And The Negro Please Award Goes To....

Martellus Bennett!

So how did Martellus when this prestigous award? Well it seems Mr. Bennett wanted to show his freestyle skills off in what else? A Youtube video! Wearing an official autographed Dallas Cowboys and flashing a bottle of alcohol, the pro football player spouted off an endless round of N-words, a parade of profanities, degrading jokes about blacks and getting team owner Jerry Jones' "money." But of course he couldn't leave out the gays, and came up with this compelling lyrical line:

"Never been broke, I ain't never been a homo."

Oh Martellus, you're so talented. I bet it took the whole bottle to up with that! Such creativity!

The video was removed from Youtube soon afterwards, and Bennett was fined $22,000 by the Dallas Cowboys. Bennett then responded to controversy in what else? A rap video! Here's a sample of the 'apology' lyrics, via Outsports.com:

Why they hatin on me, it was just a song/I was only rappin, I didn’t do nothin’ wrong/But the media, they tried to do me wrong/But it’s OK y’all, ‘cause it’s still on

Wasn’t using guns, it was all in fun/I mean come on dog, it was just a song/The one crazy verse, it could have been worse/I mean I did curse, but I didn’t see a hearse/Even stars burst
I mean, I’m 21, which is no excuse/It did make the news, but the way they spoke/Man it wasn’t true/Now they talkin bad about my attitude

Uggh. Non-apologies, excuse my french, f*cking suck. If you're going to make offensive statements like those and not give a sincere apology at least be man or woman enough to stand by what you said. Non-apologies basically say: I'm sorry you were offended by what I said, but I'm not sorry for saying it and you just took it wrong. He probably didn't mean to offend anyone, but c'mon Martellus. You gotta be or get smarter than that. View the 'apology' below:

House Approves Stimulus Package

On Wednesday the House of Representative approved an $819 billion stimulus package, despite having no Republican support and 11 opposing Democrats. The bill passed by a 244-118 margin. According to The Boston Globe:

Members of both parties said that despite Obama's overtures to Republicans - including a trip this week to Capitol Hill to woo members in person - the congressional leadership of both parties approached the stimulus legislation with the same unrelenting partisan tactics Obama attacked during his campaign and inaugural address.

"It's really not a bipartisan process so I don't think you can expect a bipartisan vote," said Representative Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican. "If the president had his druthers, we would be included. . . . But they've locked us out. We've seen a very heavy-handed leadership on this."

The bill, which includes money for food stamps, digitizing health records and alternative energy technology, is expected to increase up to $1 trillion when ti comes up for a Senate vote next week.

Gay Storyline on "The Game"

I must admit, I don't watch a lot of new TV shows. I usually cling to my favorites (Golden Girls, Fresh Prince, Sex and The City, Will and Grace and Girlfriends) to shield myself from the non-stop celebration of mediocrity that is 90-95% of reality TV. The only new shows I pay attention to are My Name is Earl and The Game.

Granted, I've missed a lot episodes, but course since it's a CW show you know it only gets so much promotion, unless your name is Tyra Banks. But I digress. It seems that the show has decided to add a little splash of rainbow with a gay storyline. One of the main characters Malik, has to deal with insinuations from ex-lover Robin Givens that he's gay.

What happens from there is a little stereotypical, but I think is ultimately entertaining and suprising. The storyline is supposed to continue into this week's episode. Get into the clips below, and check out The Game Fridays at 8:30/7:30c (I might as well plug the show, they need it:).

News and Notables

Mildew Found in Peanut Butter Plant

Break out the Lysol. Last year inspectors found mildew on the ceiling and other problems at a peanut butter plant. The plant, located in Georgia, has been linked to the current salmonella outbreak.

While the plant's owner maintained that the problems were cited and "for the most part corrected on site," a New York Times article list several lapses in cleanliness.

Citing an inspection report from August 23, 2007, the Times noted at least three incidences in which "food-contact surfaces" were "not properly cleaned and sanitized."

In an apparent response to the Times article, PCA released a statement saying, "When the observations were noted during inspections by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, corrective action was taken immediately where possible and subsequently when immediate action was not possible."

Another Day, Another Ted Haggard Sex Scandal

Them bones are just tumblin' out of the closet. Another man has come forward with allegations that he and the former New Life pastor had an affair. The twenty-year old church assistant was given money in exchange for not publicly speaking about he and Haggard's relationship.

The church also paid for the man's college tuition, moving expensives and therapy.

"This was compassionate assistance. It was to help him move forward, not a settlement to keep him quiet," said Rev. Brady Boyd, senior pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Hmmm. Sounds like shut up money to me. You be the judge.

President Pushes for Stimulus Package

"We begin this year and this administration in the midst of an unprecedented crisis that calls for unprecedented action."

"Just this week, we saw more people file for unemployment than at any time in the last 26 years, and experts agree that if nothing is done, the unemployment rate could reach double digits."

This is the picure President Obama painted during his first weekly Internet and radio address on Saturday. Obama's remarks about the current crisis served as a push for the $825 billion stimulus package to revive the economy. According to CNN.com:

The president revealed more details of his stimulus package, which he said would add more than 3,000 miles of electric lines to transport alternative energy across the country.

Obama also said the plan would save taxpayers $2 billion by making three-quarters of federal buildings more energy efficient and would "save the average working family $350 on their energy bills by weatherizing 2.5 million homes."

In addition the White House also released a report pushing for investment in Pell Grants for college students and $2,500 tax credit for 4 million students. The president wants to have the plan on his desk for signing by Feb. 16.

"Prayers For Bobby"

A personal side note: I watched "Prayers for Bobby" twice, once on the Saturday premiere and again on Sunday. The movie was good and definitely a step up for Lifetime, but at times was gut-wrenching to watch. I found myself reliving and reflecting on the darker parts of my own teenage years, so needless to say I could relate. I think every family, especially devoutly religious ones, should see this film. While it may not completely change minds about homosexuality, it could inspire more compassion and understanding. The movie airs again tomorrow at 9/8 Central on Lifetime.

Eye Candy

Instead of singling out just one, I pick a smorgasboard of delicious man candy for your view pleasure, lol. Enjoy:).

John Lewis Defends Gay Marriage

Looks like Rev. Al Sharpton isn't the only leader supportive of marriage equality. Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, smacks down anti-gay pastors and those who think gay rights are not civil rights:

Terry Gross: (At the 22:00 mark) I want to quote something that you wrote in an op-ed piece in October of 003, and this was about gay rights and the right for gay people to marry. You wrote, “I have fought too hard and for too long against discrimination based on race and color not to stand up against discrimination based on sexual orientation. I’ve heard the reasons for opposing civil marriage for same-sex couples. Cut through the distractions, and they stink of the same fear, hatred and intolerance I have known in racism and in bigotry.” …I’ve heard some African-American leaders say that it’s wrong to make a connection between the civil rights movement and the gay rights movement because discrimination against African-Americans and discrimination against gays are completely different things. And being gay and being black are completely different things. What’s your take on that?

Rep. Lewis: Well, I do not buy that argument. I do not buy that argument. And today I think more than ever before, we have to speak up and speak out to end discrimination based on sexual orientation. Dr. King used to say when people talked about blacks and whites falling in love and getting married — you know one time in the state of Virginia, in my native state of Alabama, in Georgia and other parts of the South, blacks and whites could not fall in love and get married. And Dr. King took a simple argument and said races don’t fall in love and get married. Individuals fall in love and get married. It’s not the business of the federal government, it’s not the business of the state government to tell two individuals that they cannot fall in love and get married. And so I go back to what I said and wrote those lines a few years ago, that I fought too long and too hard against discrimination based on race and color not to stand up and fight and speak out against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

And you hear people “defending marriage.” Gay marriage is not a threat to heterosexual marriage. It is time for us to put that argument behind us.
You cannot separate the issue of civil rights. It is one of those absolute, immutable principles. You’ve got to have not just civil rights for some, but civil rights for all of us.

Terry Gross: And when you say not civil rights for some, you even mean civil rights for African-Americans and for gay people too?

Rep. Lewis: Not just civil rights for African-Americans or other minorities, but civil rights also for gay people.

Lewis was heavily involved in the movement, serving as head of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which lead many sit-ins, and were also the victims of the violent attacks displayed on national television. Lewis himself was beaten at the march on Selma by Alabama State Troopers. Clearly he, Coretta Scott King and fellow ally Julian Bond, know what they're talking about when speaking about LGBT rights.

Wow. Pro-gay comments from two powerful, straight black male leaders in less than two weeks. Change must really be comin':). Listen to the NPR podcast here.

Rod 2.0: John Lewis: "Gay Marriage Not a Threat to Heterosexuals"

BET Honors Fashions....High Class or A Hot Mess?

The 2nd Annual BET Honors doesn't air until February 9th, but pictures have already leaked from the ceremony. Let's take a look shall we?

HA! Nippy is back for the '09 haters! *Hmmph* Sorry, I had a BGC moment lol. But Whitney looks absolutely stunning and healthy (Praise God! YES!) in this gown.

I just love Mary's style nowadays. It pratically screams grown-ass woman while still being fashionable and chic. The short do' is a plus as well.Meanwhile Monica was givin' me ol' school, scarf-wearin' "Not Gon Cry" Mary J! The black boots and leather with the Jackie O shades? Fantastic.

The queen looks nice in this flowing black dress, but she looks just that...nice. Not stunning. I much prefer the other outfit she wore onstage.

The Queen looks great with a big shock of silky, electric blue. Of course she could shock (or not) the world with other suprises as well, but movin on;)...

Terrance Howard is lookin' supa dupa scrumptious in this two piece suit. I love the silver tie, which brings out a nice contrast. If only he'd stopped by a barbershop for a little line up on the way to the ceremony though. I'm just sayin'.

Ol' Ty Ty looks great in this black two piece suit. The bow tie is nice touch as well. Of course you know closet queens know how to work it out!

Ms. Union, who probably hosts the event, looks great in her many wardrobe changes. I love black as much as the next person, but two black dresses girl? C'mon, you coulda came better than that. Also step your hair game up. You've been rockin' that same prom night press for eons now.

The legendary Anita Baker looks elegant and classy as always in this black ensemble. Not sure about the sparkly stones though.

Oh Ms. Angie, Ms. Angie, Ms. Angie. You know I love you, and for your roles as Tina Turner and Bernandine from "Waiting to Exhale," I will always admire your talent. But I have to say it: why in the hell would you wear a potentially beautiful gown (I don't know because I can't fully see the damn thang) with heavy black Cruella-Deville styled coat? Then that hair. It looks like something some queen who's just convinced he knows how to do hair scrapped together in the limo. Like I said I love ya Ms. Angie. But DAMN. Your face looks flawless as always though:).