University team spotted the First fam, they swamped them at halftime.
Loves them.
Earlier in the day, The Prez stopped by a small book store in D.C., Kramerbooks, to celebrate Small Business Saturday with his daughters:
He picked up a hardback copy of Descent into Chaos: The U.S. and the Disaster in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. The book, by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Rashid, critiques America’s foreign policy and ‘failed war on terror’ following the September 11 attacks.
And the girls kept it light with the picture book Everyone Poops and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever.
