GREAT BRITAIN IS ON FIRE…..LITERALLY!
A wave of violence and looting raged across London and spread to three other major British cities on Tuesday, as authorities struggled to contain the country's worst unrest since race riots set the capital ablaze in the 1980s.
In London, groups of young people rampaged for a third straight night, setting buildings, vehicles and garbage dumps alight, looting stores and pelting police officers with bottles and fireworks. The spreading disorder was an unwelcome warning of the possibility of violence for leaders organizing the 2012 Summer Olympics in less than a year.
Police called in hundreds of reinforcements - and made a rare decision to deploy armored vehicles in some of the worst-hit districts - but still struggled to keep pace with the chaos unfolding at flashpoints across London, in the central city of Birmingham, the western city of Bristol and the northwestern city of Liverpool.
Authorities acknowledged that major new bouts of violence had badly stretching their resources.
"The violence we have seen is simply inexcusable. Ordinary people have had their lives turned upside down by this mindless thuggery," police commander Christine Jones said.
The riots appeared to have little unifying cause - though some involved claimed to oppose sharp government spending cuts, which will slash welfare payments and cut tens of thousands of public sector jobs through 2015.
Others appeared attracted simply by the opportunity for violence. "Come join the fun," shouted one youth, racing along a street in the east London suburb of Hackney, where shops were attacked and cars torched.
The crisis will be a major test of Prime Minister David Cameron's coalition government, which includes members who had long suspected its program of harsh budget restraints could provoke popular dissent. He reversed an earlier decision and cut short his summer vacation in Italy, rushing home for a meeting of the national crisis committee on Tuesday morning.
Cameron was expected to seek to toughen the response in meetings with ministers and police chiefs.
Rioters were left virtually unchallenged in several neighborhoods and able to plunder from stores at will or attempt to invade homes. Restaurants and stores fearful of looting closed early across London.
Disorder flared throughout the night, from gritty suburbs along the capital's fringes to central London's famously posh Notting Hill neighborhood. London's Ambulance Service said it had treated 16 patients, of whom 15 were hospitalized. Police said 334 people had been arrested and 69 people charged with offenses.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of a police officer left hospitalized after he was struck by a car in north London in the early hours of Tuesday.
After dawn, police said, the unrest appeared to calm, either quelled by police or after rioters drifted away.
Violence first broke out late Saturday in the low-income, multiethnic district of Tottenham in north London, where outraged protesters demonstrated against the fatal police shooting of Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old father of four who was gunned down in disputed circumstances Thursday.
A brief inquest hearing into Duggan's death will take Tuesday, though it will likely be several months before a full hearing is convened.
Duggan's death stirred old animosities and racial tensions similar to those that prompted massive riots in the 1980s, despite efforts by London police to build better relations with the city's ethnic communities after high-profile cases of racism in recent decades.
But, as the unrest spread, some pointed to rising social tensions in Britain as the government slashes 80 billion pounds ($130 billion) from public spending by 2015 to reduce the huge deficit, swollen after the country spent billions bailing out its foundering banks.
In the south London district of Croydon, police said a 26-year-old man was shot and seriously injured Monday but were unable to say immediately whether the incident was linked to rioting there.
A massive blaze ravaged a 100-year-old family run furniture store in Croydon and sent thick plumes of smoke into the air, forcing nearby homes to be evacuated. In the Clapham Junction area of south London, a mob stole masks from a party store to disguise their identities and then set the building on fire.
Sony Corp. said a major blaze had broken out at its distribution center near Enfield, north London, damaging stocks of DVDs and other products. So many fires were being fought in the capital that Thames Water, which supplies most of London, warned that some of its customers could see their water pressure drop.
Dozens of people attacked shops in Birmingham's main retail district, and clashed with police in Liverpool and Bristol.
In London's Hackney, hundreds of youths left a trail of burning trash and shattered glass. Looters ransacked a small convenience store, filling plastic shopping bags with alcohol, cigarettes, candy and toilet paper.
East London's diversity was on display amid the charred hulks of cars and the smell of burning plastic. Some looters were young women with manicured nails and customized BlackBerry smart phones. Others wore dreadlocks and stained shirts or appeared to be homeless.
"This is the uprising of the working class. We're redistributing the wealth," said Bryn Phillips, a 28-year-old self-described anarchist, as young people emerged from the store with chocolate bars and ice cream cones.
Phillips claimed rioters were motivated by distrust of the police, and drew a link between the rage on London's street and insurgent right-wing politics in the United States. "In America you have the tea party, in England you've got this," he said.
Some residents called for police to deploy water cannons to disperse rioters, or call on the military for support. They questioned the strength of leadership within London's police department - particularly after a wave of resignations prompted by the country's phone-hacking scandal.
The small groups of youths used text messages, instant messaging on BlackBerry phones and social media platforms such as Twitter to coordinate their attacks and stay ahead of the police.
Once the preserve of businesspeople, BlackBerry handsets are popular with teenagers, thanks to their free, fast instant messaging system. Blackberry's manufacturer, Research in Motion, said in a statement that it was assisting authorities in their investigation and "feel for those impacted by the riots in London."
Police were also monitoring Twitter, and warned that those who posted messages inciting the violence could face arrest.
About 100 young people clashed with police in the Camden and Chalk Farm areas of north London, smashing their way into a bicycle store and mobile phone shop.
In the Peckham district of south London, where a building was set ablaze along with a bus - which was not carrying passengers - onlookers said the scene resembled a conflict zone. Cars were torched in nearby Lewisham, and in west London's Ealing suburb the windows of each store along entire streets had been smashed.
"There's been tension for a long time. The kids aren't happy. They hate the police," said Matthew Yeoland, a 43-year-old teacher watching the unrest in Peckham. "It's like a war zone and the police weren't doing anything. There were too many people and not enough police."
Police said Duggan was shot dead last week when police from Operation Trident - the unit that investigates gun crime in the black community - stopped a cab he was riding in.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is investigating the shooting, said a "non-police firearm" was recovered at the scene, and media reports said a bullet had been found in an officer's radio. However, the Guardian newspaper reported that the bullet in the radio was police-issue, indicating Duggan may not have fired at the officer.
Duggan's partner, Semone Wilson, insisted Monday that her fiance was not connected to gang violence and urged police to offer more information about his death. But she rejected suggestions that the escalating riots were linked to protests over his death. "It got out of hand. It's not connected to this anymore. This is out of control," she said.
The past year has seen mass protests against the tripling of student tuition fees and cuts to public sector pensions. In November, December and March, small groups broke away from large marches in London to loot. In the most notorious episode, rioters attacked a Rolls-Royce carrying Prince Charles and his wife Camilla to a charity concert.
However, the full impact of spending cuts has yet to be felt and the unemployment rate is stable - although it remains highest among youth, especially in areas like Tottenham, Hackney and Croydon.
Some people caught up in the unrest insisted that joblessness was not to blame. "It's just an excuse for the young ones to come and rob shops," said Brixton resident Marilyn Moseley, 49.
Police urged communities to help clear the streets of people, and called on families to contact their children and ensure that they were not involved in the chaos. An 11-year-old boy was charged with burglary by police, and at least 100 of those arrested were aged 21 or younger. About 35 police officers had been injured in the violence, police said.
Home Secretary Theresa May, the Cabinet minister responsible for policing, and London Mayor Boris Johnson also cut short summer vacations in an attempt to deal with the crisis.
Police in Birmingham, 120 miles (195 kilometers) north of London, confirmed that officers had arrested 35 people amid disorder across the city center, where shops were being vandalized. In Bristol, police urged residents to avoid the city center after 150 rioters went on the rampage.
Tottenham was the site of the 1985 Broadwater Farm riots, a series of clashes that led to the fatal stabbing of a police officer and the wounding of nearly 60 others - and underscored tensions between London police and the capital's black community.
West Ham, a football team in east London, confirmed it had canceled a match planned for Tuesday as a precaution. However, the national Football Association insisted that a scheduled international friendly match between England and the Netherlands would go ahead at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.
The International Olympic Committee insisted it had confidence in British authorities. "Security at the Olympic Games is a top priority for the IOC," spokesman Mark Adams said.
"The Wire" Felicia "Snoop" Pearson Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Distribute Heroin
Damn son. A case of life imitating art gone wrong as HBO's "The Wire's" Felicia "Snoop" Pearson plead guilty today to conspiring to distribute heroin.
Like her hit TV series, the 31-year-old Pearson was caught by a wiretap in a joint federal-state drug probe of an alleged drug gang.
"Snoop" plead guilty a day before her trial was set to begin and Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill accepted the plea, suspending a seven-year sentence with credit for time served and ordering three years of supervised probation with provisions for out-of-state travel for work.
Pearson can now move on with her acting career.
According to The AP, Pearson was one of 64 people charged in March in "Operation Usual Suspects."
The federal indictment states that since 2008, members of the conspiracy bought heroin from New York and marijuana from California and sold the drugs on the streets of Baltimore. As part of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges, members discussed how those who failed to perform required tasks were dealt with violently.
Pearson was caught on a wiretap conspiring with Shawn Johnson and Jeff Gibbs, who bought heroin in bulk from New York and distributed the drugs in Baltimore, according to a statement of charges read aloud in court by prosecutor Rebecca Finn. Johnson paid Pearson to store drugs and money, including drug proceeds, at her apartment in the city, Finn said.
When another member of the alleged conspiracy was kidnapped by rival dealers, Johnson told him to go to Pearson's apartment to get money pay a ransom, Finn said. Police interrupted the abduction outside Pearson's apartment and found heroin in the abducted man's car, she said. Informants also told investigators that Pearson occasionally sold heroin for Johnson, Finn said.
Some of the people involved in the wider case helped take care of Pearson when she was a teen, but she has now "learned a valuable lesson about how some loyalties you keep and others drag you down," Sutley said.
Pearson said she knows everyone in Baltimore. Asked how she'll avoid falling into the same situation in the future, Pearson said, "I'm moving to L.A."
Jurnee and Solange to Star in ‘Blondie’ – the Florence Ballard Story
*Last year there were talks about a project recounting the life of singer Florence Ballard in a film called “Blondie.”
It was rumored that Faith Evans would play Ballard and Taraji P. Henson would play the role of Diana Ross, but it looks like they are both out of the picture.
According to reports, “Blondie” will be directed by Todd Turner and the film is currently in production. Also, there’s word that Jurnee Smollet and Solange Knowles will play the roles of Florence Ballard and Diana Ross.
The story is about when “The Supremes were the most successful female vocal group in history. Only Florence Ballard, the spunky teenager who founded the group, has remained silent. Until now.”
More information to come.
Venus & Serena Williams At The Roger's Cup
Venus and Serena Williams spoke on a panel for the Roger's Cup official draw at the Rexall Centre in Toronto.
Venus Williams will start her Toronto journey against 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic.
Meanwhile, Serena opens against Alona Bondarenko. Good luck ladies.
Does Dennis Rodman's Milkshake bring whatever to the yard?
NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman rocked an interesting jacket and scarf while at Millions of Milkshakes in Culver City, CA. Dennis and these loud ass colors and prints...
The former NBA champ was on hand to debut his Gtox Milkshake, which uses the GTOX ingredient and is supposed to be a "hangover killer."
And while there, the eccentric former baller signed a few autographs. Some things never change...
Halle Berry & Olivier Martinez's Nobu Dinner Date
Stepping out for a Sunday evening dinner date, Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez were spotted out at Nobu restaurant in Malibu, CA.
The “Dark Tide” co-stars/real life lovers looked happily in love as they walked along hand-in-hand, paying little attention to the on-hand photogs.
As previously reported by Gossip Center, Ms Berry must be feeling a bit safer these days as the restraining order she against stalker, Richard Franco, has been extended.
The order states that Franco is not allowed to go within 100 yards of Berry and her daughter Nahla for the next 3 years.
‘The Yolanda Adams Fashion Collection’ is now Ready
*Gospel and sometimes R&B singer Yolanda Adams is not standing still on the business side.
In addition to also being a host of her a national morning radio show, Adams has expanded her business ventures with the launch of new clothing line, “The Yolanda Adams Collection.”
“This line can go anywhere,” she said. “It can go to church, it can go to brunch, it can go to the boardroom, so there are many places you can take this line.”
And being a statuesque woman it was important for Adams’ collection to offer a range of sizes, colors and alteration.
“No matter what happens, if you go up or if you go down, we are able to make those alterations for you absolutely free when you purchase the line,” said Adams.
If you’re wondering where you can find it, the collection will be available to consumers through personal shopping experiences at private trunk shows and online at http://yolandaadamscollection.com/
Christina Milian & Cassie Hit Spain For Vacation
R&B songstresses Christina Milian & Cassie were spotted vacationing on the beaches of Ibiza, Spain in the western Mediterranean with their unnamed homegirl.
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that they were the dopest chicks in town.
Smiles and good times all around.
Cassie released her first album 5 years ago this week. We’re still waiting for the next one.
WHERE’S THAT NEW ALBUM CASSIE!? THEN AGAIN NON SINGING ASS..NEVERMIND
The Adventures of Kelly and her Nip Slip!
Now she's the face of a family entertainment show, Kelly Rowland should be spouting off good advice about 'how to follow your dreams'.
Instead, the former Destiny's Child singer had a very provocative wardrobe malfunction during a performance at 4sixty6 Lounge in West Orange, NJ.
During the gig, Kelly's already-risquƩ outfit seemed to ride up her body as she waved her arms in the air, and she ended up exposing her nipples.
The X Factor judge wore a pair of flattering black trousers that billowed around her and made her legs appear incredibly long.
She teamed them with a bondage style 'top', which was merely a black satin bra with a studded barely-there bodice around it.
Considering the nature of the costume before the fashion mishap and Kelly's penchant for stripping, it wouldn't come as too much of a surprise to discover she had planned the whole thing as a gimmick.
Following the show, she joked on Twitter: 'New Jersey crowd was amazing!! hope you enjoyed the show and didnt mind the peekaboo LOL!!! #kanyeshrug #stuffhappens'
Just last month, the 30-year-old stripped off for VIBE magazine, claiming she is 'so comfortable' in her own skin.
Classy: Kelly looking more demure in her official X Factor promo
She said: 'I just wanted it to be skin, I'm so comfortable in my skin. As a woman, sometimes that takes so long to get to.
'I'm not trying to sell sex. I'm just completely being myself.
'I don't let nobody dictate who I am. I did it that way for too long that I don't care about those people no more. I really don't.'
Janet Jackson infamously displayed her breast during the 'nipplegate' scandal following a performance at the Super Bowl in 2004.
The All For You singer took to the stage for a duet with Justin Timberlake and as he sang the lyric 'gonna have you naked by the end of this song' from his single Rock Your Body, he tore open her top.
They both protested innocence and were forced to apologise for the incident, with Jackson saying it was 'an accident'.
Nicki Minaj had a similar scandal last Friday, popping out of her top during a performance on Good Morning America
Romeo Partying In The ATL With Chicks Galore
Romeo Miller is turning 22 on August 9th and he had a pre-birthday celebration in Atlanta over the weekend with Vivica A. Fox's man Slimm. See the pics inside....
Former "DWTS" contestant Romeo Miller was spotted at club Primal in Atlanta over the weekend.
Romeo chilled with Vivica A. Fox's boo Slimm during the party.
Although he was surrounded by women all night, Romeo recently told KRAZE Magazine, "I'm one of those people, I really feel that you can't go lookin' for love, love will come to you. I'm single, I'm mingling."
Do you Baby Boyee
Black Media Critic Prefers MSNBC Hire a Journalist, Not Sharpton
Sharpton also cancelled appearance at National Assn. of Black Journalists/NABJ convention
*The controversy surrounding Rev Al Sharpton possibly being hired by MSNBC over an actual journalist of color, to anchor the networks 6pm nightly newscast, continues.
On his Sunday morning CNN program, “Reliable Source,” host Howard Kurtz spoke with the St. Petersburg Times media critic Eric Deggans to get his thoughts on the subject.
Kurtz and Deggans shared some worries with one another regarding whether or not Sharpton was the person most deserving of getting
Kurtz made this observation about Sharpton:
“He would be the first African American with a nightly show on cable news in years and yet he’s not a journalist, he’s obviously a liberal activist and former candidate.”
Deggans agreed. Watch their exchange via Mediaite:
In other Sharpton news, according to Journal-isms, he canceled a Thursday appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Philadelphia because of comments by NABJ members questioning MSNBC’s reported choice of the activist to host a 6 p.m. show on the network, according to NABJ.
Roland Martin, the NABJ secretary, CNN, TV One and “Tom Joyner Morning Show” commentator, told attendees that he and NABJ President Kathy Y. Times told Sharpton that the comments, published in Journal-isms, represented the views of two members, not the entire NABJ membership of 3,400.
“Rev. Sharpton took offense to the story that was written and thought that was the position of NABJ,” Martin said. Despite their explanations to the contrary, “he was still upset by that and felt that by coming here and being a part, that would be the story,” Martin said.
Read/learn more at Journal-isms: READ MORE HERE AT journal-isms
SHAQ AND HOOPS GIVE ONE BIG OLE’ KISSY POO IN THE SMACKER!
One is 7ft 1in, while the other is just 5ft 2in, but Shaquille O’Neal and Nicole ‘Hoopz’ Alexander isn't letting that get in the way of their love for each other.
The couple stepped out together for a shopping trip in Calabasas, California, and despite the massive height difference, the pair were still able to hold hands as they strolled down the street.
Although a kiss was a bit tricky to manoeuvre, the former NBA basketball star tried his best by picking up Nicole and giving her a big hug in a store doorway.
Now isn’t that sweet!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“Back In Black”
Wouldn’t you shit yourself if you followed her into the parking lot as she got into her brand new Cadillac Escalade all murdered out? I wish I could make that happen…
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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