The Daily Buzz For Jan 3

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Sessilee Lopez is RED HOT For "Dress To Kill" Magazine's LOVE Issue

Sessilee Lopez is already "dressed to kill" for Valentine's Day donning a few sexy pieces and ruby red lips for the "love" issue of online fashion magazine, Dress To Kill.  And chick looks irritatingly gorgeous.

Outside of modeling, 23-year-old Sessilee's proving she more that just a pretty face on her popular food blog The Best by Sess where she recreates recipes she's discovered during her travels around the world. 

We wonder who she's going to be cooking for on V Day?

Azealia Banks: “Rapping Isn’t Lady Like / I Don’t Want To Do It Anymore”

She may has risen to fame little more than a year ago, but Rapper Azealia Banks has revealed her plans to retire from….Rap????????

You read that right.

In a recent interview with ‘HYPERTRAK TV’,  the ‘Runnin’ belle has opened up on why she feels the craft isn’t lady like, her thoughts on today’s batch of male MC’s and her distrust of the fashion industry- which she has billed ‘fickle’.

Watch below…

Sometimes its better to be quiet!

SERIOUSLY!?! Adam Lambert blasts Les Miserables saying it 'suffered massively' from 'pretend singers'

It is critically acclaimed, is pulling in the paying audience and is already heavily tipped for the Oscars.

But according to Adam Lambert, Les Miserables 'suffered massively' from the singing of its stars.

The 30-year-old American Idol alumni took to Twitter to give his verdict on the film, saying: 'the singing was so distracting.'

In a flurry of tweets he attacked the decision to cast the film based on acting rather than singing, and said 'with that cast, they should have studio recorded and sweetened the vocals.'

Tom Hooper’s stirring film version of the award-winning musical by Claude-Michel Schonberg, Alain Boublil and Herbert Kretzmer features 'live performances' of all the songs, with the tracks not dubbed over.

Lambert wrote: 'Les Mis: Visually impressive w great Emotional performances. But the score suffered massively with great actors PRETENDING to be singers. It's an opera. Hollywoods movie musicals treat the singing as the last priority. (Dreamgirls was good).'

But he didn't criticise all the performances, noting: 'Anne Hathaway as Fantine and Enjolras were the exceptions for me. Helena B Carter and Sasha B Cohen were great too. Eponine's voice was cool too.'

Lambert said the singing was so bad it ruined the film for him.

'I felt like I should ignore the vocals and focus on the emotional subtext- but the singing was so distracting at times it pulled me out,' he said. 

'The industry will say "these actors were so brave to attempt singing this score live"but why not cast actors who could actually sound good?'

It remains what the famously short tempered Russell Crowe, who serves as singer in his much ridiculed vanity bands 30 Odd Foot of Grunts and The Ordinary Fear of God, will make of Adam's critique.

But as his own fans lashed out, Lambert defended himself: 'Sorry for being so harsh but it's so True! 

'I'm so glad we are all discussing this now! Look-I grew up w this musical and so my expectations are quite high. Didn't mean to b negative.'

And he later tweeted: 'One more clarification: DO go see it for Anne Hathaways performance. It's was breathtaking.'

Did anyone here his vocals at VH1 Divas???

That is all! THE NERVE!

The Game Spends $100K On 12 Rolexes For His Buddies

The Game's baggage handlers and weed carriers have no reason to ever be late. The Compton rapper dropped about $100K to buy Rolex watches for 12 of his buddies.

According to TMZ, Game paid $8,300 for each watch, bestowed on the chosen friend as a Christmas gift and as a token of his appreciation for holding him down. The timepieces have additional meaning since the "Hate It Or Love It" rapper has started calling his crew The Roley Boyz.

Also, we learned the Game banks at HSBC. Check out photos of Game and company's Rolexes, and Roley Boyz apparel,.

The Game and former Aftermath Records rapper Stat Quo recently started a record label together called Rolex Records (which now appears to be called Roley Records). "He was signed to Aftermath with me in the beginning," Game told Billboard of linking with Stat on the biz side. "Now we're business partners, which is cool because he was a good friend of mine and he's just as equally music smart so we'll see how it goes."

The Game recently released his fifth album, Jesus Piece. Although the record sold 86,000 units its first week and debuted in the top 10, it was the first of his albums not to land at either No. 1 or No. 2 its first week out.

Soulja Boy VS Reality Star Lil Scrappy over Diamond?

No need for season two of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta to air, Recently we caught a real life twitter beef, involving two Atlanta natives. If you watched last year’s season of the VH1 show, you are aware that rapper-turned-reality-star, Lil Scrappy was once in a romantic relationship with ATL rapper, Diamond. Rumor has it that Diamond broke-up with Scrappy and began a relationship with rapper Soulja Boy.

Fast forward to the present day and it appears that Scrappy and Soulja Boy were took to twitter and had a bit of a heated exchange, about Diamond. We can’t tell who started it, but Scrappy tweeted:

Soulja Boy responded:

And what was Diamond’s response? Besides RT’ing both parties (Scrappy and Soulja Boy) and throwing a few subliminal emoticons, Diamond remained pretty numb.

What do WE think? We recently interviewed Diamond and all seemed to be well between Soulja and Diamond. In fact, allegedly, both will be featured on season two of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’s season two, but it appears that perhaps these two (Soulja and Diamond) may be calling it quits in the near future. 

More importantly, what do YOU think? 

Did Bradley Cooper & Zoe Saldana get secretly engaged a few weeks ago?

The Enquirer is running with a story that says not only are Bradley and Zoe alive and well together, but they’ve also just become newly engaged. This, to quote Anthony Michael Hall in Sixteen Candles, is getting good:

The second time’s a charm for Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana — friends say the reunited couple are back on, better than ever and planning to tie the knot!

“Bradley is telling friends he’s not going to let Zoe slip away this time,” said a close source. “Having lost her once, Bradley is readly to seal the deal on the relationship.

The couple first met on the set of the romantic drama The Words after 37-year-old Bradley’s high-profile romances with Renee Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston fizzled. They dated for three months before parting ways in March 2012. But by September, the two had reunited, and Bradley proposed to Zoe, 34, a few weeks ago — and she said yes! Bradley’s now telling pals he’s hoping the wedding bells will ring in late spring or early summer in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Though the Enquirer reported in May 2012 that Bradley’s mom was wrecking her son’s love life with her medding, the source says she’s stopped butting in — and started helping. It turns out she’s the one who actually convinced Bradley to propose! “Gloria world overtime to make it clear to Zoe that Bradley is a changed man and ready to commit,” maintained the source.

“Gloria has been pestering Bradley that she’s desperate to be a grandmother. Zoe won major brownie points with Gloria when she promised that she’d start trying to get pregnant just as soon as Bradley proposed. That set the wheels in motion.”

Playing cupid isn’t the extent of Gloria’s involvement — Bradley’s been so busy lately he also sent her out shopping for the engagement ring, say sources.

“Now Gloria and Zoe are bonding over planning the ceremony,” added the source. “Zoe can’t wait to be Bradley’s bride.”

Of course, we are free to question the motivations at hand with Bradley’s camp allegedly leaking this engagement story. Although I do laugh at the idea of his past “romances” with Jennifer Lopez (they went on one date together ) and Jennifer Aniston (she she allegedly pursued him) being a relevant part of this tale, but whatever. Is this a genuine romance and a case of true love forever, or is Bradley merely campaigning for the Best Lead Actor Oscar in his own special way?

VIDEO VIXENS Suing Tyga For Exposing Their NIPPLES 

Earlier this month, Tyga released his "Make It Nasty" video. Now, three of the scantily clad video vixens in the clip are suing the rapper for breach of contract.

In a lawsuit filed by Alissa Rae Ross, Azia Davis and Elizabeth Velasquez, the trio "agreed" to appear topless during the filming of the video after they were assured that their nipples would be covered and the video would be tastefully shot. Or as least as tasteful as a "nasty" video from a strip club anthem rapper could be.

Things were fine (the edited video was a hit)...until Tyga decided to post the unedited version on his Twitter account where the ladies' nipples were fully exposed.  They are now suing the rapper for breach of contract, invasion of privacy, as well as fraud. The video is below:

What's with video chicks and strippers suing for ish in their job descriptions?  You're a video chick in a NASTY video....and you're shocked and outraged it wasn't "tastefully shot"?  Why not wear pasties if you were so concerned about your nipples being shown and ruining your 'classy' image?  I mean, we all know that bouncing your exposed ass and coochie crack on men and other women while wearing damn near nothing is ONLY distasteful if your nipples are shown.

Sounds just like the chick (who may or may not be a stripper) suing Trey Songz because he threw money at her in a strip club.  But we digress

‘Channel Orange’: Frank Ocean Named LGBT Hero Of The Year

Back in July, before the release of his ‘Channel Orange‘, Frank Ocean set the world alight when he opened up on a romantic experience he had shared with another man, and the heartbreak it had caused him.

Sharing the story in an open letter penned months before the album’s arrival, he soon found himself belabored with ‘labels’, despite the fact he did not ‘label’ himself.

Now, in honor of his bravery and the impact his honesty has had on Pop culture, he has now been named ‘LGBT Hero Of The Year’, alongside US President Barack Obama.

The Examiner explains:

 “Today, CNN called Barack Obama and Frank Ocean the LGBT heroes of 2012. 

Overall, it was a year when civil rights for gays and lesbians took on many new strides. With gay marriage being legalized everywhere and even our own president changing his position on gay rights, 2012 will be a year to remember. Let’s take a look at the three most important figures in LGBT rights this year.

Barack Obama

In 2011, many gay people were against Barack Obama. He seemed to be defending every type of minority, except gays and lesbians. However, last May, Obama finally conceded to the Land of Dorothy and proclaimed he was for gay marriage. Conservatives knocked him and said this move would cost him the election in November. Not only did Obama win the election, but he won it by an electoral landslide.

Frank Ocean

Traditionally, hip-hop music has been homophobic. Ten years ago, nobody thought that hip-hop’s hottest act, Frank Ocean, would openly admit that he is gay. Some people condemned Ocean’s decision to come out of the closet, but most people embraced his decision. To make matters better, Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange is up for 6 Grammy awards.”

Royce Reed Comes for Evelyn and Shaunie

Former Basketball Wives Miami star Royce Reed has had it up to here with Evelyn Lozada bringing her up in interviews and says Shaunie O'Neal did NOT create the Basketball Wives franchise. READ BELOW

Well we’re awaiting Shaunie’s response!

Trina Braxton Files for Separation

Last year Trina Braxton's husband Gabe got caught having cyber sex and spilling Braxton family secrets to an online jump-off and Trina has just gotten around to filing for a separation...

From TMZ 

Trina recently filed for legal separation and in the docs, she's asking a judge to order Gabe to pony up an unspecified amount of money.

Interestingly, Trina says there is currently no plan for the couple to divorce and she'd actually like to work things out.

Gabe has yet to respond to the petition.

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

‘PUT ON A HAPPY FACE’

Literally the only smile the back of your head will ever see.

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!

EFREM

See footage from Beyonce's NYE 2013 Show at Wynn Las Vegas!

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Here’s Footage of Beyonce’s, Private ‘New Year’s’ Las Vegas Show   

Hat Tip TJB

I have video footage of Beyonce’s performance from her (private invite only) show, on New Year’s (at Las Vegas’ Wynn Encore). Peep some of the performances below.

‘Irreplaceable’

Countdown

‘Put A Ring On It’

Go BEY!

The Daily Buzz For Jan 2

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Former ATL Reality Stars Kim Zolciak & Sheree Whitfield Show Off Their New Homes

Just because we don’t see Kim Zolciak anymore on the Real Housewives of Atlanta, doesn’t mean that she isn’t going full throttle with plans to build her dream home. The XX-year-old reality star gave her twitter fans an update on the progress that contractor’s have made on her family’s home.

Check it out.

And in case you wondering what’s the deal with former reality star, Sheree Whitfield’s home (affectionately called Chateau by Sheree), according to twitter her is well underway from being complete. Recently, she gave an update on twitter, writing:

Ahem!  But No pics??????

Kenya Moore Poses For Krave Magazine

Former Miss USA Kenya Moore may be labeled as bat sh-t crazy (or at least a good actress) after her stint on the newest season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but she definitely can take a mean pic.

Glamming it up in a zebra print dress with a pair of boxing gloves located at her feet, Kenya shows off her modeling abilities in a new photo shoot for Krave Magazine. In the spread, shot by photographer James Anthony, she also shows those half-naked boys in the locker room who’s boss.

She may be stirring up some trouble on RHOA but she looks nice with her “Gone With The Wind” fabulous self.

Catch a few more pics below:

A little nutty but FAB pics!

Stevie J is STILL BEGGING Mimi Faust To RECONNECT

And in 2012, viewers were enthralled by the Stevie J/Joseline/Mimi Faust love triangle and many wondered why Mimi let Stevie play her for the fool.  Well things seem to have changed amongst the threesome.  While we've seen Stevie J out with Joseline, Mimi doesn't have time for Stevie outside of co-parenting.  She posted a snippet from a text conversation where she shut him down for trying to start something back up between them.....

Oh the DRAMA!

AGAIN: Katt Williams Arrested for Child Endangerment

Comedian Katt Williams was arrested again, he was arrested yesterday morning at his Los Angeles-area home on suspicion of felony child endangerment and remains in custody.

According to TMZ, Williams was arrested following an investigation by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services that concluded:

“there were numerous guns and illegal drugs in the house that created a safety hazard for the kids.”

Williams’ four children were living with him at his residence but have now been placed into protective custody.

Williams is being held at the LAPD’s Valley Jail in Van Nuys $100,000 bail.

Jennifer Lopez Called the Meanest to Work With?

Jennifer Lopez was called one of the meanest and egotistical to work with by the crew on her latest movie. 

J. Lo might have had a humble beginning as a “Fly Girl” on In Living Color, but according to tabloids she is as big a diva as ever!

Crew members from the film What to Expect When You’re Expecting, are quoted saying they “were warned not to speak to Jennifer.” The stylists and makeup people allegedly were even told to stay away because Jennifer insisted that only her personal team work with her. “It made everything much more time-consuming. Jennifer is by far one of the meanest and egotistical people I’ve ever worked with,” the tabloid claims.

Rumorfix reached out to a friend super close to the star who tell us this story is bogus, calling it “So crazy!”

The tabs may want to get their facts straight or they might get a real taste of J. Lo’s diva-ness!

SHAMEFUL! 'It's not about the money': First lawsuit filed over Sandy Hook massacre!

A New Haven attorney is asking permission to sue the state for $100 million on behalf of a student who survived the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

'She was in her classroom, and over the loudspeaker came the horrific confrontation between the fellow who shot everybody and other people,' attorney Irving Pinsky said in the lawsuit filed Thursday. 

'Her friends were killed,' the claims states. 'That's pretty traumatic.'

Irving Pinsky filed a $100 million lawsuit on Thursday on behalf of a Sandy Hook Elementary School student.'She was in her classroom, and over the loudspeaker came the horrific confrontation between the fellow who shot everybody and other people,' Pinsky said. 'Her friends were killed. That's pretty traumatic.'

Pinsky said the student has been traumatized by the killings, and accused the state of failing to protect students from 'foreseeable harm.' Pinsky says it's not about the money.

'It's about living in a world that's safe,' he said. 'The answer is about protecting the kids.'

The state has immunity against most lawsuits unless permission to sue is granted.

According to the claim, the 6-year-old student, identified as 'Jill Doe,' was in her classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14 when the attack came on the loudspeaker.

Adam Lanza killed 20 first grade students and six adult staffers at the school before killing himself.

Pinsky said the student has been traumatized by the killings, and accused the state of failing to protect students from 'foreseeable harm.'

'As a consequence, the claimant-minor child has sustained emotional and psychological trauma and injury, the nature and extent of which are yet to be determined,' the claim says.

The state enjoys 'sovereign immunity' against most lawsuits unless permission to sue is granted.

Pinsky said he hopes to review the evidence and prove that the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary were foreseeable.

The claim is the first lawsuit to emerge from the Sandy Hook massacre

'Usually a fellow like Adam Lanza would have been known as a potential problem to the police,' Pinsky said.

He said he filed the notice in order to 'freeze' the evidence before insurance adjusters can 'shape' it.

'This way the state of Connecticut will get the notice and they will have the attorney general's office and their investigators see what happened and why the school was not protected,' he said.

UPDATE: Pinsky has said for now he will NOT file the suit!

New Music Video: Mya "Mr. Incredible"

Mya has released a sulty video for the "Mr. Incredible" track off her K.I.S.S. disc.  She dedicated the video to her hardcore fans saying, "A gift to my fans. Thank you all for supporting the "K.I.S.S." album in 2012."

Produced by Young Yonny, the video features Mya rocking a 70s "Soul Sista" wig while taking a sexy bubble bath. Later, she steps out of the tub to set the mood right in a dimly lit room of candles.

Watch the video here

Thoughts!

YouTube Cracks DOWN On FAKE Views And Likes, Top Artists Get Their Numbers WIPED!

Some of music's biggest viral videos like Beyonce's "Single Ladies," Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" and Psy's "Gangnam Style" saw their social media impressions decrease as YouTube recently cracked down on fraudulent view count-building techniques called "black hat."

The crack down affects the nations' largest recording companies--Sony and Universal--who were stripped of 2 billion hits after YouTube cracked down.

So what exactly is black hat?  It's "the term used when hackers artificially build up the numbers of views or likes on a YouTube video - enabling them to make clips appear far more popular than they really are and increase their exposure on the site."

YouTube doesn't come right out and accuse companies like Sony or Universal of hiring hackers to do this.  But how else would it have been done?  They stated, "This was not a bug or a security breach. This was an enforcement of our viewcount policy."

Universal, home of Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber, lost a total of one billion views in the video site’s biggest ever crackdown.  Alicia Keys and Rita Ora lost 850 million.

It's well understood that YouTube operates as an unofficial music chart.  So for promotional purposes, it sounds a lot sexier to say Rihanna's "Where Have You Been" video got 100,000 likes and 25 million views versus 1000 views and 25,000 likes. 

The long term impact of the crackdown won't likely hit folks like Justin Bieber in the pocket, but will impact people who rely on their "view count" for advertising purposes on the YouTube channels.

We guess folks will have to go back to the old hustle and grind of actually asking people to spread the word about their pages and channels.  Or just having talent...

Would You Rock ‘Em? Teyana Taylor X Adidas Originals Harlem GLC

Weeks ago, Teyana Taylor gave a preview of her new Teyana Taylor x adidas Originals Harlem Good Luck Charm (GLC) sneaker, but the pic only offered a view of the back.

Now you can check out the entire shoe; which officially drops February 16th, but will be available for preorder January 1st at www.adidas.com Me likey!

Doctors Say Wearing Skinny Jeans Can Cause Nerve Damage 

Many young kids are heavily influenced by what they see their idols wearing. When rappers like Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi step out at an event wearing skinny jeans, many teens try to emulate them.

Rappers aren't the only ones who have made the super tight pants popular. There are plenty of actors and singers who have helped to make skinny jeans the "in" thing among the general population. However, some doctors are now warning that wearing the jeans can be a health hazard.

WATCH:

Thoughts?

COMING SOON; Raekwon - Lost Jewlry EP [Cover Art]

Raekwon just unveiled the cover for his upcoming Lost Jewlry EP via Twitter. The Wu Tang Clan emcee plans on releasing it January 8, 2013.

On January 1st, Rae will reveal the title and release date of his sixth solo album. 2013 is looking like it's shaping up to be a big year for The Chef.

Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon & Dem Babies Vacation Down Under

Mariah Carey rock’d a long red gown and strappy gold sandals as she and her husband Nick Cannon made their way off a yacht, with their twins Moroccan and Monroe.

They touched down in Queensland, Australia after a snowy Christmas vacay in Aspen, Colorado. The family set sail through the Great Barrier Reef, getting in some QT together ahead of Mimi’s week-long concert tour Down Under.

Halle Berry scoops up a Nahla after Parisian holiday with Olivier Martinez

She spent Christmas in Paris with her fiancee, Olivier Martinez. But Halle Berry was undoubtedly missing her little girl, Nahla, during the lovers' getaway. The 46-year-old actress scooped up her sleepy four-year-old daughter and carried the youngster on her hip as they made their way through a New York City airport after a joyous reunion on Friday.

Halle looked tired after a long-haul flight herself, although her complexion was flawless even without a scrap of make-up.

The actress dressed down in tight leather pants, a black sweater, grey scarf and black coat, while Nahla was dressed adorably in head-to-toe pink and orange striped pants.

The curly-haired daughter of Halle and ex-partner Gabriel Aubry sweetly leaned her head on her mother's shoulder, while the actress leaned her cheek against her little girl's forehead and walked through JFK airport.The couple were pictured several times taking in the sights around his native Paris while Nahla spent Christmas with her dad in the U.S.

It seemed earlier this week, however, that the holidays without her little girl had started to take a toll on Halle, who was seen looking decidedly miserable even on a walk through the City of Lights on Thursday, even while holding her handsome man's hand. 

Halle and Olivier have had a difficult few months that would any relationship to the test.

The actor had been hoping to return to his home country permanently with his American fiance, both of whom would like to trade in the Hollywood lifestyle for more low profile one.

The Frenchmen told Interview magazine he has no desire to be a movie star: 'My goal is just… to get some interesting parts and make enough money to live free.'

'Otherwise, to be a movie star, it's a lot of compromise and also a lot of headaches.'

Porsha Stewart Talks “Real Housewives Of Atlanta” & Issues With Kenya Moore

Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Porsha Stewart recently stopped by the offices of Essence to chat about the pros and cons of being on the reality show.

Check it out in the video

During the 2 minute clip, Porsha says that one of the pros of being on the show is that women have actually approached her to say that her story touched them, being that they were going through the same thing. And what she mentions as a con is the drama-filled moments – plus she touches on the issues between her and Kenya Moore.

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

‘KITTEN MITTENS’

There is nothing that says “the world will never accept me” like a live-action cat meme.

HAVE A GREAT START TO THE NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!!!!! 

EFREM 

Tea Time! Is Neffe Spilling Tea on Keyshia in Her New Book?

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Is Neffe Spills Tea on Keyshia in Her New Book?

I read an excerpt from Keyshia Cole's sister Neffe's new book 'Price I Paid' and it seems that Neffe was trying to spill some tea...

Neffie writes, 

Even though my sister, Lady left us, we still had to keep it moving to make things come together. It wasn’t easy but I had Travis and the kids and as we put God first, things would come together. Out of nowhere here comes season three.

SEASON THREE!!!

WOW! I thought, “Here’s my chance to show the real reason why God put my family on TV and after all the time we had off I had written a book and I needed to show the world my progress since they’d really only seen my stress.”

I thought that me and my mom would be okay because I figured we would get more support from my sister, Lady. We already had the TV thing going on so all we needed to do was bring everything else to the table and succeed as a family. I mean, I didn’t see why things would not go right this time around. We had already done and showed the world the worst time. It was time to show and do the best. I had a plan. And I was hoping that it would work out for us.

My plan was to bring my book; My Happiness is My Sanity, to the table and some of Travis’ music so that we could promote my book and his music on the show. I’d worked almost 4 to 5 years and had almost nothing to show for it. My plan was to at least bring what I had worked on to the table. I just knew my sister was going to be proud of me especially after I had always supported everything she’d done.

So before I went to Big Henry, My sister’s manager, I was like "Hey girl, check this out! I have almost completed my book. Do you like?"

I thought she would have been like, “Great job! Let’s get it out there!”

Yeah, well that didn’t work out she simply and unenthusiastically said "Oh yeah that’s cool," and kept walking.

She didn’t even stop to check it out. Can you believe she told me she had a nail appointment to go to?

What do you think? Price I Paid is available on Amazon and where ever books are sold.

HAPPY NEW YEAR MARYLAND Gay Marriage Begins!

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Maryland Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies Begin

Same-sex couples in Maryland were greeted with cheers and noisemakers held over from New Year's Eve parties, as gay marriage became legal in the first state south of the Mason-Dixon Line on New Year's Day.

James Scales, 68, was married to William Tasker, 60, on Tuesday shortly after midnight by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake inside City Hall.

"It's just so hard to believe it's happening," Scales said shortly before marrying his partner of 35 years.

Six other same-sex couples also were being married at City Hall. Ceremonies were taking place in other parts of the state as well.

The ceremonies follow a legislative fight that pitted Gov. Martin O'Malley against leaders of his Catholic faith. Voters in the state, founded by Catholics in the 17th century, sealed the change by approving a November ballot question.

"There is no human institution more sacred than that of the one that you are about to form," Rawlings-Blake said during the brief ceremony. "True marriage, true marriage, is the dearest of all earthly relationships."

Brigitte Ronnett, who also was married, said she hopes one day to see full federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Maryland, Maine and Washington state were the first states to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote, in November, a development Ronnett said was significant.

"I think it's a great sign when you see that popular opinion is now in favor of this," said Ronnett, 51, who married Lisa Walther, 51, at City Hall.

Same-sex couples in Maryland have been able to get marriage licenses since Dec. 6, but they did not take effect until Tuesday.

In 2011, same-sex marriage legislation passed in the state Senate but stalled in the House of Delegates. O'Malley hadn't made the issue a key part of his 2011 legislative agenda, but indicated that summer that he was considering backing a measure similar to New York's law, which includes exemptions for religious organizations.

Shortly after, Archbishop Edwin O'Brien of Baltimore wrote to O'Malley that same-sex marriage went against the governor's faith.

"As advocates for the truths we are compelled to uphold, we speak with equal intensity and urgency in opposition to your promoting a goal that so deeply conflicts with your faith, not to mention the best interests of our society," wrote O'Brien, who served as archbishop of the nation's first diocese from October 2007 to August 2011.

The governor was not persuaded. He held a news conference in July 2011 to announce that he would make same-sex marriage a priority in the 2012 legislative session. He wrote back to the archbishop that "when shortcomings in our laws bring about a result that is unjust, I have a public obligation to try to change that injustice."

The measure, with exemptions for religious organizations that choose not to marry gay couples, passed the House of Delegates in February in a close vote. O'Malley signed it in March. Opponents then gathered enough signatures to put the bill to a statewide vote, and it passed with 52 percent in favor.

In total, nine states and the District of Columbia have approved same-sex marriage. The other states are Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.

GO MARYLANDERS….AND WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!