SWAGGERJACK: AMBER ROSE (KANYE'S NEW BOO)

This blog entry is titled "Swaggerjack" because I wanted to acknowledge the amazing swag of Amber Rose. Her style is ridiculous! I love it. Take a look at Exhibits A-D! Get 'em girl!

It's a Wrap for Monique's Radio Show

Her show airs here in Charlotte, but I just can't get into it. She's just not that funny to me. I feel the same way about Steve Harvey. But that's just me. Anyway, I'm sure Monique will land on her feet. I just pray she doesn't try to bring The Parkers back to life. The story is below.
-------------------------------------------------
No Mo' Radio: Mo'Nique's Syndicated Afternoon Show Canceled

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

Just days before she's slated to be honored for her work in radio during the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) 25th Annual Communications Awards Dinner in Washington, DC, its been announced that comedienne Mo'Nique's nationally syndicated radio show has been canceled.

The former star of 'The Parkers' will deliver her final broadcast on March 18.
FULL STORY

Cute Couple Alert: Kanye West & Amber Rose

I've been following Kanye and Amber for a while. I'm still not sure if their coupledom is a PR stunt or not, but they are looking pretty darn cute these days. They attended the Metropolitan Opera 125th anniversary gala at Lincoln Center, in New York, on Sunday, March 15.

DC's HIV Rate Skyrockets

Not good news for the nation's capitol. The HIV rate in Washingotn DC is increasing. Yikes! The story from the Washington Post is below.
--------------------------------------------

By Jose Antonio Vargas and Darryl Fears
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, March 15, 2009; A01



At least 3 percent of District residents have HIV or AIDS, a total that far surpasses the 1 percent threshold that constitutes a "generalized and severe" epidemic, according to a report scheduled to be released by health officials tomorrow.

That translates into 2,984 residents per every 100,000 over the age of 12 -- or 15,120 -- according to the 2008 epidemiology report by the District's HIV/AIDS office.

"Our rates are higher than West Africa," said Shannon L. Hader, director of the District's HIV/AIDS Administration, who once led the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's work in Zimbabwe. "They're on par with Uganda and some parts of Kenya."

"We have every mode of transmission" -- men having sex with men, heterosexual and injected drug use -- "going up, all on the rise, and we have to deal with them," Hader said.

FULL STORY

America's Next Top Model Audition Turns Into Riot?

Apparently, some wanna be models thought an overheated car was a bomb and that caused all kinds of chaos at an ANTM audition in Manhattan. Here's the story from the New York Daily News

Direct General Hires Cramer-Krasselt as Agency of Record

Just found this on PR Week's website.

NASHVILLE, TN: Auto insurance provider Direct General has selected Cramer-Krasselt as its AOR. The firm will work on brand planning and positioning, PR, and advertising for the company in an account worth about $20 million in annual billings.


Craig Hamway, EVP of marketing and business development at Direct General, said it had not previously focused on PR.

FULL STORY

Charlotte: Boom or Bust?

So PBS Producers from the show Frontline are working on a show about the city I now call home: Charlotte, NC.
---------------------------------------



By MICHELLE BOUDIN / NewsChannel 36

March 14th, 2009Charlotte: Boom or Bust? More News video View larger E-mail clip

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte used to be called a boom town, with more people flocking here for jobs and real estate.

But has that boom turned into a bust?

A PBS Frontline crew is trying to figure that out, researching an hour long show. For so long now the queen city has been king.

"Charlotte is a city that people want to be in," said Moira Quinn. Or used to want to be in, if you believe the PBS crew.

"Our future as a boomtown is over."

That's reportedly the gist of the show the producers are working on.

FULL STORY

Rapping Flight Attendant

I just saw this video on CNN, and thought I'd share it with the blogosphere. I fly all the time and never get flight attendants like this guy! I guess I need to stop flying AirTran and start flying Southwest! LOL

Diddy Sent this out on Twitter

Looks like a new campaign from Mac called "Think Different." I'm sure Diddy's got some cross promotional deal with them that he's using his Twitter page for. LOL Anyway, check out the video here.

New Dream Car: All New BMW Z4 is HOT!

It's not practical for my lifestyle, but a girl's gotta dream....

Speaking of Throwback Videos: Enjoy this Clip from Coming to America

"Sexual Chocolate!"

THROWBACK VIDEO OF THE WEEK

I don't know what made me think about this video, but do you guys remember when Michelle from Destiny's Child fell while performing on 106&Park? It was a classic BET moment and I suddenly felt compelled to post it today. Kudos to Michelle for getting up, dusting herself off and finishing the performance with no shoes on. I still love how Beyonce & Kelly look down at her like she's roadkill. LMAO!

Lil Kim Owes $979,090 in Back Taxes

I have always loved this mugshot of Kim. She was so much cuter back then. *sigh* But i digress.
Poor Kim. I'm still hoping she can revive her career by winning Dancing with the Stars, releasing a huge comeback album, going on an international tour and making billions of dollars. Anyway, according to the Detroit News, Kim owes almost one million dollars in back taxes. The story is below.
-------------------

Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 8:36 AM

Tax man trips up dancing diva Lil' Kim
Rapper Lil' Kim, a contestant on this season's "Dancing With the Stars," owes $979,090 in delinquent state and federal taxes, records show.

Pop culture fans might remember Kim has a special connection to Motown royalty. Supremes singer Diana Ross and Kim, who was wearing a skin-baring outfit, were co-presenters at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. At one point, Ross leaned over and playfully fondled the rap diva's exposed breast.

The 34-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kimberly Jones, has had trouble paying on time before. Last year, the repo man seized her Bentley after she missed four payments.

What's owed:

The state of New York filed a $12,599 tax warrant on April 26, 2008, in the New York County Clerk's office. The IRS filed a $50,464 lien on Sept. 5, 2007, in the Bergen (N.J.) County Clerk's office. The IRS filed a $67,509 lien on May 14, 2007, in Bergen County. The state of California filed a $4,089 lien on Sept. 16, 2005, in Sacramento County Court. The IRS filed a $232,348 lien on Aug. 16, 2005, in New Jersey. The state of New Jersey filed a $51,471 lien on Aug. 11, 2005, in New Jersey State Superior Court. The state of New Jersey filed a $77,939 lien on Dec. 9, 2004, in New Jersey Superior Court. The IRS filed a $482

SOURCE

The Best Mardi Gras Costume EVER!!!

Happy Friday!!! *Thanks Kenya*

Bristol Palin Breaks Up with Her Baby's Daddy

I'm certain not even Republicans are surprised by this news! LOL

---------------------------------------------
Alaska Gov. Palin's daughter, fiance break up

By RACHEL D'ORO
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2009

WASILLA, Alaska Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Gov. Sarah Palin, have broken off their engagement, he said Wednesday, about 2 1/2 months after the couple had a baby.

Johnston, 19, told The Associated Press that he and 18-year-old Bristol Palin mutually decided "a while ago" to end their relationship. He declined to elaborate as he stood outside his family's home in Wasilla, about 40 miles north of Anchorage.

He also said some details of the breakup, rumors of which had been swirling on the Internet, were inaccurate.

Bristol Palin said in a statement that she was devastated about a report on Star magazine's Web site that quoted Levi's sister, Mercede, as saying Bristol "makes it nearly impossible" to visit the teenagers' infant son, Tripp. The baby was born Dec. 27.
READ FULL STORY

Speaking of Diddy, Check out his New Twitter Page

Diddy has taken over Twitterville. LOL Check him out here: http://twitter.com/iamdiddy

Diddy Does Ellen: Talks about Chris and Rihanna

Diddy recently did a little shucking and jiving on the Ellen Show. I loved his response about the Chris and Rihanna situation. Diddy is a PR pro, he can spin anything. Gotta love him for that. Don't take my word for it, check out the video for yourself. Spotted at TheYBF.com

Cocktail from For the Luv of Ray J was on Bad Girls Club Season 1

I missed Monday's episode of I love Ray J thanks to a missed connection at the Atlanta airport, but it sounds like Cocktail has been exposed. Is anyone surprised? These shows always have one girl that's been on like 17 reality shows before! LOL Think Pumpkin from Flavor of Love. Here's what I found online:

Biography
Joanna appears as a member of the cast in the Oxygen network reality television series The Bad Girls Club. She is 25 years old and a native of Sacramento, California, and grew up in a family of Hispanic descent. Though she makes a living as a go-go dancer, her parents remain supposedly unaware of the job she’s chosen. She has also had breast enhancement surgery, receiving implants in order to further enhance her slim physique.

She says that she cheats on her boyfriend, and seeks out sugar daddies to pay her way and get her everything she wants. She refers to herself as a “gold digger,” and says that her mom taught her this attitude, that she should seek out and exploit men who would be willing to provide for her every wish.

Chris & Rihanna Record New Love Song

According to TMZ, Producer Polow Da Don convinced the two love birds to record a new song together asap. And they've already been in the studio together. The saga continues...Read the full story HERE

Beyonce the Full-Figured Barbie?

I found this over at one of my favorite blogs If you don't think this photo is funny, something is seriously wrong with you. LOL

Black Journalists to Host Conference for Public Relations Professionals

I'm thinking about attending this since I'm a member! They've got a great line up!


Conference Commits to Assess the Direction of the Public Relations Sector and Trends in the Industry for PR Practitioners of Color

For More Informaiton visit www.nabj.com


WASHINGTON, March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) will present its Conference for Media Related Professionals on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Associated Press Headquarters in New York City.


The day-long conference organized by NABJ's Associate Members delegation begins with an insightful dialogue with Terrie Williams, a critically acclaimed public relations guru and author who will deliver the keynote address. Other attendees include: Wynona Redmond, President of the National Black Public Relations Society; Marvet Britto, celebrity publicist and frequent CNN contributor; PR Expert Karen Taylor Bass; Crystal Howard, Director of Public Relations for ESPN; Myorr Janha, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Russell Simmons Design Group/Rush Communications; Malcolm Berkley, Public Relations Manager for UPS; Mario Armstrong, on-air tech expert for NPR's Morning Edition; and Errol Cockfield, Press Secretary for Gov. David Patterson (NY-D).


Conference workshop topics include: The Changing Face of Public Relations: What is Next on the Horizon?; Using PR to Give Back to Our Communities: Where Corporate Responsibility and PR Meet; PR in the Matrix: How Advances in Social Media Can Catapult Your PR Efforts to New Heights; Corporate vs. Agency vs. Entrepreneurship - Which is Best for Media Professionals of Color?; and Moving on Up - Getting to the C-Suite.


"We are gathering the best and brightest public relations professionals in the country to discuss how we all can enhance our crafts," said NABJ Associate Representative Aprill O. Turner. "At a changing time in the media landscape, creating the opportunity to engage in dialogue on our experiences in this sector is more important now than ever before. "


This conference is hosted by NABJ's Media Institute. The Institute seeks to teach, compile, disseminate and chronicle information about African Americans in the field of journalism and news media, and acts as a clearinghouse for information to entities interested in the media and establishing a connection with black journalists. The NABJ Media Institute offers professional development opportunities, technical training, historical documentation, educational programs, conferences, workshops, entrepreneurial guidance, as well as web seminars, which consist of quality content and provides resources for students, journalists, and public relations practitioners of color, relating to the media industry.

Selita Eubanks' New Hairdo

Thumbs up!

Let's Have Moment of Silence for Kim's Face

She used to be so cute. oh well, I digress. I hope she wins Dancing with the Stars...

Girl Power! Wonder Woman Movie Released Today

Wonder Woman is my Shero! I'm SO buying this DVD.
Official Movie Website

And the Survey Says: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Singer/Actress Christina Millian recenly went blonde. My friends and family know that I'm a certified Kitchen Beautician and I've had some hair experiments that have gone bad, but this color on Christina gives Bad Hair Day a whole new meaning. Sriously, she should fire her stylist immediately.

Macy's Losing Fine Jewelry Department

I just ran across this article on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel website. Wow. The recession is real! This is getting bad...But if you're in the market for some fine jewelry, you might want to check out one of these Clearance Sales!
---------

By Doris Hajewski of the Journal Sentinel

Boston Store, Macy's and other department store chains around the country are losing their fine jewelry departments because the vendor is pulling out.

The departments have been operated for years by Finlay Enterprises under a lease with the department stores. Finlay, based in New York, also operates stores under the names Bailey Banks & Biddle; Carlyle; and Congress.

Finlay is having financial difficulties and has decided to get out of the department store business entirely.

Clearance sales are under way at the department stores. Chains in Wisconsin that are affected by the Finlay departure are Boston Store, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's, Younkers and Macy's.

FULL STORY

Johnson Publishing Company Strugling

My mother just sent me an email yesterday about the situation at Johnson Publiching Company, the parent company of Ebony and Jet magazines. So I did a little digging and found this article on Black Enerprise's website. Clearly, this economy is impacting everyone. I hope the reorganization works. Make sure you visit www.ebonyjet.com to subscribe and support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Marcia A. Wade - February 03, 2009

Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Co. announced Ebony and JET magazines will be undergoing a reorganization which will require all current employees to reapply for their jobs.

“Reshaping our organizational design will help ensure that we continue to evolve with the ever-changing media landscape,” said Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman & CEO at the Chicago-based company.

The company would not give specific details about the reorganization, including what positions will be eliminated and employees who will be leaving the company.

The changes are being put into place to continue the 67-year-old company’s “long-term success and ensure [its] future as the entire publishing industry navigates the tumultuous economic climate.”

Year-on-year, ad revenue at Ebony fell by 18.8% and by 40.9% at JET for the fourth quarter of 2008. Among ethnic media, Johnson Publishing is not alone in the washout. The men’s hip-hop magazine XXL let go its editor-in-chief, Elliot Wilson. Revenue decreased at Vibe Magazine by 15.2%, by 22.2% at Essence Magazine.

Circulation at Ebony, a monthly general interest magazine, increased by 3.5%, and circulation at Jet, a weekly news magazine that covers entertainment, news, and lifestyle stories of interest to African Americans, rose 2.2% through the first half of 2008. Their numbers were slightly better than the industry as a whole, which was flat for the same period, according to Neal Lulofs, senior vice president of communications at the Audit Bureau of Circulations.

Separately, Jackson says that Bryan Monroe is still employed with Johnson as vice president and editorial director for Ebony and Jet magazines, contrary to reports by other news outlets that his position had been eliminated.

SOURCE

Aubrey O'Day's Playboy Cover

BOO!

TMZ Posts Rihanna Photo

One word: speechless. Oh yeah, and five more words: This is definitely NOT photoshopped. Oh, and one more comment, it's really terrible that someone would leak this photo.

Valentines Day is for Suckas

I know this is a late post, but it still has relevance. Many of you all know that I boycotted Valentine's Day this year because it's a stupid Hallmark Holiday, in my opinion and I just think it's kind of lame. One of my favorite media personalities, Roland Martin, wrote a column about this topic, and I just found it tonight so I'm posting it even though Vday was last weekend!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DON'T BE MY VALENTINE
BY ROLAND S. MARTIN

Editor's note: A nationally syndicated columnist, Roland S. Martin is the author of "Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith" and "Speak, Brother! A Black Man's View of America." Visit his Web site for more information.

(CNN) -- With retailers hurting and the U.S. president trying to encourage Americans to spend money to restore consumer confidence, what I'm about to say may seem like treason. But here goes: Please boycott Valentine's Day and all that is associated with this horrendous "holiday."

For several years I have ripped into Valentine's Day. Not because I'm against love and relationships, but mainly because the holiday is such a farce.

First of all, Valentine's Day is not built around a religious event like Christmas or Easter; nor does it have any special meaning to the nation such as Memorial Day or Veterans Day.

It is nothing more than a commercial holiday created by rabid retailers who needed a major shopping day between Christmas and Easter in order to give people a reason to spend money.

Now folks, I love my wife. She is truly an awesome woman who is smart, talented, fine, and, did I say fine? But do I really need a special day to show my affection for her?

READ ENTIRE COLUMN

President Obama Emailed Me

I, along with millions of other Americans who signed up for President Obama's emails during his campaign, received this email from the Pres a few moments ago about the Economic Recovery Act so I thought I'd share it with you. Funny thing is, I never got an email from President Bush *scratches head* But I digress.

Nepherterra --

Today, I signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law.

This is a historic step -- the first of many as we work together to climb out of this crisis -- and I want to thank you for your resolve and your support.

You organized thousands of house meetings. You shared your ideas and personal stories. And you informed your friends and neighbors about the need for immediate action. You continue to be a powerful voice for change throughout the country.

The recovery plan will create or save 3.5 million jobs, provide tax cuts for working and middle-class families, and invest in health care and clean energy.

It's a bold plan to address a huge problem, and it will require my vigilance and yours to make sure it's done right.

I've assigned a team of managers to oversee the implementation of the recovery act. We are committed to making sure no dollar is wasted. But accountability begins with you.

That's why my administration has created Recovery.gov, a new website where citizens can track every dollar spent and every job created. We'll invite you and your neighbors to weigh in with comments and questions.

Our progress will also be measured by the tens of thousands of personal stories submitted by people who are struggling to make ends meet. If you haven't already, you can read stories from families all across the country:

http://my.barackobama.com/yourstories

Your stories are the heart of this recovery plan, and that's what I'll focus on every day as President.

With your continued support, we'll emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

OctoMom Gets Fired By Her PR Firm Due to Death Threats

I LOVE this photo from TMZ.com LMAO

Anyway, according to the AP, the public relations firm representing the California woman who gave birth to octuplets says it is stepping down after getting death threats.

The Killeen Furtney Group has received dozens of threats, the head of the Los Angeles agency, Joann Killeen, told the Associated Press (AP) news agency.

FULL STORY

UNC Charlotte Launches Center for Global Public Relations

I received an email about this today. I think this is great for Charlotte's PR community and I'm planning ot attend the event.

Details below:

UNC Charlotte’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will launch its new Center for Global Public Relations on Saturday with panel discussions featuring industry professionals.

Experts will discuss international communications issues and give recommendations for the industry in the 21st century.

“The dedication of the center will provide an excellent forum where experts will explore global issues that concern all Americans who are trying to understand how their lives are intertwined with others throughout the world, whether socially, culturally, politically or economically,” said Dean Kruckeberg, director of the Center for Global Public Relations.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Storrs building on campus.

Panel discussions include:

•9:15 a.m. – “Global Alliance and Intercultural Communication and Diplomacy,” featuring John Paluszek, senior counsel of the global communications company Ketchum, and Ed Brynn, retired career Foreign Service Officer and former Ambassador to Burkina Faso and Ghana;

•11 a.m. – “Multinational Corporation PR and Public Diplomacy,” featuring Ron Rand, retired brigadier general and now director of communications for Lockheed-Martin, and Bob Grupp, president of Grupp Global Partners;

•1:30 p.m. – “Public Relations in the Pacific Rim and the Middle East,” featuring Doug Newsom, public-relations scholar and author, and Judy VanSlyke Turk, president-elect of the Arab-U.S. Association for Communication Educators;

•3:15 p.m. – “Public Relations in the Newly Independent States,” featuring Joe Epley, founding member of Worldcom Group, the global consortium of independent public relations firms, and Katerina Tsetsura, a Russian scholar at the University of Oklahoma who has performed extensive research about global-media corruption.

The center seeks to support the evolution of global public relations as a specialization of professional practice.

For information about the dedication event, contact Allison Reid at (704) 687.0084 or allison.reid@uncc.edu.

UNC Charlotte is the fourth-largest campus among the 17 institutions of the University of North Carolina system. It is the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region. The university offers 18 doctoral programs, 62 master’s degree programs and 90 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees.

Fall 2008 enrollment exceeded 23,300 students, including nearly 5,200 graduate students.

Ray J's Baby Scandal: Danger Says She's Preggers

Reality television has reached a new low and I'm loving every minute of it. So I'm addicted to VH1's new show For the Love of Ray J. My friend JaRae just told me about the newest development!According to the National Enquirer, Danger, the girl that I DEW PR pegged as the winner of the show, is pregnant with Ray J's baby. I know, right! Crazy. VH1 even talks about it on their blog. But first things first, here's what the Enquirer says:

A woman on her boyfriend Ray J's new reality TV show claims the rapper got her pregnant during filming of his VH1 show For The Love Of Ray J, The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively.

As The ENQUIRER previously reported, the troubled pop star was furious when Ray J, 28, began taping a trashy reality show with the premise of finding the "perfect" woman for him.

Now Whitney's worst nightmare has apparently come true.

Monica Leon, 22 - aka Danger - says she is carrying Ray J's baby. She had sex with him during production, Monica says, and is now more than three months pregnant.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Chris Brown's Official "Statement"

It took Chris Brown's PR person, Dr. Evil, an entire week to come up with THIS statement? I'm SO not impressed.

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writing under my name are frauds."

Boo.

Suge Knight got Beat Up at the All Star Game

First of all, I JUST had a fab experience at the W Scottsdale a couple weekends ago. The hotel is awesome so this nonsense is inexcusable. Apparently Suge Knight gets in fights everywhere he goes, and the All Star Game was no exception.

Here's the story from the Associated Press:


Police: Rap producer injured in Ariz. hotel fight
The Associated Press
Posted: Monday, Feb. 16, 2009

PHOENIX Police using Tasers broke up an early morning fight that sent rap impresario Marion "Suge" Knight to an Arizona hospital for treatment of face injuries, authorities said Monday.

Scottsdale police arrested two men after the fracas, which occurred at about 3 a.m. Monday at a private party at the W Scottsdale Hotel.

Robert Carnes Jr., 38, of Bethlehem, Pa., one of the men arrested, identified himself as the business manager of hip-hop star Akon, said police spokesman Sgt. Mark Clark. Akon, who was in Phoenix for the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, was not present during the fight, he said.

FULL STORY

Plane Crash Kills 49 People

According to CNN, a commuter plane crashed late Thursday into a house near Buffalo, New York, killing all 48 people on the plane and a man in the home. Continental Flight 3407, operated by Colgan Air, was en route from Newark, New Jersey, to Buffalo when it crashed. FULL STORY

MSN'S NEW CELEBRITY SITE: WONDERWALL

What do you think about MSN's new celebrity site WONDERWALL?

ONE WORD: CRICKETS!

Is Joaquin Phoenix serious. Have you seen his Letterman interview from the other night!!! It's classic material. Hands down. Period. I can't stop laughing. Letterman is brilliant. What a funny dude.

Miley Cyrus' Drama Continues

I have to be honest, I remember when I was in the 5th grade a group of us would do this little chant at recess that went like this:

"Chinese, Japanese, Dirty Knees, What Are These?"

We would slant our eyes up while saying Chinese, down while saying Japanese, grab our knees while saying dirty knees and then touch our prepubescent chests when saying what are these. How silly was that!! Does anyone else remember that stupid chant? Or were we the only evil elementary age kids who did that? Well, I guess Miley Cyrus isn't smarter than us fifth graders because thank goodness we were never photographed while doing that! She's still catching alot of heat for her recent slanted eye photo.

A Rod Learns Vailuable PR Lesson

Alex Rodriguez is very fortunate today that for once in his life, the good public relations thing to do was also the smart thing to do and right thing to do, according to Jesse Spector at the New York Daily News. Read his take on the situation HERE.

Chris Brown May Win an NAACP Image Award

According to the Associated Press, Chris Brown and Rihanna may win NAACP Image Awards. Hmmmmm....now that would be an interesting twist! I'll be tuning in. The awards are being presented tonight and are airing on FOX. Check out the AP story by clicking HERE.

I Haven't Posted in a While but Don't Go All Chris Brown On Me!

Come on, where's your sense of humor? You know that was funny. "Don't go all Chris Brown on Me!" I just had to type it one more time. Ok, now I'm over it. So,I've been swamped at the office and in this recession decided it's probably wise of me to focus my energy on my clients so I can continue to work, live and play. As the owner of a PR company it goes like this: No clients, No Work; No Work, No Food, No Mortgage Payment, No Clothes, No Shoes...well you get my drift. Needless to say, I love my clients, God bless em. But now that I've got things back under control, it's back to blogging and yes I missed you all just as much as you missed my nonexistent posts. Ok, first things first, let's get this whole Rhianna photo drama cleared up. PEOPLE: stop sending me this FAKE picture of Rhianna telling me to put it on my blog! Even my mother and my Godsister sent me the photo of a beat up Rhianna urging me to post it immediately. But my favorite gossip blog TMZ posted that the pic is SO PHOTOSHOPPED earlier this week.

If you're looking for the latest in the Chris Brown Rihanna drama you will definitely want to check out this audio clip of Chris Brown's former step dad who Chris claims used to abuse his mom. Sounds like Chris is an angry child. Oh boy. I guess everybody is jumping in on the action. Check it out at YBF

Lil Wayne & Katie Couric?

Here's the preview for the interview that airs this week. All jokes aside, I think this is the first time I've seen Lil Wayne's real teeth. Honestly, I just kept staring at his teeth when I watched the clip. This should be very entertaining, but at least on the surface, it looks like Wayne does a better job than Sarah Palin did on her interview with Katie. LOL I spotted this video at one of my favorite blogs theybf.com

Watch CBS Videos Online

Stop Acting Like You've Never Taken a Hit from a Bong LOL

Leave Micheal Phelps alone...He's an Olympic Gold Medalist, he's NOT Jesus. From a PR standpoint, I like his statement because he's being honest. According to abc.com, he released the following statement:

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in the statement released by one of his agents. "I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

The Superbowl was Good, But J Hud was Great

I'm so glad to see her back on the scene after her family tragedy. I love Jennifer Hudson. So talented.

PR Campaign to Save Newspapers...

Posted by: Robert MacMillan, Rueters Blogs
Brian Tierney doesn’t dispute that U.S. newspapers are in trouble; he just wants to know why they can’t tell the good side of the story. That led to this article in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer, the paper he owns along with a group of investors:

The pundits and cynics who believe that newspapers are dead are dead wrong.

So says a small group of newspaper executives who this month organized an ad hoc group to alter perceptions and get the facts out… Dubbed the Newspaper Project, the grassroots effort includes the CEO and publisher of Philadelphia Media Holdings, Brian P. Tierney. [And executives from Parade, Community Newspaper Holdings Inc and others --ed]

Acknowledging that the newspaper industry faces challenges, the group roundly rejects the notion that newspapers have no future.

FULL STORY

NFL's PR Cheif Brian McCarthy is the MAN!

NFL's wildest week is PR chief's time to shine
By Robert Trigaux, Times Business Columnist
Tuesday, January 27, 2009


For a PR chief charged with making sure the biggest TV event on the globe goes off without a hitch, Brian McCarthy acts like it's just another Monday.

He's at Tampa's Westin Hotel on Harbour Island, where he's about to chat with a local gathering of the Public Relations Society of America. So it's a high-profile PR guy talking to local PR people eager to hear tips from a pro — but who are keen to hear some behind-the-scenes tales of pulling off Super Bowls year after year after year.

So whether it was the anecdote of prepping tirelessly for a function with NFL Hall of Famer and Green Bay Packers linebacker Ray Nitschke (only to be caught speechless when Nitschke asks, "Where's the bathroom?"), or politely telling halftime entertainer "Sir" Paul McCartney that his fly is down just before stepping out for a press conference, McCarthy delivers.

McCarthy is 40 but looks closer to 26, his age when he joined the National Football League in public relations.

SOURCE

Dear Blago: PR Professionals Are Not Magicians

Blago doesn't need PR, he needs a MIRACLE! And the church said: AMEN! LOL

Blagojevich Hurting Image With Media Blitz, PR Professionals Say

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is making a mockery of himself as he carries out a two-day media blitz to maintain his innocence, say public relations professionals interviewed by FOXNews.com on Tuesday.

Blagojevich is boycotting his Senate impeachment trial in Springfield, Ill., instead granting a rapid-fire succession of interviews in New York City hundreds of miles away.

The governor appeared on FOX News and FOXNews.com several times in the last two days, declaring that he's done nothing wrong and will not resign or bargain with Senate leaders seeking his ouster.

But Peter Fenn, head of Fenn Communications, sided with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley in calling Blagojevich's actions plain "cuckoo."

"This guy is clearly pathological," Fenn said. "This is a guy whose ego knows no bounds. ... My sense of this is it does him far more harm than good for his political career."

FULL STORY

President Obama Does Single Ladies! LOL

My brother Nick just emailed me this video. Enjoy!

Blago Uses Drew Peterson's PR Firm for Media Blitz

At this point, I suggest he spend his money on lawyers. My gut is telling me he can't "spin" his way out of an impeachment trial. I'll guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.
The Tampa-based Publicity Agency, the same public relations firm that represents former suburban Chicago police officer Drew Peterson will help Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich defend himself in the court of public opinion.

After comparing his plight to the unfair persecution of rogue cowboys, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is rounding up the horses for a media blitz that'll include TV appearances Monday on CNN's "Larry King Live," and ABC's "The View " and "Good Morning, America."

Helping Blagojevich circle the wagons is the Tampa-based Publicity Agency, which is the same public relations firm that represents Drew Peterson, the former suburban Chicago police office who is a suspect in his wife's disappearance.

Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the state Senate is also set to start Monday, though the governor has said he won't show up or mount a defense, complaining the trial rules are unfair.

"The governor has decided that he wants to speak and tell his side of the story, and he enlisted us to help," Glenn Selig, the PR firm's founder, said on Saturday.

FULL STORY

WILL.I.AM: IT'S A NEW DAY!

NUFF SAID!

Will.I.Am - New Music - More Music Videos

I Love This Photo & You Should Too!

Beyonce Sings America the Beautiful at Inaugural Concert

Introducing the 'Best' Sales Team in America:Do you love your job this much?

Best Buy needs to give these folks an award. I have officially seen it ALL. These employees are rapping about how good their Best Buy sales team is. Bless their hearts. Apparently, if you need a new kitchen set, Best Buy's Store 558 is where you need to go. I'm sure these folks know how to have fun on the sales floor! "Come to Best Buy and let me show you some fun!" LOL I wonder if all these employees were on the clock when they made this video...*scratches head* ENJOY!

Source

VH1's New Show: For the Love of Ray J

I think this might be my new guilty pleasure now that Real Chance of Love is over. I really don't understand what women see in Ray J? Oh, and I'm betting on this girl to win. To see the rest of the cast visit VH1's website. Let the circus begin! The premiere airs February 2.

Jada Pinkett's New TV Series Set in Charlotte

TNT Gives Green Light to New Medical Drama Produced by Jada Pinkett Smith


(Taylor Media Services) The television network TNT has good news for you if you are interested in a new TV medical drama set in a Charlotte, North Carolina hospital. Last week TNT ordered 10 episodes of “Time Heals” - a series produced by and starring Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith is the wife of top Hollywood actor Will Smith.
She will play the role of a head of nursing who battles hospital administrators, doctors and “don’t care” staff. The series is produced in association with Sony Picture Television. Insiders expect the series to hit the television screen later this year.

Agency Spotlight: Bella PR

So I had this idea to start doing a regular post called "Agency Spotlight." As an owner of a boutique PR agency, I'm always interested in learning about other agencies, large and small.

Bella PR is the first agency being featured in my Agency Spotlight blog. Marla Russo, the owner and President of Bella Public Relations, founded the company in 2002.



Contact information:

Bella Public Relations, Inc.
545 8th Ave., Suite 670
New York, NY, 10018

Marla Russo, President
m.russo@bellapr.com
www.bellapr.com

p. 212.868.8183
f. 212.868.8187

Ann Taylor Announces New Agency of Record

This article is simply confirmation that this business is all about relationships. Kate Foster worked with Shadow before and has now brought them on board with her at her new gig. Congrats to Shadow PR!

Ann Taylor selects Shadow PR

Alexandra Bruell
January 09, 2009

NEW YORK: Ann Taylor Stores Corporation has named Shadow PR its AOR for the Ann Taylor brand.

The company will work with Shadow on building buzz for the unveiling next fall of the first collection by head designer Lisa Axelson.

“Shadow is a young agency that can bring a fresh perspective,” said Kate Foster, VP of PR and media at Ann Taylor Stores Corporation.

She declined to say whether the company had issued an RFP, but said it used a "rigorous vetting process" and considered a variety of firms before choosing Shadow. Foster also noted she had worked with the New York-based firm when she was with Victoria Secret.

“We plan to leverage Ann Taylor's rich heritage, which dates back to 1954, while highlighting the brand's modern image and messaging amongst key influential media outlets and the fashion set - in turn generating overall buzz that reaches the consumer directly,” said Brad Zeifman, principal at Shadow.

Ann Taylor Stores also plans to announce an AOR for its Loft brand soon, Foster added. The Ann Taylor Corporation includes the Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, and Ann Taylor Factory brands.

Source

Golden Globe Fashion

Some celebs got it right and others got it wrong this year. Worst Dressed Award goes to Renee Zellweger. What was she thinking?


















MORE IMAGES

PR Exec Appeals Jail Time for Overbilling...

Fleishman-Hillard's clients should all take a close look at their monthly invoices. That's just my two cents...
-------------

PR executive cites new evidence in bid for retrial

John Stodder, sentenced to 15 months in prison for Fleishman-Hillard's overbilling of DWP, says a government witness wanted to protect her father from prosecution.

By Ted Rohrlich

A public relations executive convicted of fraud for overbilling the city of Los Angeles is seeking a retrial, citing newly discovered evidence that he says shows the star witness against him had an undisclosed motive to lie.

The executive, John Stodder, was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2006 for overcharging the city's Department of Water and Power for work done by his firm, Fleishman-Hillard. He was convicted of conspiring with his boss, Douglas Dowie. Both men are free on appeal.

FULL STORY