LE'ANDRIA JOHNSON & SNOOP DOG 2018 GOSPEL/ HIP HOP TOUR (27 CITIES) - (MY IDEA)

LE'ANDRIA JOHNSON & SNOOP DOG 2018 GOSPEL/ HIP HOP TOUR (28 CITIES)-(MY IDEA):

***** PROJECT IDEA - FULL MUSICAL TOUR OF GOSPEL/ HIP HOP ARTISTS, HEADLINED BY GOSPEL SINGER LE'ANDRIA JOHNSON & HIP HOP LEGEND SNOOP DOG.

***** DATES: AUGUST THROUGH NOVEMBER 2018

***** OBJECTIVE:

THIS 28 CITY, SOLD-OUT TOUR WILL BE USED TO INTEGRATE GOSPEL AND HIP HOP MUSIC TO REACH ALL AGES, ESPECIALLY PASSIONATE GENERATION Y POPULATION MUSIC LOVERS.

*******GET OUT THE VOTE:

THIS MULTI-CULTURAL MUSICAL TOUR WILL ALSO BE USED TO REGISTER VOTERS FOR THE 2020 NATIONAL POLITICAL ELECTIONS.

****** ELIMINATING POVERTY:

AT EACH LOCATION A CANNED FOOD DRIVE WILL BE HELD TO HELP FEED THE POOR.

CONCERT GOERS CAN BRING ONE CAN OF FOOD EACH TO DEPOSIT INTO LARGE BINS.
THOSE BINS WILL LATER BE TRANSPORTED TO FOOD BANKS IN EACH CITY.

FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES CAN ALSO BE DONATED.

******* LOCATIONS:

ATLANTA, GA
ATHENS, GA
AUSTIN, TX
BALTIMORE, MD
BROOKLYN, NY
MANHATTAN, NY
CHARLOTTE, NC
CLEVELAND, OH
COLUMBIA, SC
COLLEGE PARK, MD
DETROIT, MI
DURHAM, NC
GREENSBORO, NC
LAS VEGAS, NV
LONG ISLAND, NY
LOS ANGELES, CA
MEMPHIS, TENN
MIAMI, FL
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN
NEW ORLEANS, LA
NEWARK, NJ
ONTARIO, CANADA
PORTLAND, OR
RALEIGH, NC
SELMA, AL
TORONTO, CANADA
TULSA, OK
WASHINGTON, DC


Post Sources: BET, Christian Post, Youtube


~ ~ ~ Le'Andria Johnson's Pastor Asks Church Not to Ostracize Gospel Star for 'Misguided Passion'


Gospel singer Le'Andria Johnson's pastor, Tim Rogers, says her irreverent criticism of the Church was "misguided passion" and he hopes Christians don't "throw her away altogether" because there is a place for her in the Kingdom.

"The Bible says if a brother be overtaken in a fault, if you're really spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness considering yourself," Rogers, a fellow gospel singer who leads The Hope Church in Blytheville, Arkansas, told The Christian Post earlier this week.

"A lot of preachers have called me to say she said things that they can't say. And they are sick of the politics of the church. Me and her did have a talk about her passion being guided because that's what I understand that it was the other day. It was misguided passion," he added.

Johnson won the hearts of Christians nationwide with her talent and candor when she won the BET gospel singing competition "Sunday Best" eight years ago.

Her turn in the spotlight has been punctuated by behavior that some Christians say is unbecoming for someone who professes to be a practicing Christian.

Johnson recently slammed the Church and Bishop Marvin Winans in a scathing expletive-laced critique. She also vented her frustrations with a Christian culture she described as hypocritical. Her outburst caused her to lose a booking for the recently concluded Essence Festival in New Orleans.

"You know what I'm tired of though? ... I'm tired of being Le'Andria Johnson that y'all know of," she said. "And Ima tell you like this: I could be on a Kirk Franklin level. I could be on a Mary level. Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond. All the gospel greats ... all the R&B. Beyoncé, Brandy. ... If I played the game, I could really be on that level. I could, but I'm not 'bout playin' no games, though."

It was after that outburst that Essence organizers reportedly removed Johnson from a slated tribute to Dottie Peoples. She said she wasn't going to pretend to be someone she wasn't just to become a gospel superstar and called out Church leaders for being hypocritical while dismissing the Church as a business.

Johnson apologized on Monday for her delivery but remained unrepentant about her criticism of the machinery behind Christian culture.

"You know Christianity, it's just a lot that's going on. So the way I said it, using the F-bomb, I apologize to the fans of mine that do go to church. I do apologize if I've offended you," she said.

Rogers explained that while he had not seen the videos of Johnson's rants online, he spoke with her about them and said he encouraged the apology.

"She is a member of our church. So she called me and she told me what happened. She told me what she said. She asked me did I look at it. She told me she was coming home to come to church. We had a chance to sit down. I know Le'Andria. I know her heart. A lot of people in the world they only know her by her gifting. And this is something I'm learning about the Church," he said.

"The Church will accept your gifts but they really don't want that person. That's why when the person is singing you ignore the gifts. And the gift is alright. It makes us feel good until we know who you really are. Le'Andria is a nice person. She means well. She just doesn't have a filter. And she has a lot of learning to do," he said.

"I think she is a wonderful person and I still think she has a place in the kingdom. She just doesn't fit well in a box. And you know religion has a way of boxing you in that you can only be this. You can never be anything other than that. In order to be accepted in this circle you can only be this and you can only talk like this. Well Le'Andria is not that person. But she's learning. I just hope the church doesn't throw her away altogether," Rogers said.

GOV PAT MCCRORY MEETS WITH TRUMP IN NYC (JOB OFFER?)

GOV PAT MCCRORY MEETS WITH TRUMP IN NYC:

IS IT A FIRM JOB OFFER OR ADVISORY ROLE OFFER?


Sources: Herald Online, YouTube


***** NC Gov. McCrory arrives for meeting with Trump in New York


North Carolina’s outgoing Republican Gov. Pat McCrory arrived Wednesday morning at Trump Tower in New York City to meet with President-elect Donald Trump.

McCrory, who earlier this week conceded in a close re-election bid for a second term as governor, could be under consideration for a Cabinet position in Trump’s administration.

Trump’s transition team had announced McCrory’s visit Tuesday morning. McCrory’s spokespeople have not commented on the meeting.

It’s unclear what McCrory and Trump plan to speak about. The two men saw each other in North Carolina Tuesday night as Trump made a stop in Fayetteville as part of his nationwide “Thank You” tour.

As McCrory was sitting down with Trump, the president-elect’s transition team told reporters the governor’s track record on education and regulatory reforms had caught Trump’s attention.

Transition officials said McCrory had succeeded in North Carolina in eliminating burdensome regulations in order to promote economic growth and job creation.

They also pointed to McCrory’s background on energy issues, mentioning that he had opened North Carolina up to fracking through the Energy Modernization Act in 2014.

McCrory’s private sector experience includes a long career at Duke Energy.

“There is a very good rapport between the president-elect and Governor McCrory,” Trump spokesman Jason Miller told reporters Wednesday morning. “Governor McCrory is someone who the president-elect had the chance to get to know pretty well on the campaign trail this year.”

The 60-year-old governor and former city of Charlotte mayor arrived at Trump Tower just after 10 a.m. Wednesday. McCrory did not speak to reporters on his way to the building’s elevators.

Just before McCrory’s arrival, Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Treasury, Steve Mnuchin, entered the building. Also at Trump Tower around the same time was Eric Trump and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat.

Miller said McCrory is “someone who’s viewed as a reformer” and “a very solutions-oriented leader.”

"Obviously (he is) someone who has a number of good ideas on how we should form this administration, and who is talented in his own right as well,” Miller said.

TRUMP & RUBIO - 2016 GOP PRESIDENTIAL GOLD

TRUMP & RUBIO - 2016 GOP PRESIDENTIAL GOLD:

I NOMINATE BOTH CANDIDATES.

Sources:  CNN, YouTube

If current 2016 GOP Presidential Frontrunner Donald Trump had not entered the race, Hillary Clinton & Bernie Sanders would have most likely sucked all of the Media air out of this election, leaving lesser known GOP candidates largely ignored.

Trump is an Amazing Businessman and a Marketing genius who knows how to attract large crowds to GOP events.

Trump also knows how to drive voters to the Polls.

Trump has sharpened all of his GOP Opponents, including MARCO RUBIO via his Bold leadership style and Bravado.

In fact, thanks to Mr Trump, MARCO RUBIO is now a top tier presidential candidate.

Considering how Mr Trump has helped make the GOP platform relevant again to American voters,  why are Establishment leaders still trying to force him out of the 2016 race??

TRUMP and RUBIO embody the spirit of a Conqueror.

If asked to choose between the two candidates, I would have to nominate both Men for the office of U.S. President.

**** Trump Says He Has No Questions About Rubio's Eligibility To Be President

(Circa Sunday January 17, 2016)

Donald Trump drew a distinction between eligibility questions surrounding Marco Rubio's run for the presidency versus those clouding Ted Cruz'sbid, saying the Florida senator is qualified because although his parents were not U.S. citizens at the time of his birth, he was born in the U.S. -- unlike Cruz.

"It's a different, very different thing because he was born here. He was born on the land," Trump told CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union." "Ted was not born on the land, and there's a very strict reading that you have to be born on the land. (Harvard Law professor) Laurence Tribe actually said based on Ted's views, he would have to be born on the land."

Cruz was conferred American citizenship at birth because his mother is an American citizen, and legal experts have largely agreed that would qualify him for natural-born citizenship. The Texas Republican also had Canadian citizenship until he renounced it in 2014.

"He was born in Canada. He was a Canadian citizen until 15 months ago, if you can believe that," Trump said.

"He says he didn't know," Tapper replied.

"He didn't know. Well, he didn't know about his financial papers either. You know, how are you going to be president if you didn't know about a million dollar loan from Goldman Sachs," Trump asked, referring to a controversy that surfaced earlier this week over Cruz's 2012 Senate bid. "And you said it's something you don't know about. Now he doesn't know that he was a Canadian citizen? I mean that's in a way maybe worse than all the other things we're talking about."

A lawsuit was filed this week questioning Cruz's eligibility for the presidency, as Trump predicted.

"There have been lawsuits filed. And I said lawsuits are going to be filed," he said. "The Democrats are going to file lawsuits. They filed lawsuits. Now, he's got a problem." 

Trump also hammered Cruz over his criticism of "New York values," which the Texas senator said referred to the Empire State's support of abortion rights, same-sex marriage and a focus on money and greed. Trump called those remarks "very, very insulting."

"I immediately thought of the World Trade Center, and the bravery of New Yorkers and the genius of New Yorkers to be able to take that whole section and rebuild after the tragedy," he said. 

Asked if Cruz was making a subtle ethnic dig with his "New York values" comment, Trump said he didn't know, adding, "probably you would have to ask him."

But, Trump said, "I thought it was disgraceful that he brought that up ... I think he came across badly. Some people gave him pretty good reviews on the debate. I think he came across as very strident and not a nice person, and people don't like that."

Trump said the "only place (Cruz) is doing fairly well is in Iowa."

"I you look at these other places, he's not doing well, and certainly not doing well nationally," Trump added.

Still, he doesn't want to take any chances, which is why he's been spending on ads recently.

"I'm going to start spending money for two reasons. Number one, I feel guilty because I'm $35 million under budget," he said. "Number two, I don't want to take a chance."

Jeb Bush

Trump pointed out that spending millions has not helped former Florida Jeb Bush emerge as a leading candidate.

"Jeb is spending so much money. Think of it, he spent $69 million, I spent nothing. He's at the bottom of the pack, I'm at the top of the pack," he said.

He then attacked former presidential candidate Lindsey Graham for endorsing Bush.

"I think it's incredible. First of all, Lindsey Graham got out with zero. He had zero. He had nothing. That's number one, so he's not gonna get any voters and I think it's a very bad thing for Lindsay Graham," Trump said. 

Tapper asked Trump about his proposal to create a "deportation force" to remove the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. In the past, Trump has cited the efforts of President Dwight Eisenhower to remove undocumented immigrants as part of "Operation Wetback"during the 1950s.

"A lot of people think that was a shameful chapter in American history, though," Tapper said.

"Well, some people do, and some people think it was a very effective chapter, and what happened was when they removed some, meaning brought them back, when they brought them back, they removed some, everybody else left," Trump said. "And it was very successful, everyone said. So I mean, that's the way it is. Look, we either have a country, or we don't. If we don't have strong borders, we have a problem."

Campaign finance reform 

Trump said the American political process is in need of campaign finance reform, adding that he -- a candidate who has repeatedly touted his decision to self-fund his campaign as a selling point for his candidacy -- hasn't decided if he would accept public financing for the general election.

"I don't know yet. I haven't thought of it. I am thinking about this one," he said. 

Trump also said Cruz and other candidates are more likely to do the bidding of their donors if elected opposed to looking out for the best interest of the country.

"That's the way it is. Somebody gives them money. Not anything wrong, just psychologically, when they go to that person, they're going to do that," he said. "They owe them, and by the way, they may therefore vote negatively towards the country. That's not gonna happen with me."

The American political process is in need of campaign finance reform, Trump said.

"Well I think you need it, because I think PACs are a horrible thing," he said. "First of all everybody is dealing with their PAC. You know, it's supposed to be like this secret thing -- they're all dealing."

Trump says he wasn't mocking reporter with disability

Trump was previously criticized for appearing to mock Serge Kovaleski, a New York Times reporter with arthrogryposis, a chronic condition which limits the movement of his arms. 

At a South Carolina rally in November, Trump waved his arms in an awkward manner while discussing a comment made by Kovaleski. But Trump said he wasn't mocking him.

"If you could go back and do it again, would you do it differently?" Tapper asked.

"Yes, I would. But let me just tell you something. I had no idea what this reporter looked like or that he had difficulty," Trump said. 

Trump told Tapper he would never mock a person with a disability. 

"I was not imitating. I would never -- who would ever do that? If somebody had a disability, who would mock a disability? I would never. I'm a smart person ... Who would ever mock somebody, especially if you're running for office?" Trump said. 

"I would have not done it, because it's confusing," he added. "Some people believe me when I say it, I mean, I swear to you, that's true. I had no idea."

Trump and God

Trump said he is doing so well with evangelicals because he has a "very great relationship with God." 

"One of the potential attack lines has to do with an answer you gave to Frank Luntz months ago when you said that you've never asked God for forgiveness. Do you regret making that remark?" Tapper asked.

"No, I have a great relationship with God. I have a great relationship with evangelicals," he said.

Trump said he doesn't ask for forgiveness because he doesn't do a lot of bad things.

"I don't like to have to ask for forgiveness. And I am good, I don't do a lot of things that are bad, I try and do nothing that's bad. I live a very different life than probably a lot of people would think," Trump said.

Haley criticism was an 'honor'

Tapper asked Trump how it felt to be implicitly criticized by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in her Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address last week.

"It was my great honor because I'm angry and they both said I was angry. And I get along very well with Nikki, and you know, Nikki said we're friends and we are friends. I supported her, but I am angry," Trump said. "And when she said there's an anger that we shouldn't have, I said, well, I disagree with one thing. There's an anger that we should have. Our country is going to hell."

MICHAEL FEENEY - ANOTHER GREAT JOURNALIST MYSTERIOUSLY DIES (BLOCK FREEDOM OF PRESS)

MICHAEL FEENEY - ANOTHER GREAT JOURNALIST MYSTERIOUSLY DIES (BLOCK FREEDOM OF PRESS):

Michael Feeney
Michael Hastings
Andrew Breitbart
Serena Shim
Nicholas Wiltgen
Sue Lloyd-Roberts

~ ARE OBAMA & OTHER WORLD LEADERS BLOCKING 1st AMENDMENT SPEECH TO INTIMIDATE CITIZENS??

*** Role Model' With A Bright Smile; Journalist Michael Feeney, Dies at 32

Michael J. Feeney, a former New York Daily News reporter and rising star among black journalists who became known for his exclusive interviews with celebrities such as Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Rihanna has died. He was 32.

"They (doctors) worked on him, and worked on him but couldn't get him back," said Feeney's mother, Reba Willis, 63, of Teaneck, New Jersey in a tearful phone Monday interview one day after his death. "The doctors didn't see this coming."

But Feeney, who died from complications from a staph infection to his kidneys, may have.

And as his conditioned worsened, the former journalist who covered the death of legendary pop singer Whitney Houston nearly four years ago, laid in a hospital bed crafting his own obituary.

"I'm going to die in here," Willis said Feeney told her days before dying.

He spent a total of three weeks this month as a patient at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck.

Feeney, who served as the president of the New York Association of Black Journalists from 2011 until December, was known among his colleagues and friends as someone who pushed for diversity in newsrooms across the country.

He also mentored high school and college students who aspired to be professional journalists.

Newsday reporter Aisha Al-Muslim asked Feeney for career advice on a few occasions.

"He was a role model for young journalists and for anyone who sought advice," said Al-Muslin. "I'm going to remember him for his dance skills and bright smile."

Feeney, who had recently accepted an entertainment reporting position with CNN.com, joined the Daily News in 2009 first as a police reporter and later covering Harlem.

It was there where he made his mark, landing exclusive interviews and taking popular selfies with A-list celebrities like Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Rihanna while also writing about the historic Apollo Theater.

In 2010, he was named the Emerging Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black journalists.

Feeney covered the Baltimore unrest after Freddie Gray's death for NBC News and NBCBLK, filing stories beyond the front lines of the marches; inside crowded churches, on college campuses with Black millennials stepping up as change agents, and beside the patrons of New Beginnings Barbershop.

As news of Feeney's death spread, so did the wide-ranging acknowledgements.

"He was a beacon of hope for young BLACK journalists.

He was passionate about creating a blue print for people to get ahead in the industry," said Candace Amos, a New York Daily News reporter. "He wanted to see you succeed and he would do anything in his power to make that happen."

Marlon A. Walker is an education reporter with the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Vice-President of Print for NABJ.

“It’s quickly becoming known the importance that somebody with Feeney's passion can have on people," Walker said.

"Everyone is talking about him, including people who didn't know him. For the people who did, the loss is much greater.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Rev. Al Sharpton, political analyst Roland Martin and Hot 97 host Charlamagne Tha God tweeted about Feeney's death.

By Monday morning, Feeney was trending on Facebook, something unthinkable for a newspaper reporter.

"The outpouring has been unbelievable," said Willis, who saved a voicemail from her elated son when he interviewed his idol, retired New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.

Funeral arrangements are pending and a memorial fund has been set up in his honor, the proceeds will be sent to his family.

Sources: NBC News, BBC, Independent.co.uk, NY Mag, AJC, NY Daily News, Youtube

JEB BUSH LOSES 2016 GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION TO DONALD TRUMP (POLLS)

JEB BUSH LOSES 2016 GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION TO DONALD TRUMP:

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

National Polls reveal DONALD TRUMP is supported by more than 32% of American voters.

National Polls also reveal JEB BUSH supported by only 3% of American voters.

The 2016 RNC Convention will take place JULY 18-21 in CLEVELAND, Ohio.

Who will be crowned as the GOP Presidential nominee?

Millions of voters believe TRUMP will walk away with this prize.

So how did Political Royal Family candidate JEB BUSH lose his bid for the 2016 GOP Presidential Nomination to a Loud Successful Business Mogul from NYC named DONALD TRUMP?

~ New year, old targets:Trump hits Clintons, Bush on Twitter

Donald Trump is picking up where he left off in 2015 when it comes to his favorite Twitter targets.

The brash billionaire and GOP front-runner fired off several attacks against Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton and his latest foe: former President Bill Clinton.

Early in the morning, Trump called the former Florida governor a "sad case" with "no chance."

".@JebBush is a sad case. A total embarrassment to both himself and his family, he just announced he will continue to spend on Trump hit ads!" Trump tweeted.

He then hit the former secretary of state over her opposition to his call for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States.

"Hillary Clinton said that it is O.K. to ban Muslims from Israel by building a WALL, but not O.K. to do so in the U.S. We must be vigilant!"

Later in the day, the real estate mogul went on to compare her to Bush, using his favored "low energy" diss.

"Hillary Clinton doesn't have the strength or stamina to be president. Jeb Bush is a low energy individual, but Hillary is not much better!"

Finally, he attacked Bill Clinton -- who will soon appear on the campaign trail to support his wife's presidential bid -- by calling him a "hypocrite" on women's issues.

"I hope Bill Clinton starts talking about women's issues so that voters can see what a hypocrite he is and how Hillary abused those women!"

Trump had recently said that the former president's alleged abuse of women and extramarital affairs were "fair game" for attacks.


~ Jeb Bush Sinks Down Political Hole As Donald Trump Remains Republican Frontrunner

One year ago, some people thought that there was a strong chance Jeb Bush would become the Republican candidate for the 2016 presidential election. 

Unfortunately for Mr. Bush, that isn’t looking very likely according to the polls. In fact, no matter how much he tries to attack his opponents, Jeb Bush keeps sinking further and further.

On Friday, the Wall Street Journal asked if Jeb Bush could save his presidency.

 They first described his major problem.

“Yet Jeb Bush, who aspires to be the third President Bush in three decades, so far hasn’t found a sizable GOP market.

Often wobbling rhetorically, humbled by the crowded field, beleaguered by an insult-comic billionaire, his aura of inevitability vanished, if it ever existed.”

The article then notes that a comeback would be almost impossible, especially given that Jeb Bush has a 27.5 percent to 53.3 percent favorable/unfavorable rating, which is worse than the same rating for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. 

However, according to the New York Times, Jeb Bush still plans to save his candidacy.

“Jeb Bush and his supporters still have a pile of money to spend, remnants of $100 million raised when he seemed early last year to be a sure bet…And allies have just begun a new ad campaign in Iowa.”

Other campaigns appear to have counted him out altogether. But, in extensive interviews over the past week, aides to Mr. Bush and important allies described a long-shot plan to pull off what seems all but impossible: winning the Republican nomination for president. 

The plan has six elements: keep attacking, avoid embarrassment in Iowa, do well in New Hampshire, woo Lindsey Graham, and — perhaps most importantly — use the family network to help.

Speaking of attacking, that’s just what Jeb Bush’s Republican running mate is doing.

 Trump’s Twitter account lit up on this weekend with some nasty tweets.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump will release his first TV ad on Monday. The Washington Post says it raises the temperature of the GOP race.

“Donald Trump’s ad begins with a shot of President Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Then comes a U.S. battleship launching a cruise-missile strike. From there it moves swiftly through an explosive montage: The suspects in the recent California terrorist attack. Shadowy figures racing across the U.S.-Mexico border. Islamic State militants.”

The ad, even though it hasn’t been released, has been both praised and ridiculed on Twitter — in other words, it’s good PR for Trump.

Many Republicans, even ones who aren’t thrilled with Trump, believe that he is winning and Bush is losing because Trump “has balls.” Do you think Donald Trump will end up taking the Republican nomination? Do you think Jeb Bush is really finished? Give us your thoughts in the comments section.

Sources: CNN, Inquisitir, NBC News, Twitter, Youtube

ISIL CAN'T STEAL AMERICA'S CHRISTMAS; GOD BLESS AMERICA

ISIL CAN'T STEAL AMERICA'S CHRISTMAS

PLANNED TERRORIST ATTACKS RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

For six years, the Radical Islamist Terrorist group ISIL, has intentionally planned Mass Shooting Attacks on American soil.

Most of these events have occurred during the Christmas holiday season.

Is it a coincidence these Terrorist attacks usually occur at Christmas time or is ISIL succeeding at distracting American citizens from celebrating the birth of JESUS CHRIST via planned Terrorist attacks?



~ Christmas In New York City 2015: ISIS Terror Threat Coincides With Rockefeller Tree Lighting, Holiday Markets, High Tourist Season

When the militants -- also known as ISIS or ISIL -- released a video Wednesday making threats against New York City, it included old footage of Times Square that had appeared in a propaganda message released in April. The New York City Police Department determined there was no credible or specific threat against the city, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said Wednesday, but he still deployed members of a new anti-terrorism squad as an extra precaution.

"The people of New York City will not be intimidated," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said late Wednesday. "We understand it is the goal of terrorists to intimidate and disrupt our democratic society. We will not submit to their wishes."

New York is wrapped in holiday cheer every December, as parents and children flock to ice skate in Bryant Park, shoppers stroll along Fifth Avenue to take in store windows dressed up for the holidays, and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center glitters, drawing visitors and locals from around the city. The smells of roasting chestnuts fill sidewalks and churches perform traditional carols.

Tourists at Times Square and Penn Station on Thursday said they had noticed an increase in police officers at big tourist locations, and most said the increased presence made them feel safe. Lewis Moynan, a 22-year-old from England who was finishing up a trip to New York on Thursday, said he was not worried about traveling this week.

“It’s probably one of the safest times you can travel, really, with all the security,” he said. “You can see all the police presence all around the city. ... It makes you feel safer.”

After working as a soccer coach in California for several months, Moynan’s visa was nearing expiration, so he wanted to stop in New York to see the sights before heading to visit family in Maryland. While in the city, he made time to see the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and the World Trade Center.

“I saw this morning outside Macy’s they’ve got all the Christmas trees out and everything,” he said. “I loved it so much last year and there’s so much to do that I wanted to come back.”

Several holiday-themed events opened this week with increased police presence. The annual Union Square Holiday Market opened Thursday, and Urbanspace, the organization that runs the market, said it expects to have just as busy a holiday season as ever.

“We’re going on as usual this year, but obviously we’re cognizant of what’s going on in the world,” said Rachel Van Dolsen, a spokeswoman for Urbanspace. “The holiday market has been in New York for over 20 years, it has integrated itself into the city’s culture, it’s become an institution.”

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, New York City expects to host about 5 million visitors, according to NYC & Company, the city’s tourism organization. Those tourists will bring in more than $3 billion, which the city’s businesses and tourist attractions rely on to sustain them throughout the rest of the year.

“Cultural institutions and theaters launch new performances and blockbuster exhibits this time of year; major parades and events also add to the city’s appeal,” Dena Libner, a spokeswoman for NYC & Company said in an email. “The strength of holiday visitation is essential for the businesses and employees sustained by visitor spending.”

Hotels, too, rely on holiday visitors for big business. While most aren't expecting a drop in visitors due to the recent terror threats, some have added their own security along with Christmas wreaths and red velvet bows in recent days.

“At all Hyatt Hotels, the safety and security of guests and associates is one of our top priorities. Out of an abundance of caution, various key properties in the U.S. have elevated their security measures,” the Hyatt Corp. said in a statement. “Additionally, the hotels are in close contact with local police and are collaborating with them in their enhanced community policing measures at these locations.”

For tourists in New York City the week before Thanksgiving, many were excited to be avoiding the holiday crowds, but did say friends or relatives had warned them about traveling so soon after the Paris attacks.

Melissa Lindsay, who had just arrived at Penn Station Thursday for a girls’ weekend with her best friend of 30 years, was excited to be in New York for the first time, despite the state of world affairs. She and her friend had come from Fredericksburg, Virginia, to see Joseph Prince, the pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore, who is currently on a world tour, and they decided to make a weekend out of their trip to New York.

“I’m so excited to see ‘The Color Purple,’ ” Lindsay, 51, said. “I’m not nervous traveling, but other people did tell me to be careful going to New York. About four people said, ‘Have fun, but be careful.’ ”

A more experienced traveler, Maria Elena Wood has tried to visit New York City every year since 1981. A journalist from Santiago, Chile, she loves the New York theater scene and exploring the city. But Wood, who is 55, wasn’t going to let terrorists ruin her time in the iconic New York City.

“I think that we [cannot] be nervous because anywhere it can happen,” Wood said. “We must continue to do our lives. I think that we have to continue living as we live because that’s the best way to fight terrorism -- not to be in terror.”

Sources: International Business Times, YouTube

LOVE & HIP HOP vs SORORITY SISTERS: BLACK WOMEN vs BLACK WOMEN

#SororitySisters

LOVE & HIP HOP vs SORORITY SISTERS:

BLACK WOMEN vs BLACK WOMEN

MONA SCOTT- YOUNG is an Intelligent BLACK Business Woman and Queen of BLACK Reality tv.
She created & produced such hit shows as the "Love & Hip Hop" series and "Sorority Sisters".
"Love & Hip Hop" is a widely known, popular reality series to showcase "Ratchet", television, while "Sorority Sisters" was bashed for making BLACK professional Women appear in a similar "Ratchet" manner.

So now BLACK Women are fighting against BLACK Women regarding which group of BLACK Women is better received in American society and by the BLACK Community.
Amid public backlash from the BLACK Greek community, "Sorority Sisters" was Cancelled after one season.

Post Sources: Black Enterprise, V-1, YouTube

AL SHARPTON SHOULD NOT LEAD NEW MOVEMENT; BILL DE BLASIO AND FLORIDA DREAM DEFENDERS SHOULD

#AlSharpton

AL SHARPTON SHOULD NOT BE LEADING THIS NEW RACIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT IN AMERICA.

BILL DE BLASIO AND THE FLORIDA DREAM DEFENDERS SHOULD TAKE UP THE MANTLE AND LEAD.

I RESPECT SHARPTON BUT HE NEEDS TO ALLOW NEW YOUNG BLOOD TO STEP UP AND LEAD.

SHARPTON CAN REMAIN IN THE MOVEMENT BUT HE SHOULD NOT LEAD IT.

WE NEED LONG TERM ECONOMIC BOYCOTTS AND PEACEFUL PROTESTS ALL OVER THE USA UNTIL CHANGE OCCURS.

TALK IS CHEAP WE NEED ACTION……..JOBS………SMALL BUSINESSES……..EQUAL JUSTICE.

Long time Self-Appointed Civil Rights Leader AL SHARPTON should NOT be allowed to LEAD this New Racial Justice MOVEMENT in the United States of America.

Although I may NOT have always agreed with AL SHARPTON'S Motives, I do appreciate his Voice but now he needs to fall back and make way for some New, YOUNGER LEADERS to take charge of this MOVEMENT.

If SHARPTON wants to remain in the MOVEMENT than be a MENTOR but don't try to LEAD because his LEADERSHIP days are over.

Older Civil Rights LEADERS are often Stubborn and Stuck in their ways.

Older Civil Rights LEADERS are often NOT as Open-Minded and Open to Effective CHANGE as Younger people are.

Older Civil Rights LEADERS are often too entrenched and Sold-out to CORPORATE MONEY to remain Effective.

What worked 20 years ago will NOT work today because the World has Changed and INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM has grown Worse!

The 21st Century BLACK Community needs NEW, YOUNG LEADERSHIP like the FLORIDA DREAM DEFENDERS and Mayor BILL DE BLASIO of NEW YORK CITY.

Yes I said NYC Mayor BILL DE BLASIO!

BILL DE BLASIO is a WHITE Man married to a BLACK Woman but prior to being elected Mayor of NYC, he was a very Effective Community Advocate.

As a NYC Community Advocate DE BLASIO helped thousands of OPPRESSED BLACK and LATINO people.

That's why so many BLACK & LATINO Voters Elected DE BLASIO when BLOOMBERG'S 3rd term ended.

After being Elected Mayor, DE BLASIO did NOT change his Spots or jump into bed with Corporate "FAT CATS".

Instead DE BLASIO has United NEW YORK CITY and he is still to this day helping the OPPRESSED BLACK and LATINO People of New York City!

BLOOMBERG Divided New York City.

DE BLASIO has United New York City.

I believe BILL DE BLASIO and the FLORIDA DREAM DEFENDERS should team up together and LEAD the New Racial Justice MOVEMENT in America.

DE BLAISO is from the NORTH.

The DREAM DEFENDERS are from the SOUTH.

They need to team up TOGETHER.

That’s rights I said it!

The New LEADERSHIP Racial JUSTICE Baton in America should be passed to BILL DE BLASIO and the FLORIDA DREAM DEFENDERS.

So to wrap this post up and keep it short, I respect AL SHARPTON but he needs to allow NEW YOUNG LEADERSHIP to Step Up.

I’ve noticed that whenever AL SHARPTON LEADS, the MOVEMENT only last for a few Months then it goes Silent.

This time the MOVEMENT needs to last until well past 2016 or until EFFECTIVE CHANGE takes place in America, including JOBS for BLACK People.

Not simply low paying Temp JOBS even for BLACK People with College Degrees.

But Real JOBS like We had before the RECESSION!

We need Real JOBS and help to Re-Start SMALL BUSINESSES in BLACK Communities so We can HIRE Our BLACK Youth, just as We did before the RECESSION.

I repeat.

If SHARPTON wants to remain in the MOVEMENT than be a MENTOR but don't try to LEAD because his LEADERSHIP days are over.

I'm just saying.

WE NEED LONG TERM ECONOMIC BOYCOTTS AND PEACEFUL PROTESTS ALL OVER THE USA UNTIL CHANGE OCCURS.

TALK IS CHEAP WE NEED ACTION……..JOBS………SMALL BUSINESSES……..EQUAL JUSTICE.

Article Sources: FSU News; NY Times; Politico

ARTICLE: "Darren Wilson Not Indicted, Dream Defenders Plan Peaceful Rally"

Dream Defenders plan rally against shooting of unarmed Michael Brown


UPDATE: Monday, Nov 24, 2014; 9:26 p.m.

The grand jury reached the decision not to indict Darren Wilson, the officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in August. Dream Defenders are set to march at 10 p.m. at the Civic Center.
UPDATE: 6 p.m.

Tallahassee's Dream Defender's changed the time and location of their rally to 9 p.m. at the Civic Center.

Lead Organizer Brian Marshall said they will hold the rally regardless of the verdict.

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The grand jury reached the decision not to indict Darren Wilson, the officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in August. Dream Defenders are set to march at 10 p.m. at the Civic Center.

Tallahassee’s Dream Defenders say they will hold a peaceful rally, marching from the Civic Center at 10 p.m.

In addition to the situation in Ferguson, Dream Defenders are rallying against other police brutality and race issues in Tallahassee, including the tasing of 61-year-old, unarmed Viola Young last month. They are also rallying for justice for Duane Strong, an 18-year-old shot and killed by police from inside his car at Cheek's nightclub in Tallahassee.