The Daily Buzz for July 20

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Erika Alexander Co-Writes Graphic with Black Heroine

Best known for her memorable role as Maxine Shaw on the sitcom “Living Single” Erika Alexander’s latest endeavor isn’t a TV or film role, but instead a graphic novel series. Developed with her screenwriter husband, Tony Puryear, and her brother Robert Alexander, Concrete Park is set in the a dangerous near-future where gangs threaten to destroy humanity. The main characters are women of color: Luca, a gang leader, and Lena, her lesbian lover. The novels feature a multicultural cast of characters struggling to survive in an increasingly depraved world.

Alexander and her husband recently appeared at San Diego Comic-Con, the popular gaming and pop culture conference, to promote Concrete Park. The pair also recently appeared on the comedy podcast Straight Riffin’.

Alexander is just one Hollywood actress of color to venture in the comic book world. Rosario Dawson developed a four-issue series called O.C.T.: Occult Crimes Task Force, which is currently being developed for television. Rashida Jones developed her own graphic novel series called Frenemy of the State in 2009, which was optioned for the big screen by Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment. 
Are you a comic book enthusiast? Have you read Dawson’s or Jones’ series? Will you give Concrete Park a try?

San Diego Magazine Publishes Racially Offensive Cover

Rarely do magazine and website writers have much control over the art that accompanies their articles. But usually, the relationship between writer and editor or art director is such that an inherent trust of the latter’s final decision is warranted. A good editor ensures that the image and headline serve the copy.
If Elizabeth Salaam, writer for the San Diego Reader, had such trust when she penned the most recent issue’s cover story, it was misplaced. The editorial staff for the local periodical took her article about finding social and educational spaces near her community, where her children would be able to see people of color, and inexplicably titled it, “Afro Puffs.” They chose to run a photograph of a toddler pulling her natural hair.

But most jarringly, they chose to run the following copy along with that image and headline:

The white girls like

the black guys,

and the Mexican girls

like the black guys,

and the Filipino girls

like the black guys,

and the black guys

like them, too.

But no one likes the black girls.

Huh? Though the article does open with the author referencing her daughter’s natural hair and her worry that someday soon her daughter may begin to wish her hair looked more like the straight, blonde hair of other women in her community, the article isn’t about hair at all. It’s about cultural identity, assimilation, and reinforcing positive self-image. Titling the essay “Afro Puffs” deliberately obscures those themes.

But the weak article title isn’t the real head scratcher here. The pull quote that accompanies the picture of a cherubic little black girl on the cover is the stranger choice. The quote is presented without context: It’s an observation the writer’s son makes about what he perceives to be the social dynamics at the middle school he attends. On the deceptive cover, it appears that the article will be about why “no one” (In San Diego? In America? In the world?!) likes black girls — and how their disdain is linked to their hair.

The image and article were posted online on July 11, and commenters have been similarly confused and offended by the cover copy. Others have taken issue with the content of the article itself; though it is quite long, it’s more diaristic than journalistic, and for the issues the author wants to engage, she’d need more than her children’s and friends’ opinions and experiences to speak to issues of cultural or racial stratification in San Diego. Though the editor absolutely chose the wrong quote to publish on the cover, Salaam did offer it, as one of a few anecdotes about her son’s experiences with finding a barber, fitting in at school, and worrying about becoming “bourgie.”

If she’d known it would be used next to a picture of a little black girl tugging her hair straighter, it’s a safe bet she would’ve edited it out. Here’s The article if you care to read

Caught on camera: Seven Year Old Autistic girl saved from falling off an air-conditioning Unit outside her HOME!

A seven-year-old Brooklyn girl is safe thanks to a fast-acting neighbor who came to her rescue.
Keyla McCree crawled out of her window and was dancing and singing on top of an air conditioner before she tripped and fell from the ledge of the Coney Island Houses building.

MTA bus driver Steve St Bernard, 52, was waiting below with his arms outstretched and managed to catch the girl and save her life.
Scroll down for video
Safe: A seven-year-old Brooklyn girl is safe thanks to the fast-acting neighbor who came to her rescue
'I just prayed that I’d catch her,' said St Bernard to the New York Daily News. I was right underneath her.'
Witnesses told police that the autistic girl had pushed aside the accordion closure that held the air conditioning unit in her apartment.

She crawled out through the empty space around 2pm, astonishing onlookers with a song and dance routine three-stories high.

In a video of the daredevil girl, you can see her standing on one leg and moving about on the ledge with dozens of people gathered below her.
St Bernard, who just got off work, heard cries of concern and rushed to the scene.
'There were all these kids yelling,"the little girl, the little girl,"' said St Bernard.
'I saw a little girl standing on the air conditioner. I said, "Let me get over to her in time. and I made it just in time."'
In the minute long video, St Bernard positions himself under the girl, trying to find the right spot in case she fell.

'I went over there to make sure if she fell I could catch her,' St Bernard said. 'I’m not a hero — anybody would have done it. I did it out of normal instincts.'
The father of four said that one of his own children is about her age.
'I ran inside and called 911, but by the time I hung up she had fell,' said neighbor Latasha Marcus to CBS.
WATCH:

The girl fell right into his arms.
'I’m not a hero — anybody would have done it.'
Steve St Bernard
'She’s fine,' said the girl’s mother, Saleema McCree, to the New York Post. 'Not a scratch on her. The man caught her, thank God. It’s a miracle.'

Both were taken to Coney Island Hospital, where St Bernard was treated for a torn tendon in his left bicep.
Both the NYPD and the Housing Department investigated the issue to make sure the girl is being properly cared for.
New York City requires all apartments with young children to have a window guard installed, except when there is an air conditioning unit securely placed in the window.
The barriers must not leave an opening greater than 41/2 inches in homes with children under 10.
Mrs McCree said that she had just bought the air conditioner and installed it on Sunday. She had put Keyla down for a nap and was watching her other child when the incident happened.
'I heard somebody banging on the door, stating that my daughter was outside on the air conditioner, but I had no idea what was going on because I had my son,' she told CBS.

She said the air conditioner's accordion panels were supposed to be secure, but the machine she purchased was damaged and dangerous.

'They sold me a defective air conditioner,' the mother said. She removed the device after the incident. Authorities said that no charges will be pressed against Mrs McCree.

Dwight Howard allegedly DM’s fan on Twitter saying he can barely run and Magic don’t care about him

Dwight Howard is a first class idiot… Sorry, those are my feelings. I’m sure he’s probably a really nice guy that’s just making a lot of bad business decisions. Don’t get me wrong, I feel the Magic are equally to blame because there’s no reason why this scenario should’ve dragged out for as long as it has. It damages their credibility as a franchise and it hurts the current players on the roster.

The latest incident, a Twitter fan has released allegeded DM’s Dwight allegedly sent him where he shed some light on what was happening between he and the Magic franchise.

In the DMs Dwight reveals that the Magic “Does not care about him” and “does this to all of their superstars.”
He also says that he can “barely run” and that the Magic have yet to speak with his doctor.

Yup, that’s the news that you want leaked as you attempt to work on a trade where you’ll get some sort of value. The Magic should’ve pulled the trigger during the season.

As for Dwight, come on… I wonder if he’s going to use the “I was hacked” excuse. At the time of these DM’s Dwight was following this fan, I checked. ::giggle:: According to @MagicMarquee, he tweeted to Dwight “They really don’t believe you” and Dwight responded via DM. Howard hasn’t publicly tweeted since April 20th. You can’t put comments like that in writing given your particular set of circumstances.

Dallas Cowboy Dez Bryant was ARRESTED for hitting his mother in the face....

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant allegedly hit his mother in the face with his baseball cap ... and grabbed her by the shirt so hard that he ripped her bra ... this according to arrest documents obtained by TMZ.
The docs say ... cops were dispatched to Bryant's mother's home in DeSoto, Texas on July 14 at 1:47 PM after receiving a 911 call reporting an assault -- family violence.
Once cops arrived to the scene, Dez's mom Angela told cops she had gotten into an argument with Dez and demanded that he leave the home ... and that's when Dez got physical.
On the 911 call, Angela says, "My son has assaulted me. He's here now. he won't go home. I keep telling him to go, he won't go." You can clearly hear an argument in the background as Angela says, "I can't let him keep doing me like this. I'm gonna put an end to it today.

Dez Bryant’s Mom is openyl Gay and as she has always supported him. However, He's against her lifestyle. Some son he is DUMB ASS!

This isn't his first of off-season troubles. Last year, he was sued for not paying $800,000 worth of bills. Was his five year $12.05 million, $8.4 million guaranteed contract not enough?

Rosci denies that her and Eddie are together!

Rocsi Diaz finds creative ways to deny her relationship with Eddie Murphy...
In a recent interview with the New York Post Rocsi Diaz says she's never been on a beach with Eddie Murphy and continues to insist they're just friends.

Technically Rocsi is telling the truth about the beach, she and Eddie were never spotted on the beach together.
They were however, spotted hugged up on the hotel balcony overlooking the beach.
You just have to ask the right questions.

Check Out The Mug Shot of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Cast Member “Mimi Faust”

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta star Mimi Faust, Stevie J’s humble baby momma can and will get it poppin when she feels it necessary and she has a mugshot to prove it.

Mimi apparently got it popping back in February of 2009 and was arrested for Battery. Well has you can see she has a bandaged plastered across her forehead it appears she may have bit off more than she could chew.

This BUTCH QUEEN Is still whinning!

Raz B Shuts Down Latest Spate of Rumors. This week rumors spread that Raz B slit his wrist over a broken heart and tried to cover it up by claiming he fell through a glass window

Raz blames the rumors on people inside his own camp who don't want to see him shine...Will this damn child just go somewhere and have a SEAT!

Basketball Wives of LA’s Jackie Christie Gives A Body Shot, Denies Being Fired from Reality Show

Reality star Jackie Christie, of VH1′s “Basketball Wives LA”, is putting you young hoes to shame. Jackie (who is married to ex-NBA baller, Doug Christie) shared a photo of herself, showing off her new figure. Baring a turquoise bikini, heels and shades, Jackie proudly posed for the photo above. She explained on twitter, how she’s obtained her new girlish figure:

its been a few months & im still working, i eat better, drink lots of water & work with my trainer. Translation I hada fierce tummy tuck by Dr Schiffman.

Get ‘em boo. And in other news, last week we heard (c/o Freddy-O), a pesky little rumor about Jackie. Reportedly, none of the other cast members are interested in filming with her, because of her overly dramatic behavior from last season. We also hear that she’s been kicked off the show, which Jackie says is completely falsetto. On twitter, she wrote:

Hey Twit Fam been hearing from lots of ya’ll that i’m not coming back to BBWLA Cali Girls do it! & i’M There all DAY Babe! xo
I guess we’ll just hafta tune in…which is probably why this buzz has begun already.

Woman Says Zimmerman was a ‘Proud Racist’; Molested Her

A woman with close ties to George Zimmerman and his family told investigators that members of Zimmerman’s family were boastfully proud racists and that for more than a decade Zimmerman sexually molested her, reports the Huffington Post.

“It started when I was six,” the woman told investigators during an interview on the morning of March 20. “We’d all lay in front of the TV and we had pillows and blankets and he would reach under the blankets and try to do things and I would try to push him off but he was bigger and stronger and older,” the woman said, audibly weeping in the Florida State Attorney’s Office interview recording released Monday. “It was in front of everybody and I don’t know how I didn’t say anything, I just didn’t know any better.”

The woman, identified in various reports and in taped interviews with investigators as witness 9, said that from the age of six to 19 Zimmerman repeatedly fondled her, at times penetrating her vagina with his finger.

The woman told investigators that she was coming forward when she did because she thought that Zimmerman might have shot and killed Trayvon Martin because he was black, and that she finally felt safe enough to make a report when Zimmerman had gone into hiding after the shooting.
“This is the first time in my life that I’m not afraid of him,” the woman said. “[H]e can’t get to me. If I saw him on the street or saw him anywhere it would just make me break down in tears, but now with everything going on I know that he’s not going to be out in public. I won’t go to Target and see him anymore. I’m not afraid of him anymore.”
The molestation continued for years during visits between the families, she said. The Zimmermans lived in Virginia and moved down to Florida — where the woman lived with her family — not long after George Zimmerman graduated from high school. The last incident occurred in Lake Mary, Fla., where Zimmerman had moved into a house owned by his family ahead of their arrival from Virginia.

“It’s not just me that he did these things to,” she said. The witness said that she talked to another woman who she claims was also molested by Zimmerman, but would not come forward.

The woman’s statements are part of the latest trove of evidence released by the State Attorney’s Office, which is handling Zimmerman’s second-degree murder case. Zimmerman is charged with Martin’s February 26 killing in Sanford, Fla. Other evidence released Monday includes nearly 150 jailhouse calls made to and from George Zimmerman.
Zimmerman’s defense attorney, Mark O’Mara, has argued that witness 9’s statements should not be released and that because her testimony would not be introduced at trial, it was irrelevant. Some of the racial implications made by the witness, he said, could likely cause “widespread hostile publicity.”

But Seminole County Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. issued an order in late June outlining which records prosecutors must release, and named witness 9’s statements.
Witness 9 first made an anonymous call to law enforcement and shortly thereafter met with investigators with the State Attorney’s Office. The revelations of alleged sexual molestation were buttressed by the woman’s belief that Martin’s race may have played a role in his killing by Zimmerman.
“I was afraid that he may have done something because the kid was black,” the witness told investigators. “Because growing up they’ve always made, him and his family have always made statements that they don’t like black people if they don’t act like white people. They like black people if they act white and other than that, they talk a lot of bad things about black people.”

The woman said that Zimmerman’s Peruvian mother was among the more boastfully racist of the clan.
“His mother protested it very loud,” the woman said. During one incident, the woman said that Zimmerman’s mother had come to the witness’s workplace, and during a discussion about President Obama, made it clear how she felt about him and his ethnicity.

“I don’t like Obama,” the woman claimed Zimmerman’s mother stated. “She said, ‘because he is black and I am a racist.’”
“I have a black girl that works right behind me and I’m like, what, are you just, let’s go, and I kind of just swept her in the back,” the woman recalled. “I can’t believe that she stood there so loud and proud and said that she was a racist.”
The woman’s interview is the second testimony in the past week in which people familiar with Zimmerman’s family have intimated that the group harbored negative racial views.

Last week, in another release of evidence which included dozens of interviews conducted by the FBI during its investigation into whether or not racial bias might have played a role in Martin’s killing, an ex-fiancé of Geroge Zimmerman’s said that Zimmerman’s mother resented her because she wasn’t white.
The woman, who described herself as being of Puerto Rican and Argentinean descent, said that Zimmerman’s mother would talk openly about her racial views.
Zimmerman’s mother would often talk about “marrying into white families in order to improve one’s status,” she said.
Witness 9 said that her family and the Zimmermans were close and that they would take family trips together and would visit each other’s home at least once a year.
On one occasion, when she was about 12 years old and Zimmmerman a few years older, she said that Zimmerman made her look at and rub on his penis not long after he’d had some sort of surgery on it.
Other times she said that he would take her behind the window curtains in the living room and kiss and fondle her.

Before each encounter he would give her a look, she said.
“Every time that we would go up there I could just look at him and he would give me a certain look and I would know if it was going to happen,” the woman told investigators. “He just got this look in his eye …”
After each encounter the woman said that Zimmerman would tell her not to tell anyone, to say that the two were just playing or laying down if anyone got suspicious or asked.
“I was a kid, I didn’t know any better,” the woman said. The last encounter happened when the woman was 19, she said. By then Zimmerman had moved to Florida, not long before his parents followed. That time, Zimmerman demanded that she lay down on the bed to receive a massage. Fearful, she said she did, but when he bent close to kiss the side of her face, his erect penis pressed up against her. At that moment she decided to run, she said. Zimmerman chased her to the front door.

“I was scared of what else was going to happen,” she said.
“With him, he like, he was a different person to me. He was very intimidating and the fact that he made everyone love him and made everyone laugh and be so happy around him, I knew if I said anything he would just deny it,” she said.

Meanwhile, George Zimmerman remains out of the public eye and in a safehouse after his release from the Seminole County Jail on July 6 on $1 million bond.

"Love & Hip Hop" Star Yandy Smith Welcomes Brand New Baby Boy!

Congrats are in order for "Love & Hip Hop" star Yandy Smith! She and her man Mandeecees just welcomed their new baby boy into the world on Monday.
Yandy's co-star Olivia tweeted her congratulations saying, "Everybody go congratulate my stinker @yandysmith."

While her bestie & co-star Kimbella tweeted: Long day.. Or journey I should say! Congrats to my Pud @yandysmith on her beautiful baby boy..She's a trooper for delivering such a blessing
And the new mom poured out her words of love on Twitter saying:

Aww.
This also means her "LAHH" co-star Kimbella should be popping soon as well.

Congrats to Yandy on her first bundle of joy!

Eddie Griffin Blasts TMZ in Homophobic Rant

Comedian Eddie Griffin was featured on TMZ after he returned fire on a woman who took offense to Eddie's humor and tossed a drink in his face.
Welp, Eddie says TMZ got it all wrong and they better watch their mouths...

Eddie writes on his Facebook Page

These TMZ bitches said I assaulted a "WOMAN" at my show in cali. I don't know what kind of eyes these mutha fuckas got but that dyke bitch threw a glass of whatever she was drinkin' in my face. All over a joke about dyke bitches! Now TMZ be careful with your choice of words, I didn't ASSAULT a goddamn thing! if I had a nigga would be locked the fuck up. As usual, media doing sensationalism instead of journalism. Ya'll better retract your story before i sue ya'll bitch asses for defirmation of character!…or…rather what you really do…character assassination!!! You parasitic mutha Fuckas!!!..TMZ these nuts bitch!!!
Check the footage from the skirmish below.

Some people just don’t get it…huh?

Drake spends $7.7million on luxurious Los Angeles mansion

It seems Drake is enjoying the fruits of being Successful.
For the hitmaker has just splashed out a whopping $7.7m on a luxurious mansion in Los Angeles.
And it seems he is intent on living somewhere with plenty of privacy, as the property sits in the Hidden Hills locale.
A bargain at double the price: Drake has just splashed out $7.7m on a Los Angeles home that was originally on the market for 27m in 2009
And it seems partying was the main thing on the 25-year-old rapper's mind when he splashed out on the property, as it boasts a mechanical bull, fake lagoons, cave and 80-foot waterside.
He will no doubt enjoy showing his rumoured girlfriend Rihanna a good time by inviting her to his flash new residence.

Drake also seems to have managed to pull of a canny piece of business, taking advantage of the current malaise in the property markets.
For while $7.7m is nothing to be sniffed at, the sprawling property was initially on the market for an eye-watering $27million in 2009.

And the facilities at his new abode certainly offer the potential for epic parties to rival any those of any of his hip-hop forbears.
For as well as the fake lagoons and gigantic waterslide, it also boasts a hidden cave, stables, equestrian ring, and sand volleyball court.
The fact it also has a tennis court is a particular boon, as the singer dated Wimbledon champion for three years, so will surely be a dab hand at a spot of mixed doubles.

It appears Drake may also be a cowboy at heart, as he has also acquired a mechanical bull with viewing area.

Inside there is also a 24-seat theater, where he can entertain his guests by putting on old episodes of his hit Canadian television show Degrassi: The Next Generation.

He is also sure to spend plenty of time working on his arcade skills in the well equipped game room.
And it appears it is a hard life being a performer and record producers, as the property also comes with a spa and massage room. He will be sure to take advantage of the mansion's gigantic master suite, which comes complete with his and hers bathrooms.
He will even be able to exchange sweet nothings while sipping on vintage plonk, as it also has a medieval-style wine cellar and tasting room.

Quentin Richardson marries Miya Manuel in Newport Beach

There were a lot of jock weddings that took place over the weekend. Orlando Magic forward Quentin Richardson married Miya Manuel in Newport Beach, Ca. on Sunday. The ceremony was attended by Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Shawn Marion, Dorell Wright, Trevor Ariza and of course, other friends and family.

Richardson’s name has been mentioned in a few of the rumored trade scenarios involving Dwight Howard. Maybe by the time he comes back from his honeymoon, all of this will be over… Yeah, RIGHT!

Diddy Wants Everyone To Know That He "Loves PU**Y"

Diddy was on his flashy ish this weekend in Las Vegas. Dude just posted a pic flashing his fat pinky ring, diamond watch & hlding a handful of lady parts.

So while chillin' poolside with some female company (we know Cassie is in Vegas as well but we can't confirm it's her in the pic), Diddy decided to snap the above pic with his hand between a woman's leg. And said: "I love pussy."..YEAH GURL!
Well after your 5 kids (not counting Quincy) and 3 baby mamas….Not really!

But we figure this litle shenanigan was all an ode to his Bad Boy artist French Montana's new video "Pop That." Which is, of course, a throwback to Luke's oh so classy "Pop That Pu**y" song and vid:

LOL!

Did Wet Seal Fire Employees Because They Were Black?

How does Wet Seal Inc. plan to strengthen its brand image? Boston.com reports some former employees believe it’s doing so by ridding itself of its African American employees in management. Three former employees of Wet Seal are filing a federal racial discrimination lawsuit against the clothing store, claiming they were fired because they didn’t fit Wet Seal’s “brand image.”
The three plaintiffs, Nicole Cogdell, Kai Hawkins and Myriam Saint-Hilaire all reside in Delaware County, PA. While Cogdell and Hawkins held store manager positions, Saint-Hilaire was an assistant store manager.

The three claim they were fired for bogus reasons with the clear basic underlying message that it was because they were black.
‘‘They perceived that they would reach white markets better if they had more white managers,’’ Brad Seligman, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said in an interview. ‘‘You have explicit directions from the very top of the company to terminate African-American managers.’’
The three assert that Wet Seal Inc. began the discriminatory practices against African American employees in both Wet Seal and Arden B in 2008. The say that the top executives were directly responsible for targeting African American employees for termination as well as denying them pay and promotion.

The plaintiffs hope to be rehired and paid for pay lost, benefits, compensatory and punitive damages. In response to the allegations, Wet Seal maintains that it is a model of diversity and is prepared to defend its image.

Lady Gaga Debuts Nude 'Fame' Ad Campaign

After announcing the release of her new fragrance, Lady Gaga debuted the ad campaign for Fame
The 26-year-old superstar tweeted the photo, which displays her naked-self with tiny men crawling all over her body with the caption, “Photo by STEVEN KLEIN. The First Ever Black Eau de Parfum. Model: Lady Gaga.”

The “Bad Romance” performer also shared, “i won't lie I'm a bit nervous. its been a while since i've shared some work with you. But i'm so proud of Steven+I, we really did not sleep!” right before she released the advertisement. Miss Gaga explained that the concept of the scent is quite simple stating, “Fame is an illusion- if you really want it, anyone can have it

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“Ms. Forgetful”

Okay, either that is the most ineffective dress ever or you forgot pants. Seriously though, how does this happen? I don’t leave my house if my socks aren’t long enough, but you managed to completely ignore your granny pantie patooty! Unreal.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!

EFREM