Saturday, May 31, 2014

Anonymous donor giving away cash via Twitter clues; your city could be next

Profile picture of the anonymous man passing
out money via Twitter.
(Photo Credit:  Hidden Cash via his own Twitter profile)

The Huffington Post reported yesterday that the anonymous wealthy do-gooder who has been spreading money all over San Francisco has moved his game to the lucky city of Los Angeles.  The modern-day Robin Hood posted on his Twitter account that he is a billionaire who just wants to bring some joy into the lives of ordinary struggling people.

He said that while he was dining with a friend last week he came up with this idea as a way to give back out of his abundance.  The fun-loving mystery man decided to make his donations in the form of a scavenger hunt.  He posts tweets giving clues of where and when the next drop will be made.  The prize is cold hard cash sealed in an envelope.  (Continue reading full story here.)

Friday, May 30, 2014

Husband: Ibrahim won't renounce Christianity despite 100 lashes, death sentence

Meriam Yehya Ibrahim was sentenced to
100 lashes for marrying Daniel Wani, a Christian
(Photo Credit:  Meriam Yehya Ibrahim via her own Facebook page)

CNN is reporting today that Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, 27, is not likely to back down on her Christianity despite the death sentence hanging over her head.  Her husband Daniel Wani described her as moody and frustrated during his recent visits.  She is distraught that exercising her choice of religion has landed her in a cell.  The moodiness is not unheard of given the fact that the prison-bound Ibrahim gave birth last week to a baby girl.

What is unheard of is the two-for-one policy the Sudanese government is displaying.  Not only is Ibrahim in prison, but her 20-month-old son is being held captive with her. (Continue reading full story here.)

Update: Reporter that slapped Brad Pitt now on Hollywood security watch list

Brad Pitt was slapped in the face
by a prankster at the 'Maleficent'
movie premiere.
(Photo Credit:  Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Update May 30: Today Yahoo News, is reporting that "Sediuk's publicist (?!) has dumped him ("After the Pitt incident I … was as shocked as anyone," Christa Scherck told The Insider With Yahoo) and his attorney has issued a statement proclaiming Sediuk's innocence. Oh, and his former employer, 1+1 TV channel, put out a press release announcing his termination a few weeks ago after the Ferrera attack at Cannes. "From now on, the journalist no longer represents the interests of the company," they declared. I wish him good luck with all that."

Original report below:
Last night as crowds thronged the red carpet for the premiere of Disney movie “Maleficent”, Vitalii Sediuk jumped over the barrier and struck actor Brad Pitt in the face.  Pitt was attending the event in support of the star of the movie and mother of his children, Angelina Jolie.  Sediuk was taken away and arrested.

This is not the first time Sediuk has turned out to be a thorn in the side of Hollywood’s elite.  (Continue reading full story here.)

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Are police responsible for Isla Vista shooting massacre?

Balcony of one of 10 crime scenes
in Isla Vista Shooting Rampage.
(Photo Credit:  David McNew/Getty Images)

Time and time again, we hear stories of mass shootings and wonder why no one in the perpetrator’s circle saw any signs of trouble.  If they did see signs, why did no one care enough to report these signs to someone who could help?  CNN is reporting today that the Isla Vista killing of multiple innocent people last week had been carefully planned over the past few years and there were many close calls that could have derailed the scheme.

There were more than enough red flags and, sadly, some of the blame must be squarely placed on the shoulders of those charged to protect and to serve…the police.  To be fair, the police probably get tips all day, every day about this or that.  And often they might have to make decisions on whether to give priority to a robbery in progress (potentially saving lives now) or to a tip called in by a concerned family member about a relative exhibiting odd behavior (potentially saving lives in the future).

Sadly the mass slaughtering of innocent people by Elliot Rodger, 22, was a tragedy that could have been prevented.  (Continue reading full story here.)

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Toni Braxton: God punished me with autistic son because of my past abortion

Toni Braxton makes some startling confessions
in her memoir "Unbreak My Heart"
(Photo Credit:  Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

The Huffington Post reported today that six-time Grammy winning singer Toni Braxton was weighed down for years under a load of guilt.  Braxton revealed that she felt so guilty about a 2001 abortion of ex-husband Keri Lewis’ child, that she believed God had punished her by giving her son Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis, 11, autism.

Braxton shared her struggles in her new book, a memoir called “Unbreak My Heart”.  Braxton said that she was raised in a very religious household.  Viewers of her reality show “Braxton Family Values” are familiar with her parents Michael and Evelyn Braxton, now divorced.  Even though their children are adults, Mom and Pop Braxton often appear on the show and do not bite their tongues about what they feel is right and wrong in their children’s lives.

Both Michael and Evelyn are pastors and Toni said that bible study was more important than school homework when she was growing up.  (Continue reading full story here.)

Friday, May 23, 2014

From 'Say My Name' to 'Say Yes'; Destiny's Child reunites on gospel song

Destiny's Child, seen here performing for the 2013 Super Bowl
halftime show, released a gospel song Wednesday.
(Photo Credit:  Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Well Hallelujah, some good news for the ladies of former power group Destiny’s Child.  When Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland joined BeyoncĂ© Knowles onstage for an electric set during the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show, fans were hyped that the group was finally getting back together.  It wasn’t to be at that time; however the divas dropped another tease Wednesday with the release of “Say Yes”.

Don’t grab your miniskirts in glee and dash out to the clubs just yet.  The masters of reinvention have surprised us again.  “Say Yes” is actually a gospel song.  It is a remake of a Nigerian hymn.  This version is a high-energy, drum-filled song that promises to have the church ushers dancing in the aisles. (Continue reading full story here.)

Twin brothers, 21, charged with running sex for money ring on Facebook

Tyrelle Lockett, 21, along with his twin brother Myrelle
was convicted of running a human trafficking ring on Facebook
(Photo Credit:  Tyrelle Lockett via his Facebook page.)

Children worldwide are becoming more vulnerable every day.  There is a massive search effort currently underway for hundreds of young girls snatched from school in Nigeria, and feared to be at risk for being sold into human trafficking.  Sounds very far away, but beware because twins Tyrelle and Myrelle Lockett are every parent’s nightmare come home to roost right here in America, Chicago to be exact.

The Lockett brothers, 17 at the time, were the first to be convicted in Illinois under the charge of trafficking people for forced labor or services in 2010.  Sadly the young men, now 21, are at it again.  NewsOne is reporting that Tyrelle is currently in jail and scheduled to appear in court today.  Tyrelle and Myrelle have been recruiting girls on Facebook.  They lure them with the promise of quick and easy money.

The alarming fact is that (Continue reading full story here.)

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Channeling Elvis; Chris Brown and James DeBarge making jailhouse pop


Chris Brown (left) and James DeBarge (right) are locking down the beats while in jail.
(Photo Credit:  Chris Brown via his Facebook page/ 
James DeBarge via his Twitter Page)

The old saying goes that politics makes strange bedfellows.  Well now it can also be said that prison makes strange bedfellows.  The Los Angeles County jail is currently playing host to two of the smoothest voices in R&B music.  Chris Brown and James DeBarge are prisoners in adjacent cells and making the most of their time.

Brown was on probation stemming from his altercation with pop star Rhianna.  He allegedly assaulted someone who was trying to photobomb his picture with a fan and was thrown in jail for violating parole. He was originally scheduled to be released July 6th, but may be set free as soon as sometime in June.  Brown has been charting since the early 2000’s and is known for such songs as ‘Kiss, Kiss’, ‘Run It’, ‘Fine China’, and ‘Wall To Wall’.

DeBarge, once married to Janet Jackson, (Continue reading full story here.)

Friday, May 16, 2014

High School student arrested; turns out she is 31, lied to family and school

Yes it's the same person.  Gregg County Police mug shot (left),
Charity Johnson via her Facebook page (right).

Two teens arrested for suspected arson in California, and a student arrested for filming women taking showers were among some of the stories involving teens that made the news this week.  But perhaps one of the most shocking arrests was the arrest of Charity Johnson, a high school student in Texas.

Everyone thought the 10th grader was 15, but she was at least twice that age.  According to her arrest records, Johnson is 31 years old, older than some of the teachers who were educating her.

The story unfolded like something out of a Charles Dickens novel.  (Continue reading full story here.)

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Coal mine explosion in Turkey; 363 safe, 238 dead, rescue efforts ongoing

Miners wait amidst the rubble of exploded coal mine in Turkey
to hear word of their fellow workers.
(photo credit:  Ahmet Sik/Getty Images)

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared three days of national mourning in Turkey after a huge explosion ripped through a coal mine in Soma yesterday.  A few hours ago President Erdogan confirmed in a press conference that 363 miners have been found alive and 238 dead bodies have been recovered.  There were 787 working in the mine at the time of the explosion.

Prior to the killing fires surging through the mines yesterday, Turkey’s worst mining disaster was the 1992 gas explosion in a mine close to Zonguldak (near the shores of the Black Sea).  The death toll in that tragedy was 263 miners.  Authorities fear that this explosion is on track to far surpass that one in the sheer numbers of lives lost.

Many of the miners Tuesday were working approximately 460 yards below ground, but (Continue reading full story here.)

Monday, May 12, 2014

Don Jones rams Michael Sam with 'Mean Girls' tweets; fined and suspended

Don Jones apologizes to Michael Sam for "OMG" and "Horrible" tweets.
(photo credit:  Don Jones via his Twitter page)

Donald Sterling isn’t the only sports figure whose mouth is getting him in trouble these days.  Athletes have often had not-so-delicate locker room conversation, but what was said in the locker rooms stayed in the locker rooms.  These days social media (in this instance Twitter) makes it so much easier for bloopers to go viral.  Sunday the NFL’s Miami Dolphins organization fined safety Don Jones for mouthing off about fellow football player Michael Sam.

Michael Sam is the first openly gay player taken in an NFL draft. (Continue reading full story here.)

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Amber Alert saves the kids; too late for mom murdered by dad

Anthony and Nicholas Jordan rescued after their father
killed their mother and kidnapped them from school.
(photo credit:  South Carolina Law Enforcement Division)

The relatives of Anthony Jordan, 7, and Nicholas Jordan, 8, can breathe a sigh of relief after learning that the boys were found alive and safe this morning.  A five-state Amber Alert was issued by Lodi, New Jersey police Friday night after it was discovered that the boys were taken from their school by their father, John Robert Jordan, 47.

Jordan was estranged from his wife, and the children’s mother, Tracey Jordan, 39.  They were in the process of getting divorced.  Tracey had already moved on and was dating (Read full story.)

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Willow Smith, 13, photo'd in bed with man; leaves fans whipping their heads back and forth

This picture of Willow Smith, lounging in the bed with Moises Arias,
has caused outrage among parents everywhere.
(photo credit:  Moises Arias via Instagram)

Mr. and Mrs. Smith, in this case Will (star of ‘Fresh Prince’ and ‘Bad Boys’) and Jada (lead in TV drama ‘Hawthorne’), are often considered the world’s coolest parents.  Dad is a comedic actor and rapper, and mom is an actress and singer in a rock band.  They’ve also been a bit controversial with their parenting style.  Will drew a lot of attention last year when he told an interviewer that he and Jada “don’t believe in punishment.”

These words just may have come back to haunt them.  E! Online is reporting today that the Smiths are getting incredible backlash after a picture surfaced of their daughter Willow Smith, 13, in bed with actor Moises Arias.  He is best known for his role playing Rico on ‘Hanna Montana’ (Disney).  The problem is this isn’t the beloved child star the world remembers; Arias is now a 20-year-old grown man.

(Read full story here.)

'BeJeweled: The Flight of an Angel'; Book Launch Celebration Tour with Author Chelle Ramsey

Good morning all,

Today I am excited and honored to be the second stop of the whirlwind blog tour for author Chelle Ramsey.  Ramsey is hitting all the hot spots celebrating the release of her latest book 'BeJeweled:  The Flight of an Angel'.  In case you missed the sizzling excerpt from BeJeweled yesterday, whet your whistle and check it out right here on Te Russ' blog.


The beauty salon is a solid fixture in a woman's world.  A woman's hair is her crowning glory whether the economy is good, bad, or otherwise.  We might have to pass up that purse, getting the car washed this week, or wait on that new pair of shoes, but we are not going around with our hair looking any kind of way; if we can possibly help it. lol.  So what better backdrop for a juicy novel than a beauty salon?  We can always count on some relaxation, catching up on the latest happenings, sisterhood affirmation, and sometimes even a little drama.

'BeJeweled' delivers all of this and more.  And Chelle Ramsey has stopped by today to share with us a glimpse into the creative forces behind the birthing of her latest book.  Thank you so much for joining us today and answering the questions inquiring minds want to know.  Let's get started.

Pamela Kay:  What can you tell us about "BeJeweled The Flight of an Angel?”

Chelle:  BeJeweled is the first novel in a four book series. Each story focuses on the main character: Olivia, the salon owner; and one of her stylists, nail techs, or masseuses. There are other background characters that you get to know, who will have their own story.

BeJeweled: The Flight of an Angel focuses on Olivia and Angel Franklin, a hard working stylist with dreams of owning her own salon. However, with being berated by another co-worker, constantly finding herself in the center of BeJeweled’s gossip, and her husband’s constant infidelity, she’s losing hope quickly. With years of looking the other way, she realizes that she can no longer ignore his “side chicks” when it hits close to home. Angel may have to make a decision that may leave her raising their only son alone.

Olivia is working on opening a second salon, but when things in the shop spiral out of control, she finds herself being torn in several different directions. A spiritual woman, Olivia attempts to inspire her workers to rise above their adversities. Yet, her attention is diverted when the only man she has ever loved returns to Atlanta. Questioning his return, the status of his marriage, and his intentions, Olivia finds herself once again laying her heart on the line. With the possibility of finally discovering love, she realizes an old promise she made will be tested. Between the drama in the shop, and her own drama surfacing, Olivia finds her faith tested.

Pamela Kay:  What sparked the idea for this story? 

Chelle:  I wanted to write a story whose main character was inspirational. All of my other novels have an inspirational message; however, the main character is usually deep in the conflict of the story. Olivia does have conflict that she must resolve; however, she is steeped in her faith. And she rests on her faith to bring her through whatever may come. I wanted to show a single woman who could be strong, successful, and still inspirational. She aspires to be a Proverbs 31 woman if she ever has a family of her own.

Pamela Kay:  How did you develop and differentiate your characters? 

Chelle:  I created my characters with personalities that real people in their situations would embody. I envisioned how an Olivia, Angel, or Belinda would react in any given situation. I recalled the years of going to the salon and the various personalities I encountered there, and allowed my imagination to flow. The characters are as real to me as someone standing in front of me conversing with me. As I heard their voices speaking different words, or phrases I wrote them down and made those their tag words. Finally, I went on an internet search to find the pictures of my characters as I saw them in my head, so that I could flesh them out. This is the first novel that I have used an outline with, thanks to fellow author, MJ Kane. It enabled me to recall important things about them, such as their insecurities, worst memory, greatest fear, favorite color or piece of clothing. Coming from different backgrounds and cultures enabled me to differentiate their personalities.

Pamela Kay:  Who do you imagine is your ideal reader? 

Chelle:  My ideal reader varies, it can be the woman who is feeling as if she is too old to pursue her dreams, to the young woman who is trying to overcome an abusive relationship. It may be the successful woman who has never had a family, but as middle age approaches she finds herself wanting more than a career, but the love and warmth of a family. Above all, my ideal reader is the person who is facing or has faced life challenges, and needs to know that they can overcome adversity with belief in themselves, and faith.

Pamela Kay:  What do you hope readers take away from this story? 

Chelle:  I hope readers become empowered to look beyond the traditional happy ending. I want them to realize they can create their own life ending, despite their challenges. I want them to look within and learn to believe in themselves and love themselves above everything else. Because only then can they learn to love others and give the best of themselves to the world.         

Pamela Kay:  What is your writing process? 

Chelle:  My writing process involves jotting an idea down on a piece of paper when it occurs to me. This can happen if I am out and about, or in the middle of the night from a dream I have had. Most of my stories come from dreams. As soon as I have a free moment, I sit down and free write. In other words, I let the words, ideas and thoughts flow from my head, down through my fingers and onto the computer screen. I never question it in the beginning.

When I come upon certain topics, such as a career unfamiliar to me, an illness, or legal situation I take a couple of days to research that area thoroughly. I return to the writing process and write that situation as realistically as possible into the story. After I have written the complete novel, I go back revise, edit, and send it to my Beta readers, and possibly revise some more. This is the first novel that I have actually used an outline in, which I created after the first few chapters were written.

Pamela Kay:  What authors most inspire you? 

Chelle:  Terry McMillan, Connie Briscoe, James Patterson, Stuart Woods, and Nora Roberts.

Pamela Kay:  What one book, written by someone else, do you wish you'd written yourself? 

Chelle:  There is no book that someone else has already written that I wish I had written. I say this because if there are books out there like that, had I written them, they would be a completely different book. Everyone has their own ideas, voice, perspective, and creativity…so no two books will ever be the same. Therefore, I write what my heart desires and let every author have his or her own story. 

Pamela Kay:  Thank you for opening up and sharing with us today Chelle.  And readers please be sure to mark your calendars so you can join Chelle on the next stop of her tour when she visits the fabulous blog of author Chicki Brown on May 12, 2014.

About The Author
Chelle Ramsey


An avid reader since her primary years, Chelle saw books as an escape mechanism. Excited by the worlds, and characters that could be created with a touch of the imagination, she began writing her own stories at the age of 12. The more enamored with storytelling she became, the more she wanted to create stories about the suffering, and hardships she saw others enduring, with one twist…her characters would rise above their adversities and limitations, but not always with traditional endings.

This busy wife, and mother of three, exchanged her Girl Scout Leader pins for her creative writing pen, as she began to focus on publishing her novels. In her spare time, when she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading mystery novels, watching the NBA, remodeling their home with her husband, and spending time with him and their children. Having received her MBA in Human Resource Management, she says she cannot wait for the day when writing becomes her full-time career. “If I can show my readers they are not alone, in dealing with their challenges, and that they can rise above their limitations, I have achieved my goal,” Ramsey says.

Contact Info:
Twitter: @ChellesBooks
Pinterest: authorcmramsey

Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com

Obtain Graphics from the Media Kit:

                  



Monday, May 5, 2014

'Real Housewives of Atlanta' reunion part 3, episode 25; recap and review

The ladies of RHOA, minus Porsha on the far right, had a 
fiery reunion part III last night.
(photo credit:  Craig Barritt/Getty Images)

Last night was the explosive reunion part three of BravoTV’s hit show ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ (RHOA).  Fortunately, this time no actual physical violence erupted.  Here are some of the highlights.  Andy Cohen spent a huge chunk of time going back and forth between NeNe and Kenya regarding the tainted three-way friendship that went left when Margo entered the pictured.  At one point Cohen had both of his fingers in his ears (a la toddlers) when NeNe and Kenya were screeching over his head. 

About the only thing these two women have in common is, as Andy said, (Read full story)

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Stiviano sheds visor for Barbara Walters interview; says she's Sterling's "silly rabbit"

Barbara Walters interviews Vanessa Stiviano
(photo credit:  ABC News handout)

Friday night on ABC’s ‘20/20’, Vanessa Stiviano, who now wishes to be known as V. Stiviano, was interviewed by Barbara Walters about her relationship with Donald Sterling.  Stiviano legally changed her name to the more Italian-sounding Stiviano because she felt that being a self-described black Latina; she was never accepted by society.

Walters pulled off the gloves early and asked, “Are you in love with him?”  Stiviano said she loved him.  Walters said, “that’s not exactly what I asked you.  Are you in love with him?”  After all this scandal, Stiviano said no she is not in love with him, but she does have love for him and sees him as a father figure.
Walters asked if Stiviano was still in contact with Sterling.  Stiviano said that she had just left Sterling and he was in a sad, confused and lonely state.  Stiviano said she doesn’t know why things happened the way they did, but she feels that she was put in Sterling’s life by a higher power.  She said her mission is to help guide him back to the right path.

Stiviano said that she started out being paid as Sterling’s personal assistant.  Later she started being paid off the books, hence the gifts such as the Ferrari and two Bentleys.  She said that she is his wingman, right arm, and helper.  She described herself as his “silly rabbit” because she likes to make him laugh.

Stiviano said that Sterling was overwhelmed by the situation of many negative people calling him saying derogatory things about her and that led to his frustrated outburst.  Walters asked what kinds of things people were saying to upset him.  Stiviano said that it wasn’t necessarily just about blacks or men.  She said people told Sterling that she was hanging around with gangsters, thugs, and fat women.  She said that Sterling did not think these types of people were a “good look” for her.

Stiviano said that she always tried to make sure Sterling talked to the right people, and she made sure that he only said the right things.  Walters asked Stiviano did she think Sterling should apologize.  Stiviano said that she does think he should apologize.  But when Walters asked is he going to apologize, Stiviano said that only God knows.

Stiviano says that people only heard the controversial parts of the recorded phone call.  She said they would see the type of good person Sterling is if they heard everything.  Stiviano said the world would think differently about poor Sterling if they could hear the over 15 hours of taped conversations.  Walters asked almost everything but the elephant in the room.  Did Stiviano routinely record conversations she held with Stiviano and, if so, what were her intentions?