- I Am
-
- Artist:
- Mary J. Blige
- Label:
- Geffen
- Director:
- Anthony Mandler
- Released:
- 12/17/2009.
...
...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Obama, GOP, Exchange Barbs, Ideas in Rare Encounter
BALTIMORE (AP) — In a remarkably sharp face-to-face confrontation, President Barack Obama chastised Republican lawmakers Friday for opposing him on taxes, health care and the economic stimulus, while they accused him in turn of brushing off their ideas and driving up the national debt.
President Barack Obama shakes hands with House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio as House Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Va., looks on at right, after Obama took questions from Republican lawmakers at the GOP House Issues Conference in Baltimore, Friday, Jan. 29, 2010.
The president and GOP House members took turns questioning and sometimes lecturing each other for more than an hour at a Republican gathering in Baltimore. The Republicans agreed to let TV cameras inside, resulting in an extended, point-by-point interchange that was almost unprecedented in U.S. politics, except perhaps during presidential debates.
With voters angry about partisanship and legislative logjams, both sides were eager to demonstrate they were ready to cooperate, resulting in the GOP invitation and Obama's acceptance. After polite introductions, however, Friday's exchange showed that Obama and the Republicans remain far apart on key issues, and neither side could resist the chance to challenge and even scold the other.
Obama said Republican lawmakers have attacked his health care overhaul so fiercely, "you'd think that this thing was some Bolshevik plot." His proposals are mainstream, widely supported ideas, he said, and they deserve some GOP votes in Congress.
"I am not an ideologue," the president declared.
But Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., pointedly asked Obama: "What should we tell our constituents who know that Republicans have offered positive solutions" for health care, "and yet continue to hear out of the administration that we've offered nothing?"
Obama showed little sympathy, disputing Price's claim that a Republican plan would insure nearly all Americans without raising taxes.
"That's just not true," said Obama. He called such claims "boilerplate" meant to score political points.
At times it seemed more like Britain's "question time" — when lawmakers in the House of Commons trade barbs with the prime minister — than a meeting between a U.S. president and members of Congress.
Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence of Indiana defended Price on the health care proposals. He said a GOP agenda booklet given to Obama at the start of the session "is backed up by precisely the kind of detailed legislation that Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi and your administration have been busy ignoring for 12 months."
Obama shot back that he had read the Republican proposals and that they promise solutions that can't be realized.
In another barbed exchange, the president said some Republican lawmakers in the audience had attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies for projects in their districts funded by the 2009 stimulus package that they voted against.
Pence said Obama was trying to defend "a so-called stimulus that was a piecemeal list of projects and boutique tax cuts."
Obama replied, "When you say they were boutique tax cuts, Mike, 95 percent of working Americans got tax cuts."
"This notion that this was a radical package is just not true," he said.
Republicans are feeling energized after winning a Democratic Senate seat in Massachusetts, and Obama is trying to refocus his stalled agenda more on jobs than health care. With Obama at a podium facing a hotel conference room full of Republicans, both sides jumped to the debate.
"It was the kind of discussion that we frankly need to have more of," said House Republican Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia.
"I'm having fun, this is great," Obama said when Pence asked if he had time for more questions.
"So are we," said Pence.
Some Republicans prefaced their questions with lengthy recitations of conservative talking points. The president sometimes listened impassively but sometimes broke in.
"I know there's a question in there somewhere, because you're making a whole bunch of assertions, half of which I disagree with," Obama said to Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas, whom he mistakenly called "Jim."
Obama, a former law school professor, launched into lectures of his own at times. He warned lawmakers from both parties against demonizing a political opponent, because voters might find it incomprehensible if the two sides ever agree on anything.
"We've got to be careful about what we say about each other sometimes, because it boxes us in in ways that makes it difficult for us to work together because our constituents start believing us," Obama said. "So just a tone of civility instead of slash-and-burn would be helpful."
Republicans sat attentively for the most part. There was some grumbling when Obama remarked — after being pressed about closed-door health care negotiations — that much of the legislation was developed in congressional committees in front of television cameras.
"That was a messy process," Obama said.
GOP lawmakers pressured him to support a presidential line-item veto for spending bills and to endorse across-the-board tax cuts. Obama said he was ready to talk about the budget proposal, though he disputed accusations that his administration was to blame for big increases in deficit spending. And he demurred on the idea of cutting everyone's taxes, saying with a smile that billionaires don't need tax cuts.
In his opening remarks, Obama criticized what he said was a Washington culture driven by opinion polls and nonstop political campaigns.
"I don't believe that the American people want us to focus on our job security, they want us to focus on their job security," he said.
The president acknowledged that Republicans have joined Democrats in some efforts, such as sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. But he said he was disappointed and perplexed by virtually unanimous GOP opposition to other programs, such as the economic stimulus bill.
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said of the event, "In some places I kind of felt like I was in my high school assembly being lectured by my principal. In others, I felt like he was listening."
When it was over, House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio issued a statement saying Obama "acknowledged the fact that House Republicans have offered better solutions over the last year."
Not exactly how the president and his allies saw it.
___
Charles Babington reported from Washington. AP Writer Christine Simmons contributed from Baltimore.
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 3
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN ... Paul Scholes chases Nani after Manuel Almunia pushed in the winger's cross
NANI proved a point to Alex Ferguson as Manchester United dealt a major blow to Arsenal's title bid.
The winger's dazzling display all but condemned the Gunners to defeat by half-time at the Emirates.
First his fine run and cross forced Manuel Almunia to tip the ball into his own net after 33 minutes.
And just four minutes later Nani's pass allowed Wayne Rooney to drill home his 100th Premier League goal with a first-time finish.
In the past, Ferguson has regularly criticised the Portuguese ace for failing to deliver the goods.
Today, however, the Scot was full of praise — especially after seeing Park Ji-Sung run half the length of the pitch to slot home the third in the 52nd minute.
There was still time for Fergie's smile to slip slightly when Arsenal grabbed a consolation through Thomas Vermaelen with 10 minutes to go.
But by then the United boss was safe in the knowledge that his side had closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to just a point.
Arsenal, who had started the match five points behind Chelsea ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge next weekend, started brightly.
Andrey Arshavin got away down the left before cutting inside and trying to curl the ball past Edwin van der Sar, but his shot drifted wide.
With the chance gone, United quickly began to boss possession and cut down any space for the home side.
Nani and Darren Fletcher combined as they almost played in Rooney, but William Gallas made an important tackle in the six-yard box.
Alex Song, back from the African Nations Cup, then had to hack the ball clear at the far post as United again got clear down the right far too easily.
Arshavin remained Arsenal's most potent attacking threat and he skipped away down the left after 13 minutes. The Russian cut back inside Wes Brown and curled another effort goalwards, which this time was only just wide of the far post.
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas suddenly burst into life with a surging run down the middle before slipping in Arshavin, only to see his team-mate lose his footing.
United, who have played a match more than Chelsea, slowly started to gain the upper hand and Gallas needed to make another timely tackle in the penalty area as Paul Scholes shaped to shoot.
Nani drilled the ball wide with Arsenal again exposed down the right once again, before playing a key part in United's opener.
The winger skipped easily between two defenders and chipped the ball back across goal, forcing Almunia to push it inside his far post.
Arsenal tried to hit back and Fabregas saw a shot blocked before they fell further behind.
Again Nani was the provider, dashing clear after picking the ball up from Rooney before squaring it for the England striker to sweep home his 22nd goal of the season.
It could have been worse on 41 minutes for Arsene Wenger's men but Nani blazed his shot wide after more good work from Rooney down the left.
There was a hold-up at the start of the second half as Rooney received treatment following a knock on the knee in a challenge with Bacary Sagna.
The England forward, though, was soon back in the action and tested Almunia with a fierce angled drive after cutting in from the left.
And it was game over on 52 minutes when United scored a third following another simple counter.
This time it was Park who broke clear, sprinting onto Fletcher's chip and then slotting past Almunia from just inside the box.
Fabregas refused to throw in the towel and continued to drive his team on, firing over and then just too close to Van der Sar.
Theo Walcott was introduced as Arsenal looked for a consolation and it arrived in the 80th minute when Vermaelen's volley took a deflection off Jonny Evans.
But there was to be no grand finale as Wenger's youngsters were again found wanting when it mattered most.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna (Bendtner 72), Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Fabregas, Song, Denilson (Walcott 61), Nasri, Arshavin, Rosicky (Eboue 71). Subs not used: Fabianski, Ramsey, Silvestre, Traore. Booked: Song.
Goals: Vermaelen 80.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Jonathan Evans, Brown, Evra, Scholes (Giggs 71), Carrick, Fletcher, Nani (Berbatov 89), Rooney, Park (Valencia 87). Subs not used: Kuszczak, Owen, Gibson, De Laet.
Goals: Almunia 33 og, Rooney 37, Park 52.
Att: 60,091
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).
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Rude Russell Ri-lly is a joker
Napkin naughtiness ... Russ goes the furthest
RUSSELL BRAND brought a bit of good old fashioned British toilet humour to a swanky Grammys bash in LA last night.
And the comic's rude shape-making antics with a napkin had table-mate RIHANNA in stitches.
Groping display ... Rihanna grabs Katy's joke bra
WireImage
Even his wife-to-be KATY PERRY got in on the action, skilfully crafting a bra out of a serviette at the pre-awards bash before cheeky Rihanna moved in for a grope.
Understandably, she didn't do the same with Russell's towering effort.
Cuppa load of that ... Rihanna loses it
WireImage
The Salute To Icons event was held to celebrate the work of Universal CEO Doug Morris, and featured performances by FERGIE, KE$HA and CARRIE UNDERWOOD.
But like a bunch of naughty school kids, Russ, Katy and Rihanna were no doubt too busy enjoying their own entertainment to notice.
And they're off again ... Katy and Rihanna crack up
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Celebrity Makeup Artist Roxanna Floyd Passes
Respected makeup artist Roxanna Floyd, who worked with celebrities from Queen Latifah, Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett to LL Cool J , Foxy Brown and Sinbad, has died.
Details about Floyd’s death are unclear, but sources say she died at her home in Brooklyn.
"She was a genius with a set of makeup brushes,” wrote Ebony’s editor-in-chief Harriette Cole on EbonyJet.com. “And she appreciated brown skin so much that she learned how to blend colors perfectly to ensure that a woman of any and every skin tone would be flawless before the camera. Roxanna was a perfectionist.”
Known throughout the fashion, entertainment and photography worlds, for her professionalism and mastery of her craft, Floyd’s resume includes magazines, movies, TV shows, fashion shows, a wide range of photo shoots and more.
Floyd is survived by her husband, Rick E. Ramos, her mother, Alberta “Bertha” Floyd and numerous close friends and colleagues.
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Serena: I had to fight hard
IT'S ALL MINE ... American Serena Williams celebrates with the Australian Open trophy
SERENA WILLIAMS paid tribute to Justine Henin after retaining the Australian Open title.
American Williams won 6-4 3-6 6-2 to secure another success at Rod Laver Arena.
Henin was making her comeback from a 20-month retirement but fell short of completing a fairytale return as Williams dominated the final set.
And Williams was quick to admit her opponent is ready to win titles again.
MUTUAL RESPECT ... Justine Henin and Serena Williams
She said: "I'd like to congratulate Justine for having a fabulous tournament and giving me such a great run today.
"I think it could have gone either way and I definitely think she's back, so all you guys back there definitely have a lot to cheer for."
Williams had to contend with a brave fightback from Henin, who had gone into the decisive third set with the momentum after winning four consecutive games to level the match.
Despite failing to win the tournament, Henin was delighted with her performance.
The Belgian said: "It's been a very emotional two weeks for me.
"I thought it would never happen again, that I could come back on the court.
"I've really enjoyed my tournament and I think this is the best place for me to start.
"I'd like to congratulate Serena who is of course a real champion, so well done again."
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Burnley 1 Chelsea 2
TEAR WE GO ... sex-scandal skipper John Terry sobs after hitting Chelsea's winner
TROUBLED John Terry put his demons to one side — scoring ON the pitch as Chelsea beat Burnley.
Tearful Terry nodded home the winner here — on the day his affair with the ex-girlfriend of pal Wayne Bridge was revealed.
Nicolas Anelka had given the Blues the lead before Steven Fletcher levelled matters.
But the script was written for Terry to extend his side's lead at the top of the table to four points.
Brian Laws had come into his home debut on a dreadful run of three straight defeats.
And his Turf Moor coronation nearly got off to a shocker when Chelsea carved out the game's first opening.
Joe Cole and Anelka lead a lightning Blues counter-attack — but Burnley were saved when new boy Leon Cort turned away the France star's cross.
Chelsea set up shop in Claret territory, with Frank Lampard then spooning a shot over the bar.
Anelka also scuffed a chance after Joe Cole had carved out an opening.
At the other end, Robbie Blake thumped a free-kick into the wall after Michael Ballack had fouled Chris Eagles.
Chelsea made the breakthrough in the 27th minute through Anelka's 12th goal of the season.
Joe Cole was at the end of a sweeping Blues move and delivered a cross to the back post.
Florent Malouda then chased what looked like a lost cause — but managed to steer the ball back for Anelka to polish things off.
At the other end, Andre Bikey then rattled a shot over the bar as Terry tried to close him down.
The Chelsea skipper was booked in the 35th minute for bundling over Blake as he tried to burst forward.
Carlo Ancelotti's men came tearing out of the traps in the second half with Malouda smacking a shot wide in the 47th minute.
But they were stunned three minutes later when Burnley grabbed a leveller.
Fletcher got the better of Alex after Blake's ball in and deftly flicked home.
The Blues hit back and Joe Cole found the net in the 56th minute — but his joy was short-lived with the goal chalked off for offside.
Lampard and Alex both had shots as the Londoners went on the hunt for a winner.
And Terry, who had been a doubt for this game after his affair was outed, duly obliged by heading home from a corner in the 82nd minute.
Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Cort, Carlisle, Kalvenes (Edgar 35), Elliott, Bikey, McDonald (Paterson 60), Eagles, Blake (Thompson 72), Fletcher. Subs Not Used: Weaver, Duff, Gudjonsson, Nimani N'galou. Booked: Bikey.
Goals: Fletcher 50.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole (Deco 76), Ballack, Zhirkov, Lampard, Joe Cole (Sturridge 72), Malouda, Anelka. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Matic, Borini.
Booked: Terry.
Goals: Anelka 27, Terry 82.
Att: 21,131
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
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Friday, January 29, 2010
Lil Wayne & Eminem To Film "Drop The World" Video During Grammy Weekend
Before Lil Wayne heads into the big house later next month, he’s squeezing out one more visual collaboration his fans have been waiting for: “Drop The World” featuring Eminem.
The two Grammy Award recipients will shoot a video for the single to be featured on Weezy’s rock-inspired project, "Rebirth," this weekend in Los Angeles. In-demand video director, Chris Robinson will take on directing duties.
Both Em and Wayne will be in town for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards which are set to take place on Sunday, January 31st. In addition to linking up for the filming of “Drop The World,” the pair will also be hitting music’s biggest stage with Drake and Travis Barker for a “Forever” Remix performance.
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Nelly Plans Male Version of "The View"
Nelly is teaming up with Jermaine Dupri and Trey Songz to reportedly work on a new television project that he has described as the male version of the popular daytime talk show, "The View."
Speaking to BV Buzz, Nelly says that project is currently under development.
“Not sure if you're familiar with the Ocean's 7 Crew,” Nelly said. “It’s me, Jermaine Dupri, Trey Songz, Johnta Austin, Brian Michael Cox and Tyrone “International” Davis. We're working on kind of like the male version of The View. We’re working on that.
“I'm starting to do more now, but I wanted to do stuff that made sense to me,” he continued. “I had a lot of offers and a lot of things that probably could’ve been cool, but I turned it down because I felt I wasn't ready yet. I never want to disrespect the culture and the thing that is acting, thinking just because I'm Nelly I'm going to transition and be good at it.”
This isn’t the first time Nelly has been working on a television series. Entertainment Weekly reported that the rapper was developing a variety series set in Las Vegas. He has not forgotten his music roots, however, as he is working with producer Jim Jonsin, Rico Love and Kelly Rowland on his next, as-yet-untitled album.
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U.S. suspends aid to Kenya education ministry, ambassador says
Ambassador Michael Ranneberger announced the U.S. has suspended a $7 million program for Kenya.
Nairobi, Kenya (CNN) -- America's top diplomat to Kenya has announced that the United States has suspended a $7 million "capacity building" program for the country's Ministry of Education, citing corruption.
"The United States shares the deep concern of Kenya's development partners and the Kenyan people regarding the continuous revelations of large-scale corruption," Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said in a speech to the American Chamber of Commerce in Nairobi, Kenya.
The announcement comes after allegations of major corruption in the country's much-praised free schooling campaign for primary education.
"Those culpable for the fraud should not merely be sacked, they should be prosecuted and put behind bars," said the U.S. ambassador.
The United States, Britain and other major donor governments have recently become increasingly vocal in their criticism of corruption and the slow pace of reform in Kenya.
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Rapper's Return
Soap Dogg ... how he might look with Lloyd
AMERICAN gangsta rapper Snoop Dogg wants to appear in CORONATION STREET.
The badboy - who has drug and firearms convictions - is desperate to be filmed at the Rovers Return.
Snoop, 38, said: "When I'm in Britain I love to eat Indian food and chill in my hotel room and watch Coronation Street.
"I've done guest roles in shows in the US. If Coronation Street want me to make a cameo then, cool, let's do it.
"Maybe I could just play myself doing a concert in Manchester and I could come into the pub for lunch."
The rapper, whose hits include Doggystyle, said people are "surprised" he is a fan of the soap and characters such as Lloyd Mullaney, played by Craig Charles.
But he added: "I've been to Manchester lots of times. I think Coronation Street is to Manchester what the Statue Of Liberty is to New York."
Snoop - real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus - is battling to be let back into Britain after being denied entry following a fracas at Heathrow in 2006.
The star - who has even asked Sir Paul McCartney for help - is waiting for the result of a hearing this week.
If he wins, Snoop will NOT be rushing over to watch EastEnders as well.
He said: "I'm not interested in that, Coronation Street is what it's all about."
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Your cap looks toilet,Vic
VICTORIA BECKHAM is a big fan of baseball caps, but there's something a bit toilet about this one.
Hat's not cool ... Victoria in not so Posh cap
Posh wore a hat featuring the universal sign for women's loos on a trip out with her kids.
Vic goes to great lengths to be as trendy as possible, even when she's nipping out on the school run to pick up BROOKLYN, ROMEO and CRUZ. But there's no sign of her flushing her career away.
She's just landed a big gig on US TV show The View - the American equivalent of Loose Women.
ABC have announced that the former SPICE GIRL will join the panel on February 17.
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Alex:Lay off Wenger jibes
ALEX FERGUSON has told Manchester United fans to stop their vile abuse of Arsene Wenger.
Fans verbally attack Wenger home and away and Ferguson wants the chants to stop, starting tomorrow at the Emirates.
Ferguson said: "There's been some terrible abuse from our fans to Arsene Wenger and there must be a line drawn. We have a team to support - we don't need to worry about anyone else."
It has been seven years since Wenger and United boss Fergie last went head-to-head for the title.
And Ferguson believes tomorrow's clash is the big one now that Wenger's side - unbeaten in 10 - are back in the title race.
Ferguson said: "Looking at the way the league is shaping up, this game with Arsenal is the biggest game of the season.
"These games with Arsenal are historic.
"Since I came down here, it's been Arsenal and United competing for most of the trophies."
Ferguson said Wenger was wrong to suggest that Darren Fletcher was a dirty player after United's 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
He said: "I think that's where Arsene lets himself down. It's disappointing.
"I don't think he really believes that."
Ferguson, meanwhile, will not make a further appeal after Rio Ferdinand's three-match ban for violent conduct was increased to four.
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Ava look at you, Kelis
Dodgy gear ... Kelis
KELIS manages to make LADY GAGA's wardrobe seem dull.
She looks cracking in this Avatar-inspired pink PVC get-up on a night out in Hollywood.
But her Statue Of Liberty-style crown, false eyelashes and nose-ring are a truly insane combination.
What's the point? ... Kelis
CAPITAL PICTURES
If every woman went out like this on a Friday night there would be chaos down the local boozer.
The singer has kept a low profile since becoming a mum and splitting from rapper hubby NAS last year.
But now she's back with a new deal with Polydor and she's been recording with LA ROUX.
Lash-tastic ... Kellis
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Fabregas signs for The Sun
CESC FABREGAS last night joined The Sun.
And the latest add
The Arsenal skipper and top scorer is raring to go in tomorrow's showdown against the Reds at the Emirates.
The Spanish midfielder, 22, admits United clashes overshadow all the
others - even the local derby with neighbours Tottenham.
Fabregas said: "Manchester United surpasses all the other matches for me.
"As a player it is the one game I really look forward to playing in every season.
"Chelsea is really good, Liverpool too and Tottenham is special, particularly for the fans who get really excited.
"But if you have to pick one game from 38 then playing against Man U is the game.
"For me it is definitely the most special game to play in the Premier League."
- To highlight the start of the Sun's Cesc Fabregas column in association with 888sport, we've got some great odds on Arsenal and Cesc this weekend. 888sport make Cesc Fabregas 10/1 to score the first goal - that's the biggest price anywhere - and he's just 11/4 to score at anytime, while he's 100/1 to get a hat trick! Or you might be interested in the 8/5 that Arsenal beat their old foes Man Utd! And don't forget we're giving Sun readers £50 worth of free bets too! Just click here to find out more details.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
White House Plans Civil Rights Concert
The White House will host a civil rights concert to celebrate Black History Month featuring such greats as Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Queen Latifah and Bob Dylan.
First Lady Michelle Obama
The concert, “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music From the Civil Rights Movement,” will be held on Feb. 11 in the State Dining Room, according to a news released issue by the White House.
The concert is the latest event in a music series started last year by First Lady Michelle Obama and will be broadcast on public television and streamed live online at whitehouse.gov.
Michelle Looks Berry Good
Love this chick.
The First Lady showed up in a raisin-colored 3/4-sleeve sweater dress with a high-waisted bubble skirt by Isaac Mizrahi.
Price Tag: $1850
Memo to the lady in lilac: This is how you do purple.
Mrs. O accessorized with a strand of pearls and an extra-sleek blowout.
The Verdict? Awesome all around. The dress, the hair, the skin.
And big-ups for not ruining it with a big belt, bow or brooch…
Kadi.
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Rihanna: "We Messed Up Their Show Pretty Bad Last Year"
The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards are set to go down this Sunday (Jan. 31), but unfortunately Rihanna will not be performing on music’s biggest stage.
Since Rihanna’s domestic feud with then boyfriend Chris Brown rocked last year's ceremony several hours before it commenced, RiRi has opted to not touch the stage in fear of her altercation with Brown overshadowing the festivities.
During an interview on Carson Daly’s Amp Radio show yesterday (Jan. 27), the pop starlet told Daly, “We messed their show up pretty bad last year. They might be a little mad at me.” Reps from Chris Brown’s label have yet to confirm if Breezy will attend the awards this Sunday.
All is not lost as Rihanna has secured two nods for the Best Rap/Sung Category and Best Rap Song from her appearance on Jay-Z’s “Run This Town” from his “Blueprint 3” opus.
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I'm not worried about Roo
I'M WORTH MY SOLT ... Campbell insists he can keep Roo under wraps
SOL CAMPBELL insists he will be fit and ready to lasso the Roo on Sunday.
Arsenal defender Campbell, 35, is facing his third game in a week - after one match in six months!
But he is up for the challenge against Wayne Rooney and his Manchester United team-mates.
Campbell said: "He's the talisman for United. He's always going to pop up, he's always dangerous.
"As a top striker, you have to watch him. In a flash, something can happen and they're in.
"It's a challenge. That's what it's all about. We're at the business end of the season. It's a big two weeks for the club. We have to get some points and go from there."
Campbell was supposed to be only an emergency addition to Arsene Wenger's squad, after walking out on Notts County back in September.
But he played 90 minutes in last Sunday's FA Cup defeat at Stoke and replaced injured Thomas Vermaelen in the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
Now the former England star is set for what could turn out to be a title decider between two of the giants of the Premier League.
Campbell added: "It is the media's job to build it up. We've really got to calm it down and focus on the game. It's massive, a great game to be involved in. I don't think it's going to determine the season but it's going some part towards it.
"United have been there before. They're a top side, they've top players. But so have we.
"I don't know if I will be needed on Sunday but I've been training for a long time. So if it comes to it, I'll have to be ready.
"It has been a strange old season but I'm knuckling down now. Everything else is in the past."
Arsenal have a make-or-break fortnight, which started with Villa and now takes in United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Campbell confessed: "Villa was unlucky for us but it's not over. United will drop points, Chelsea will drop points, everyone will drop points.
"It's going to come down to who gets the run going, gets wins, draws and just keeps on ticking along. It's all about grind really, you've just got to grind them out.
"Anyone can win the title, so we have to ensure we're focused on our game and getting points.
"You have to dig in, fight, play good football and believe in yourselves as a team."
Nicklas Bendtner is ready to establish himself as a Gunners regular in the side's next three key showdowns. The Denmark striker returned as a sub at Villa Park, after a three month groin surgery lay-off.
And with Eduardo out of the Emirates clash against United and Robin van Persie still sidelined with ankle trouble, Bendtner feels his time has come - especially with boss Wenger allegedly after a new forward.
Bendtner, 22, said: "I've only trained once with the team and played half an hour at Villa. But everything feels OK.
"Manchester United is the sort of big game you'd love to come back into. Is this a chance to become the No 1 striker? That is my plan. Is it achievable? Of course.
"Why am I so confident? Simple. I am a good player. I've always had that belief.
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We're not a one -man team
HEROO ... Wayne celebrates against City
MANCHESTER UNITED hero Wayne Rooney last night played down his mega goalscoring streak and insisted: 'We're not a one-man team.'
Rooney took his personal tally to 21 on Wednesday with the derby winner against Manchester City that booked a Carling Cup final date with Aston Villa at Wembley.
That followed all four United goals against Hull on Saturday.
But despite his fantastic efforts, the England hitman said: "Don't look on us as a one-man team or see it as a great burden on me, it's nonsense.
"If I don't get the service, I can't score. If I don't, I expect others to and we've done that well.
"We've shared the goals out well and it's certainly not just about me. We expect to win as a team, not as individuals."
READ THE FULL WAYNE ROONEY INTERVIEW HERE
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Posh;I 'll have the size(J-L)O
Two of a kind ... Jennifer
Lopez and Victoria Beckham
ONE is tall and very slender, the other is curvy with a world famous derriere.
But VICTORIA BECKHAM reckons she is the SAME size as JENNIFER LOPEZ.
The ex Spice Girl - who is thought to be a size zero - revealed: "My dresses are for women of all different shapes and sizes.
"Actually, the one I tried on yesterday was the one Jennifer wore.
"Who'd have thought I'd be the same size as Jennifer Lopez?"
Maybe Posh is getting confused with other US gals JENNIFER GARNER or JENNIFER ANISTON.
J-Lo told Elle back in 2007: "I couldn't ever be a size zero. I just don't see how I could get down to that size and still be healthy. It wouldn't work.
"I have a butt, I have boobs and I have a woman's curves; there is no way I'd see them go to zero.
"I hate to look in a magazine and see a picture of a girl who looks so thin she looks unhappy and as if she just needs someone to give her a good meal."
She added: "I eat meat, I eat carbs, I even eat McDonald's."
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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Sauti za Busara 2010
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