SPARKS SURE TO FLY, TEAM USA vs TEAM RUSSIA

Becky Hammond, a WNBA star, and MVP candidate last year is the starting point guard for Russia’s national team. Team USA’s coach has already called Hammond’s desire to play for Russia as “unpatriotic.”

So, with that in mind tomorrow’s game against these two teams is sure to be heated & more than a battel for the gold. No one really knows how the players will respond on the court. For sure, everyone on TEAM USA knows Hammond, but its bound to be a little uncomfortable.

These are just two of the four teams that made the final four to GOLD. Russia v USA play the first semi final on 8/21 at 8 am on NBC followed after by AUS v CHN.

Not to mention, the latest foreign policy crisis with Russia invading democratic nation Georgia a couple of weeks ago. Tensions have been escalating as the two cold war foes exchange words in the International media. To exacerbate these tensions, Russian Alexander Putin was seen cozily chatting it up with President Bush at the opening ceremonies were under way. All the while, Russian was staging their invasion during the same time frame.

So, with all this hype & subplots this game is sure to be a firestorm from start to finish.

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones dies from aneurysm

Ardent Clinton supporter Tubbs Jones died while behind the wheel in Ohio Wednesay afternoon. She died from a brain aneurysm. Tubbs Jones, was just 58 years old and was serving her 5th term in Cleveland where she was born & raised. She is survived by one son.

Tubbs Jones was known for being outspoken in the Congress. In 2003 she was the only Ohio congressperson to vote “NO” on a resolution to provide support for the troops in Iraq. Her vote was no because she said that the resolution was connected to Iraq & it suggested that Iraq still poses a threat to the U.S., and played a role in 9/11 attacks.

“Our veterans deserve better than lip service,” she said.

Hilary, Bill & Chelsea Clinton issued a statement, “We could always count on her to be a shoulder on which to lean, an ear to bend, a voice to reassure,” the Clintons said. “Over the course of many years, with many ups and many downs, Stephanie was right by our side — unwavering, indefatigable.

“It was that fighting spirit — safely stowed behind her disarming smile, backed by so much integrity and fiery intelligence — that allowed Stephanie to rise from modest beginnings, to succeed in public service, to become a one-woman force for progress in our country.”

Prayers go out to her family, friends and loved ones.

MCCOY-MISICK DRAMA, THE LATEST…….

All Reports obtained in this blog are from Essence magazine and have been block quoted to protect the integrity of the story.

“After a whirlwind courtship, fairy-tale wedding and two years of marriage, the First Lady of Turks & Caicos, actress Lisa Raye McCoy-Misick and Premier Michael Misick have separated and are headed for divorce court.”

“On August 14, 2008, McCoy-Misick was taken to the island’s police department by her publicist, Lynn Jeter of Lynn Allen Jeter and Associates, and her personal bodyguard and cousin, Phillip Travis.”

“The former star of sitcom “All of Us” spent nearly seven hours filing a report following an alleged altercation between herself, husband Misick, the couple’s personal security, and Jeter, that took place on August 13 at the presidential palace, the premier’s mansion.”

“According to Jeter, the actress had returned to Turks & Caicos for a scheduled meeting with her and Misick’s lawyers in hopes to reach a temporary spousal-support agreement until their divorce is finalized. The Chi-town native believed all had gone well until she learned that Misick and his lawyer reneged on the settlement. It wasn’t until she returned to the presidential palace, where she stayed in a separate bedroom the week prior, that, for unknown reasons, she was refused entry and allegedly physically forced to leave the property, Jeter explains.”

“Despite reports that McCoy-Misick’s rep was also involved in the incident, Jeter denies allegations that she assaulted anyone. “I’m too grown for that,” she told Essence.com “I don’t do drama and altercations unless it’s verbal, because I can mediate that.”

“Since then, the first lady and premier have each released personal statements alleging that both were assaulted by individuals from the other party’s entourage. Reportedly McCoy-Misick sustained injuries, including a bite mark and visible bruises. But Jeter assures that her client is doing well. “LisaRaye is fine and in good spirits,” said Jeter,  “and is working to get this matter resolved quickly as she moves forward with her career.”

“Photos of McCoy-Misick’s alleged injuries from a source close to the situation who asked not to be identified.” {more on those on another blog}

“Despite allegations of corruption and rape charges against the premier (which Misick strongly denies), McCoy-Misick has never publicly spoken about the charges against her husband, but she recently released a statement announcing their separation.”

“I ask that my privacy be respected in these difficult times and I believe that the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands will understand and support my wish to receive the necessary independent representation from the legal counsel of my choosing. I hope that, in time, the Turks & Caicos Islands government will come to share that view. Although I have always been a supportive wife even in light of the very serious allegations currently pending against the premier, there are limits even for me.”

TYLER PERRY INDEPENDENT ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK..

 

Tyler Perry’s first 5 movies have grossed over $250 million, and he’s sold more than 25 million DVD’s. It’s safe to say that Mr. perry is the new King Midas, for everything he touches turns into a profit. He has the most watched cable sitcom ever in history. He’s been on best selling lists for his books, and in October he will cut the ribbon to his 2nd office/studio in his hometown Atlanta, Georgia.

According to Forbes he made a whopping $125 million last year. In addition, he’s become quite the Hollywood heavyweight, for he owns all the rights to his movis, DVD”, plays etc. Not even mega director Steven Spielberg can say that about his movies.

“This is definitely the beginning of Tyler’s next phase in the entertainment business,” says Mike Paseornek, president of motion picture production at Lionsgate, which has released all of Perry’s films and recently closed a new three-year, first-look deal with him. “Tyler is going to start working more with the Hollywood community, and that will bring a diversity of projects to him that he can then put his creative stamp on.”

Perry is paid $15 million to write, direct, act, and produce, plus given a 15% first dolar gross & box office bonuses. His deal is very lucrative and he still going strong. His hit cable sitcom will go into national syndication soon, and TBS has picked up another 100 episodes for the show.

“He has a true understanding of his brand, an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to bet on himself,” says Charles King, Perry’s agent at WMA.

Indeed, after a failed attempt earlier in his career, Perry now has shown an immunity to the Hollywood doldrums of failed movies. None of Perry’s movies or plays have ever flopped. He’s exhibited staying power in an industry that looks after his own. Perry is an outsider by design, his projects were never green lighted in Hollywood, prompting him to go it alone. Now, Hollwood is clamoring to jum on the bandwagon…

Tyler Perry Studios has purchased a 28 acre lot & 200,000 square feet of office space that he paid for outright. Perry owns the space outright which should give him leverage in the future. The space will feature 5 soundstages, and Perry will enjoy a 30% tax advantage by building his studio in Atlanta, as opposed to L.A. or New York. The brother is multi-talented & has a sharp business acumen. 

“He has made a huge impact on Georgia’s entertainment industry over the last several years,” says Bill Thompson, the state’s film commissioner, who estimates Perry’s impact is in the range of $100 million annually. “He employs hundreds of Georgians and brings great promotional value to the state. He is the anchor of our indigenous film industry.”