WHAT'Z THE 411: Carmelo, La La Move Into Historic Hit Factory Cond...

WHAT'Z THE 411: Carmelo, La La Move Into Historic Hit Factory Cond...: "Carmelo and La La Anthony have moved into the building at 421 W. 54th St., between Ninth and 10th avenues, a penthouse duplex at the Hit..."

Obama's Porn Problem With Liberals

By McKay Coppins

Bing even more: If you know where to search, it doesn't take much Googling to find photos of women having sex with farm animals, videos that graphically depict simulated rape, or actresses made to look 13 year olds performing sex acts on adult men.

It's disturbing stuff, to be sure-and it may even be illegal.


But this week, news broke that the Obama administration had quietly shuttered the only Justice Department unit that exclusively fought adult obscenity (defined as criminally offensive material that has no "serious literary, political, artistic, or medical value" ). Amid a flurry of criticism, administration officials defended the move, arguing that limited resources would be better spent prosecuting cases of child exploitation. Meanwhile, conservatives such as Sen. Orrin Hatch seized the opportunity to accuse the White House of being soft on hardcore porn.

At first, it all seemed like another formulaic episode in the culture war: the religious right crusading against smut peddlers in the name of "family values" ; liberals rolling their eyes at puritanical Republicans and their censorship-happy agenda. But a closer look at the events reveals a kink in the common narrative-and a potential shift in culture-war battle lines.

Earlier this month, 42 senators signed a letter urging Attorney General Eric Holder to step up enforcement of federal obscenity laws. Among the cast of mostly Republican signers, one name stood out: Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a staunch liberal from California, the de-facto porn capital of America. (Feinstein wasn't available to comment for this story.)

She wasn't alone: five other Senate Democrats, including Minnesota's left-wing warrior, Amy Klobuchar, also signed the letter, and they were applauded by feminists, leftist lawyers, and liberal academics. Together, this increasingly vocal segment of progressives is making the case that hardcore porn flies in the face of cherished liberal causes-and that Democrats should be leading the charge to take down its distributors.

"To be anti-porn is a progressive principle."

The Daily Beast reached out to several liberal anti-porn advocates and asked them to explain why defending adult obscenity is incompatible with liberal principles. Here, we summarize the left's case against hardcore porn.

It's Anti-Feminist

"To be anti-porn is a progressive principle," says Dr. Gail Dines, author of the 2010 book Pornland. "The progressive position is that we're opposed to anything that produces inequality, and porn absolutely feeds into sexual inequality-creates it, amplifies it, and justifies it."

As a professor at Wheelock College, a liberal arts school in Massachusetts, Dines is not lacking for feminist credentials. She has devoted the majority of her scholarly research to exposing sexism, and frequently lectures on how the media promote gender bias. She has no patience for the trendy argument that porn actually promotes female empowerment. On the contrary, she argues, the violent brand of smut that the Justice Department is ignoring poisons the public perception of gender relations.

"It legitimizes the idea that men have all the power over women," she says. "In pornography, women don't need good housing and fair pay; all they need is body-punishing sex. They're not human beings."

Dr. Pepper Schwartz, a sociology professor at the University of Washington, says that by glorifying violent sexual fantasies, hardcore porn makers can encourage naturally violent men to act on their urges: "That combination of explicit sexual scenarios and a proclivity for violence against women is combustible."

It Makes Sex Ed Irrelevant

Along the same lines, Dines says comprehensive sex education-long a rallying cry among liberals-is competing with hardcore porn sites to shape young boys' attitudes toward sex.

"We know that at age 14, the vast majority of boys have looked at porn and probably masturbated to it," says Dines. "Literally their first introduction to sex is sites like bangedbabbysitters.com. These aren't adult men who can compare what they see to reality. They're young and vulnerable."

And while liberal sex ed advocates say condom-on-banana demonstrations can help prevent such tragedies as teenage pregnancy or adolescent STDs, Dines says the twisted messages that underlie violent porn can be just as dangerous as sexual naïveté.

"In hardcore porn, the more horrible and hateful you treat a woman, the better and bigger her orgasm," Dines says. "How can a boy masturbate to women being abused, and then look at women in their lives and see them as regular people?"

It's Racist

While racist depictions in mainstream media have dramatically declined over the years, Dines writes that contemporary pornography continues to "[get] away with a level of racism that is breathtaking in its contempt and loathing for people of color." No stereotype is off-limits. Black women are depicted as mouthy ghetto-dwellers who need a dominant man to cure them of their "attitude." Asian girls are subservient, obedient, and bred for male pleasure. Latinas are debased by their poverty, thus making them accessible to any man with a few bucks.

Given progressives' historical role in the civil rights movement, Dines says, it's absurd that the left would stand up for distributors of such racially offensive material.

It Can Actually Limit Free Speech

Traditionally, what's drawn liberals to defend hardcore porn is a passion for the First Amendment. But John Kang, a law professor at St. Thomas University in Florida, argues that it's precisely this commitment to civil liberties that should motivate liberals to crack down on distributors.

"It's fashionable in the contemporary Supreme Court to justify protection of violent hardcore pornography as the ability of men to realize themselves through some artistic format," Kang says. "But this is nothing but pure, pathological violence against women."

He echoes Schwartz's concern that such material can motivate abuse, assault and even rape: "If enough mentally unstable men watch this and want to recreate it, this actually represents a clear and present danger against women" -a constitutional exception to the First Amendment.

Or to put it another way, allowing the freedom of violent expression could suppress the freedom of innocent victims. As Kang wrote in a 2008 paper, this is a case where "the free speech of men silences the free speech of women."

Of course, it's unlikely that the White House will be moved to change its position by such a relatively small minority of liberals-especially as it gears up to fight another potential first amendment battle involving the FEC.

But porn opponents on the left, such as Dines, are characterized by their evangelism, and they're hopeful that the lower the porn industry sinks, the more their message will resonate. In the end, she says, the progressive case against hardcore porn has little to do with the Judeo-Christian views of sexuality espoused by the right.

"Corporate-owned media is designed to legitimize economic inequality," says Dines. "I would argue porn does the same thing when it comes to sex. You want sex to be fun and meaningful. You want your sexual autonomy to be your own, not some corporation's." Spoken like a true liberal.

McKay Coppins is a reporter for Newsweek and The Daily Beast covering politics and national affairs. His writing has also appeared in The Daily Caller and Salt Lake City's Deseret News.

Elle's May Music Cover Shows A More Eloquent Side Of Nicki



Remember I told you that Gwen Stefani was the music icon gracing Elle's May Music Issue?  Well I didn't lie to you.  Gwen will be adorning the cover of one of the world's elite fashion publications, but sharing the light with another sexy mega rock star. Nicki Minaj.  The May issue will have three cover artists, yes three.  As we spoke of before sexy rockstar and mother Gwen Stefani, electric and seductive breakout artist Nicki Minaj, and swedish phenom Robyn will also have the honor of being an Elle covergirl.

Robyn looks great in her Prada threads on the cover of Elle Magazine

Other glamorous superstars mentioned in this issue are Stevie Nicks, Beyonce, Florence Welch, and Willow Smith.

Here are more of Nicki's spread in Elle.

WHAT'Z THE 411: The Flyest Lil DJ : The Youngest Female DJ Only 9...

WHAT'Z THE 411: The Flyest Lil DJ : The Youngest Female DJ Only 9...: "The Flyest Lil DJ: DJ Beauty and Beatz ,only 9 years old has hit the Nation Capital. DJ Beauty and the Beatz ..."

WHAT'Z THE 411: Biz Markie’s DJ Fashion Brand Dockers and Report...

WHAT'Z THE 411: Biz Markie’s DJ Fashion Brand Dockers and Report...: "Dockers, enlisted Biz Markie to D.J. during their fall 2011 presentation, but the Journal reporter who were in attendance were a ..."

Notorious Roc Nation Member Memphis Bleek Speaks Jay & Beanie Sigel

Memphis Bleek Repping Roc Nation



This week after a video shoot for “Kush Gang”, a freestyle over Ace Hood’s “Hustle Hard”, Memphis Bleek went on camera with M. Recks for ForbezDVD.com. Bleek offered some insightful responses to questions about Tru Life, Beanie Sigel’s attack on The Roc, and “the Big Homie” Jay-Z’s admonition that he’s gotten too comfortable.


We haven’t heard from Bleek in a while, and apparently he’s been jet-setting.

“I’ve been on a lot of tours with the big homie, holding the big homie down, I just came from Africa I was out there for a month,” he said recounting his whereabouts.

When asked about Robert Rosado aka Tru Life; recently sentenced to eight years in prison for gang assault which resulted in the stabbing death of another young man, and his problems with Dipset, he denied they had anything to do with The Roc. Still he maintains a friendship with the troubled rapper.

“He had has own situation, personal issues with them, you know what I’m saying, that ain’t got nothing to do with music. They know what it is, he know what it is.”

What did have something to do with The Roc, however, was Philly-based emcee Beanie Sigel’s 2009 attacks on Jay-Z and Bleek. Bleek didn’t respond in anger back then, and has the same levelheaded outlook on the situation today. In fact, he claims to have not even heard the record.

“I can’t listen to Beans diss me. I can’t even diss Beans. Like c’mon man we got money together, we starved together, we ate in the stu, we shared bitches, we shared blunts, we shared liquor. How can I diss you, when you my man? I’m a discredit everything we built up?” Bleek implored. “I’m a real nigga, my thing is I just won’t say nothing. Whatever he going through I hope he get to the end of it and go find the light.”

So since Bleek is making music and shooting videos, should we expect a future Roc Nation release? Bleek says no.

“Me, I’m trying to build my own empire,” he told M. Recks. For me to get respect I gotta branch out on my own. Everybody already thing I’m good because Jay say he’s good. But what they don’t realize is none of my albums went wood, that’s why I’m good. All my albums are successful; I got plaques for each and every album.”

Part of that empire is developing talent and giving some new blood a chance to shine.

“Ain’t no shot if I’m under Jay,” he recognized.

Naturally, Bleek went to Jay for advice in executing his plan.

“I spoke to the big homie, he told me I don’t work hard enough,” Bleek said.

According to the mogul, Bleek should be flooding the internet with music, interviews and videos. He admitted that in the past his work ethic hasn’t been the most consistent. In that same light, he gave nods to Odd Future and Freeway for their prolificness.

While “Kush Gang” is a step in the right direction, there will undoubtedly still be those who think Bleek can’t make it on his own. He’s ready for that.

“You can’t answer everybody, everybody got their own opinion.”



The Park Unplugged Featuring Joe Fri April 15th

Experience an intimate performance at the city's incomparable, soul-infused event, The Park Unplugged. Georgia-bred singer and record producer, Joe, graces the stage this week. From his timeless hits "I Wanna Know" to "Don't Wanna Be a Player," Joe brings a smooth R&B style that make his performances unforgettable, to the Unplugged series.

Joe - I Wanna Know

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2011

Doors open at 5pm

Happy Hour 5pm - 8pm

Show starts at 7pm (3rd Floor)

21+ with proper attire & RSVP required

Click here to RSVP (list closes at 3pm Fri April 15th)

THE PARK AT FOURTEENTH

920 14th Street, NW

Washington, DC

www.park14.com

For more information or to make a VIP dinner reservation contact us at info@benyblaqentertainment.com

Gwen Stefanis Is Elle's New Cover Girl.

Gwen Stefani Graces Elle's May Music Issue Cover

Gwen Stefani has a style all her own.  She has always been that chick I thought was just cool and one ill rock star.  Not the biggest No Doubt fan, but her electric persona and sexy ambience is all of that and Elle thought it should be the staple of their May Music Issue.  You can see the video below as she speaks on her celebrity and mentions her up and coming No Doubt album. 

In the issue she discusses how once upon a time songs were made that live for eternity, now she doubts whether or not the songs composed today will ever remain. Check the May Elle Music Issue out and leave comments.



WHAT'Z THE 411: 10 Biggest Revelations from B.I.G.'s FBI Files!!!!...

WHAT'Z THE 411: 10 Biggest Revelations from B.I.G.'s FBI Files!!!!...: "Fourteen years after Notorious B.I.G. was gunned down, his death remains a mystery. But the case is still active, and the FBI just rele..."

Featured Mixtape Sedrew Price "Basic Training (the Collection)"




Sedrew Price T.D.A.T. Mixtape Cover

 

When SeDrew Price dropped his first mixtape “Roll Da Mat Out” in 2005, his status was instantly elevated from a popular high school student to the Prince of Las Vegas. His raw and punch-line heavy lyrics had all who listened praising him as the next great talent in hip hop music. Feeding off of the success of his first mixtape, SeDrew spent the next several years in the studio dedicated to improving his skills with his new-found passion for hip hop. By the time SeDrew dropped “T.D.A.T” in 2009, the streets of Vegas were still spinning off of the buzz from his last five mixtapes, “Wake the F*#k Up,” “By Any Means Necesarry,” “Rap or Die,” “Rap or Die 1.5,” and “The Rebellion.” While Price is in the studio working hard on his latest project, “The New Regime,” he still wanted to deliver what many eager fans have been waiting for: an exclusive snapshot through time of SeDrew’s music. Featuring a dope Collection of the favorites / hits / classics from his last six mixtapes, “Basic Training” is your official crash-course in SeDrew’s lyrical evolution.

Download Sedrew's Mixtape here Basic Training

Chris Brown Leak!!! Treading Water...



...A leak from Chris Brown's up and coming album slated for release later this year.  Just off of a fresh release of F.A.M.E. Chris is already banging out new hits for us to enjoy.  Take a listen and leave comments.

Britney Spears Signs Nicki Minaj for Concert Tour

It's official. TMZ has learned ... Nicki Minaj will be Britney Spears' opening act for her upcoming concert tour.

Sources involved in the negotiation tell TMZ ... the deal was signed several days ago, and Britney is elated. Everyone involved in the concert is relieved Enrique Iglesias' ego couldn't handle opening for Britney and feel Nicki will be infinitely better.



Young Money Recording Artist Nicki Minaj



Minaj, who is on tour with Lil Wayne until the end of the month, currently has two singles on the Billboard Top 100 -- "Moment 4 Life" and "Did It On'em"

Everyone connected with the concert series thinks Nicki will create even more heat for the tour, which kicks off on June 17 in Sacramento, CA.




Platinum Recording Artist Britney Spears


TMZ broke the story Nicki and Britney were in serious negotiations.

Right after we posted that story, the comments and emails were almost unanimous that Nicki is an infinitely better choice than Enrique.

MOGUL Update: Lebron James and Audemars Strike a Deal

The King himslef with AP execs--Philippe Merk, CEO of Audemars Piguet and Francois-Henry Bennahmias, President of AP North America.

Continuing to place one foot in front of the other will solidify James staple in the world of business and celebrity.  Another moved engineered to keep him a comfortable man and grow an empire for his heirs.  James is garnering his kingmanship. Sealing a deal with Audemars Piguet is only something other young urban children dream of, if they even know what Audemars is.

To add a little whip cream to the pudding, we get the chance to witness the signature time piece that James is developing.  This watch will be auctioned with proceeds going to Lebron's charitable foundation called The LeBron James Family Foundation. 



Middle: Singer Craig David and Right: Big 3 cast member Chris Bosh

The launch of James new endeavor came last week at SoHo House Miami.  Crag David whooed attendees with song and fellow teammate and "Big 3" cast member Chris Bosh was also in attendance. 



Please say hello to the newest Audemars Piguet international brand ambassador, Lebron James



WHAT'Z THE 411: Jada Pinkett Smith Doing the Mom Support Thing

WHAT'Z THE 411: Jada Pinkett Smith Doing the Mom Support Thing: "The Times magazine reports Jada Pinkett Smith admitted she’s putting her dreams aside for the future of her children. Her son and daugh..."

Billionaire Tom Gores to buy NBA’s Detroit Pistons



DETROIT (AP)—The Detroit Pistons announced Friday that billionaire California investor Tom Gores has agreed to buy the struggling NBA franchise, ending a drawn-out sale by longtime owner Karen Davidson that stretched back before the season.


The tentative deal, which also includes The Palace of Auburn Hills and DTE Energy Music Theatre, must be approved by the NBA. Terms were not disclosed, but the deal is expected to close by June 30.

Gores, the chairman and CEO of Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Platinum Equity, also is buying the operating rights to the Meadow Brook Music Festival.



Billionaire Tom Gores

 

Davidson became the owner after her husband died in March 2009.


“We are pleased to welcome Tom Gores as the new owner of the Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment,” she said in a statement. “Just as my late husband, Bill Davidson, was the face of the Pistons, I am confident that Tom will bring the same energy, dedication and love to this organization. I look forward to seeing Tom follow in Bill’s footsteps, and carry on his legacy.”

Gores founded Platinum Equity in 1995, and in its 2010 list of the 400 richest people in America, Forbes put him in a tie for 153rd with a net worth of $2.4 billion. Gores, 46, is a Flint native and has a degree from Michigan State University, though he now lives in California with his wife and three children.

“I am very proud to have this opportunity to be part of such a tremendous organization,” Gores said. “I know it’s been a long process, and I appreciate the patience and support of the Detroit community. I have been impressed with the Davidson family and the way it has protected and built such a storied franchise.

“I grew up here, I am glad to be back and I am very excited about all the possibilities looking forward.”

Davidson had hoped to reach a deal to sell the team before the season. The Pistons were negotiating terms with Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch around that time, but those talks fell apart. Gores was among the other suitors last year, along with The Postolos Group president George Postolos.

“We are very pleased that the Pistons will continue to call the Detroit area home,” Ilitch said in a statement. “Even though we were only engaged in the sale process for a short period of time last year, I was truly amazed by all of the kind words and tremendous support we received from fans and the entire community.”

The Pistons play in suburban Auburn Hills, in Oakland County. County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said it’s a sale with “many complex parts,” referring to the team, The Palace and other entertainment venues.

"I wasn’t surprised to see long negotiations,” he said. “I am delighted with Gores’ ownership. He’s made it clear he’s keeping the team in Auburn Hills in Oakland County, and there’s no question where my loyalties are.”

Gores’ private equity firm made a popular splash a year ago in the community of Cadillac, 200 miles northwest of Detroit. Platinum Equity essentially bought the bankrupt Four Winns boat manufacturing company in a move officials said saved or created hundreds of jobs.

 am completely convinced that unless Mr. Gores had bought the company and his particular interest in Michigan that the facility would close down, and they would have moved all their manufacturing out of Michigan,” said Paul Brown, vice president of capital markets for the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

The Pistons’ sale, if approved, will end the long and storied ownership of the team by the Davidson family.

NBA Commissioner David Stern released a statement through a league spokesman.

“We are pleased that Karen Davidson has found a worthy successor for ownership of the Pistons and we are looking forward to introducing Tom Gores to the advisory-finance committee at next Thursday’s meeting,” Stern said.

Spurned in his bids to buy the NFL’s Detroit Lions and NHL’s Red Wings, Bill Davidson became majority owner of the Pistons in 1974.

He acquired the team from the late Fred Zollner, the man who founded the team in Fort Wayne, Ind., in the 1940s. The franchise moved to Detroit in 1957.

Davidson bought Roundball One for the Pistons, making them one of the first pro sports team with their own airplane. He built a state-of-the-art practice facility for the club and was among the first to put luxury boxes closer to the court in arenas.

The Palace was built for $90 million—all of it Davidson’s money—and won instant acclaim as a sports and entertainment venue when it opened in 1988. The Pistons won three championships when Davidson was the owner, including back-to-back titles in 1989-90.

Alan Ostfield, Pistons president, said he believed Gores was committed to keeping the team at the Palace.

“We’re now in a downward cycle and he’s aware of that,” Ostfield said. “From a non-basketball perspective, he thinks he’s buying a business on the upswing.”

Gores, who coaches youth sports and serves on the board of trustees for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, will have a challenge returning the Pistons to prominence.

In 2009, Forbes valued the Pistons at $479 million, but that figure was down to $360 million this year.

Detroit won the NBA championship in 2004, part of a six-year streak in which the team reached at least the conference finals, but the Pistons went 27-55 last season and haven’t been any better in 2010-11.

Detroit was 27-51 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference heading into Friday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Empty seats have been common at The Palace this season, and that, coupled with feuding between coaches and players, have only added to a sense of gloom.

Coach John Kuester, who’s had a rough second season, did not speculate about his future, saying only that he was happy for the Davidson family and “excited Mr. Gores will bring a lot of excitement to the organization.”

Ben Wallace(notes), one of the key players during Detroit’s run to the 2004 NBA title, echoed his coach.

“I’m happy (Karen Davidson) was able to sell the team and happy there’s a new owner who loves Detroit and loves Detroit basketball,” Wallace said. “He’s going to try to change this around and get us back on track.”

General Manager Joe Dumars did not comment and Pistons media relations staff said Gores would not be attending Friday’s game.

One of the franchise’s all-time greats, Dave Bing, is now mayor of Detroit. Bing said Friday he was “pleased that there appears to be some finality to the ownership question” of a team he would like to see move downtown.

“While relocating the team to Detroit may not be an option or priority, they are always welcome back home to Detroit,” Bing said.

By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER, Associated Press

Associated Press writers Ed White and Corey Williams contributed to this report.

WHAT'Z THE 411: Christian Louboutin Sued Yves Saint Laurent

WHAT'Z THE 411: Christian Louboutin Sued Yves Saint Laurent: "Yves Saint Laurent's spring 2011 collection features a pair of red suede shoes with matching red soles, which have prompted Louboutin to fi..."

Basketball MOGUL and Future Business MOGUL Lebron James Criticized for Making Money

Upscale Magazine's New Cover Girl Nene Leakes

As a great deal of you know I am from Miami, by way of Las Vegas and now reside in the Nation's Capital Washington DC.  I say all of this to say that the difference in cultures taught me immensely.  One pet peave I've adapted over my many years of life is the use of the terms highclass and upscale.  Take note of our predecessors whom have accomplished the sought after task of being deemed "upscale". These individuals, corporations, and trendsetters never once self proclaimed "upscale".  Publications like Robb Report, Elle, GQ, Black Enterprise, etc are amongst some of the elite magazines of our time.  With that said covers are extremely important as the brand of person or product gracing a publication's cover solidifies its worth as upscale or high class. 

Nene Leakes of Atlanta Housewives

As I was going about my day's tasks I ran across "Upscale Magazine's" April edition and immediately commenced to the notorious head shake.  Nene Leaks? Really? Have we lost sight of what high class really is.  Do we really want some loose lipped, ghetto ass Atlanta housewife, or any of the housewives (New Jersey, New York, LA, Miami) at that representing the affluent of our race and culture?  Upscale Mag has a double negative shooting them right in the eye, and that is the moniker gracing the cover and their recent choice of cover representatives.  Who's next? Toya? or maybe Jennifer Williams from Basketball Wives.  I think ettiquette classes are necessary for certain editors.

I hate dishing out negatives, but this one was screaming for justice. Just saying.

Rihanna's April US Vogue Cover

The uber star and sex-symbol Rihanna has men and women alike placing her in their oh so sultry provocative imaginations.  The Trinidadian rock star is at a place in her life where many wish to be, including the cover of Vogue Magazine.  Daunting a curve hugging sheer Chanel gown Rihanna brings out the animal in most.  The photography was done by Annie Liebovitz and styled by fashion editor Tonne Goodman.  So if you have enjoyed the Little Red Riding Hood, or Jessica Rabbit look that Rihanna has been sporting then you will love how Vogue has captured this young beauty.  Enjoy.




Herve Leger by Max Azria bodysuit  and Alexander Wang Booties



Rihanna in Donna Karen one piece

WHAT'Z THE 411: Jay-Z Launches New Website

WHAT'Z THE 411: Jay-Z Launches New Website: "Jay-Z has launched a new lifestyle website that features on leisure, style, sports, art, design and technology with a few other fabulou..."

New 'Hangover 2' Trailer Is Too Hot For MPAA



Like many, we were a bit concerned about the first extended trailer for this summer's "The Hangover Part II," not because it didn't look funny, exactly, but because it looked so much like the original film that the mystery -- one of the best parts of the first film -- would be gone. Director Todd Phillips must have seen some of the reaction, because he made sure everyone knew that the trailer was too PG-13 to show what the movie was really about.




But it must not have been PG-13 enough. The MPAA and Warner Bros have demanded that the trailer be pulled from all theaters.



Slashfilm obtained a copy of the letter sent to theaters, which states (emphasis theirs):



"Warner Bros. and the M.P.A.A. have instructed all theatres to remove The Hangover Part II trailer #2 from Source Code and any other placements. These #2 trailers need to be DELETED FROM YOUR SERVER." adding: "We greatly appreciate your immediate cooperation on this matter."



So, what's the issue? The trailer doesn't strike us as particularly offensive, but we do not have delicate sensibilities. Also: Why "Source Code," specifically? Did Summit just want the film as far away from "Hangover" as possible? Why? Is it the coarse language? Was Jake Gyllenhaal offended? (You do not want to offend Jake Gyllenhaal.) We are so full of questions. We asked the MPAA for comment, and they referred us to Warner Bros, who, of course, aren't commenting on the matter. (A Warner Bros rep hasn't responded to our request for comment.)



UPDATE: Warner Bros issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter regarding the trailer's hasty removal from theaters: "In our haste to meet the placement schedule for this trailer, we failed to properly vet the final version with the MPAA. We acted immediately to correct the mistake and removed the trailer from screens."



The only other time we can recall something like this happening was when the "Paranormal Activity 2" trailer was pulled from theaters after "numerous complaints" that the 72-second preview was too scary for the general public. Of course, many suspected that was a stunt intended to generate press for the film -- and this latest development certainly hasn't stopped people from talking about "The Hangover Part II."

by: Will Leitch

Kim & Nicki Just Can't Seem To Work It Out. The Beef Continues...

I grew up on Hip Hop and followed Big and Juniour Mafia through the nineties.  All the while Kim shocked me, made me turn my nose up at her at times, and also wowed me with her lyrical abilities. 

When this chick Nicki came along I didn't know how to take her, but I did notice the vast similarities in style, however she had her own thing too. Nicki is the future and Kim has had her moment at the top. Lets see how long this oversized rump and massive effects female emcee can hold her ground. We are all interested in the outcome. Peep the two videos a nd check the Nicki and Kim collaboration by D Dot.

The Rapper's Dream Car Bugatti Galibier

Bugatti 16C Galibier

Bugatti has finally revealed to us its new four-door supercar concept just beore the Frankfurt Motor Show at an event for past customers and Bugatti-intenders. We have been referring to the French super car as the Bordeaux, but the actual car is called the Galibier. The Galibier was named after a strenuous

Alpine pass along the Tour de France.

 

One of the Galibier's most striking features is undoubtedly its two-tone outer shell, which is comprised of both polished aluminum for the doors and front fenders and a unique dark blue carbon fiber weave that shines through when illuminated. We also note a prominent center spine that recalls past Bugattis like the Type 35 and the classically beautiful Type 57.

A powerful eight-liter W16 powerplant is the source of the Galibier's excitement. Unlike the mill thrusting the Veyron to outlandish speeds, this particular version is mounted up front and is capable of running on ethanol fuel, which may allow Bugatti to unleash more horsepower out of the engine.

The Galibier's top speed is reported at 217 miles per hour (350 kilometers per hour). This is less powerful than the Veyron, but still one hell of a ride! OH YEAH! The price tag is around a whopping $1,000,000.

WHAT'Z THE 411: Kanye Launches Scarf Line

WHAT'Z THE 411: Kanye Launches Scarf Line: "Kanye West launch a new collection of scarves inspired by the artwork for his album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” Accordin..."

Did Diane Von Furstenburg steal Project Runway Designer's Dress?!?!?



Kato aka Korto Momolu

This year I was fortunate enough to attend the 2009 Emmy's as an on air reporter covering the event. As I stood on my designated X in the press pin, fanning myself to keep from delirium in the blistering heat, I saw in the distance the image of Project Runway designer Korto Momolu.



Fashion MOGUL Diane Von Furstenberg



"OMG, that's 'Kato'" I said to my cameraman. We called her over to get a few words with her on tape. I have to admit I was most excited about meeting her as opposed to some of the other celebrities walking the red carpet (my background is fashion). She is one of my favorite designers, Project Runway contestant or otherwise. The girl has serious skills and her dresses are beautiful. Speaking of dresses, earlier in the year I visited Nordstrom and saw the black and white geometric print dress with yellow trim she made for the Diane Von Furstenburg challenge on Project Runway. I loved that dress! Korto lost that challenge but I was thrilled to see it in Nordy's. The dress was in Diane Von Furstenburg's area. Interesting. I walked over and looked at the label inside the dress. It said Diane Von Furstenburg. Hmmm.....okay, cool. Diane bought the design from Korto despite her losing the challenge. Perhaps Diane recognized Korto's talent and offered her a position to freelanced for Diane's line.

Korto walked over to us and after exchanging greetings I inquired about the dress, however, her response is not what I anticipated. "I'm glad someone else saw that," Korto said. Apparently Korto was not made aware that Diane was going to produce her dress and sell it. Korto also mentioned seeing her dress in a magazine. Gasp! Even though I work in the industry and know that we can be a shady lot of characters, I did not expect this behavior from Diane. Would it have really made an impact on the books if Korto had been paid for her dress design or given credit? Korto refrained from speaking ill of the designer but after a stunt like that I definitely feel as if Korto should have won the Project Runway Allstar challenge, yet she came in second. And who was judging Korto and the other contestants? Diane Von Furstenburg. Korto had made the dresses of a couple of celebrities attending the Emmys. She is also promoting her handbag and accessory line. Her dress line will be launched during the upcoming Mercedez Benz fashion shows.
 
By Karmel of Peppered Style

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