First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden were on hand at Sunday’s NASCAR season finale in Miami, where the served as grand marshals of the Sprint Cup Finale in support of their Joining Forces Initiative.
NASCAR fans booed the two as their names were announced just before they gave the “Gentleman, start your engines” command along with retired Army Sgt. Andrew Barry and his family. Mrs. Obama’s communications director, Kristina Schake, issued the following statement, choosing to focus on the positivity of the event: Continue
Pallbearers helped carry the casket of rapper Dwight “Heavy D” Myers at his funeral service at Grace Baptist Church on Friday (November 18) in Mount Vernon, New York. The 44 year died unexpectedly on November 8th in Los Angeles.
President Obama wrote a letter of encouragement to the family and friends of the late rapper, which was read aloud by Rev. Al Sharpton:
“We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.” [Source]
A few of his celebrity friends (including Diddy, Will Smith and Mary J. Blige) were there to pay their respects. Heavy D is survived by his 11-year-old daughter, Xea Myers, who briefly spoke, saying that her father is “still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit.” Check out more photos below. Rest in Peace Heavy D.
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Posted in CL Galleries, NEWS/STORIES
Tagged chris rock, DIDDY, flavor flav, heavy d, jada pinkett-smith, jay-z, john legend, queen latifah, russell simmons, usher, will smith
On Wed. Nov. 16, a House Judiciary Committee hearing began on the Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R.3261), which many claim would lead to internet censorship.
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), who introduced the bill and chairs the House Judiciary Committee, says it will help “stop the flow of revenue to rogue websites and ensures that the profits from American innovations go to American innovators”. However, the tech freedom organization Fight for the Future (and tech companies such as Google, Yahoo!, Facebook and more) claim the bill would “stifle free speech and innovation” and have launched a campaign to spread the word and ask Congress to oppose it.
The House Judiciary Committee could vote on H.R.3261 soon, but the Senate Judiciary Committee has already approved its piracy bill, the Protect IP Act. It has been placed on hold, however. Check out the video above and visit fightforthefuture.org/pipa for more information.
