RAPPERS WHO GET A BAD RAP!!

RAPPERS WHO GET A BAD RAP!

"What I found was astonishing and I was even more convinced that this

was an article well worth writing"  http://goodadviceguru.blogspot.com/search/label/Eminem

Every day there is a new story or media buzz about rappers who get themselves into trouble. Some are arrested for alleged drug charges, some for violence, others for weapons, you name it the list goes on and on. Even more so many rappers are consistently criticized for their offensive use of profanities as well as extensive sexual content in their lyrics. While some of this information is in fact the truth and by no means are we giving rappers a free pass when it comes to breaking the law, we can however, try a glass is half full approach when it comes to writing and media attention about this particular group of artists.

I must admit when I approached some of my readers and filled them in on my plans of writing a piece about taking advice from rappers, I definitely had a mixture of reactions stemming from the tumultuous reputation most rappers have been given. None-the-less I decided to go forth researching in hopes to prove the regular readers wrong.

My first attempt at googling the many more popular rap artists was mediocre at best. What I found was exactly what I had been warned against. It was almost as if I was googling groups of ex and present convicts. That, along with a buffet of "do-gooder" groups who proactively attack rap artists for profanities and use of violence in their lyrics. But now I was more determined then ever to dig for even just one rap artist who uses his fame and fortune for good.

What I found astounded me and I was even more convinced that this was an article well worth writing.  Most rap artist have their own web sites for all to visit. Most are filled with famous lyrics bios, down loads, and tour dates by the thousands.. There is also a media frenzy of articles written on rappers. The content is exactly what you would expect it to be. Thousands of articles attacking the rappers about everything from law breaking to jail time to bad behavior.  But few are filled with facts about the good deeds these artists have accomplished. As I changed my approach and began to research a few foundations and charity functions I found famous rappers of many who donate millions of their own money and time whole heartedly to those in need.

Rapper Lil John who appeared on "Celebrity Apprentice" raised over $80,000 for his favorite charity "United Methodist Children's home" He was quoted saying "I"m rarely speechless, but I'm totally speechless today" when asked to speak about the money he raised. He also said "The goal was to raise awareness to this children's home, through the show ( Celebrity Apprentice) a lot of people got to learn about this home. Through the show, more people said they'll make more donations. I'm happy with that." Lil John was actually upset because his original goal of $100,000 was not met. That's says a great deal of good about the rap star. Lil John also released a song "Stand in the storm" with three of his co stars from the show, and all proceeds go toward the charity as well. You can read about the charity on his web site JohnJohnSAID IT.com.

Other popular rappers such as Eminem, Cee Lo Green, Rhianna, and Nicki Minaj raised $5 million to help the victims of Japan due to the devastating earthquake/tsunami that hit them in March of this year. They released a CD called "Songs for Japan" on April 4rth. Other groups like Black Eyed Peas, U2, Justin Bieber and Elton John contributed songs as well.

Eminem has been known for his work in many charities. He and Justin Timberlake were among many artists who's efforts helped the disaster victims of Joplin, Missouri when a swarm of tornado's destroyed hundreds of homes, buildings and killed over 150 people. Eminemm and Justin Timberlake also stripped down for a Cosmopolitan shoot that raised awareness for testicular cancer.

While rapper TI and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle have had their share of negative press the two also found time to host a luncheon called "For the Love of Our Fathers" to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer's. (a charity near and dear to the couple) Both TI and "Tiny" have relatives who have since passed on from Alzheimer's.

Rappers like "Tyga", Ciara, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown have released free Cd's and performed at charity concerts to raise money for various foundations worthy of their attention. Tyga and Chris Brown performed at the Virgina Stand Up event that raised money for the victims of Haiti as well.

Another popular artist Common started a foundation called "The Common ground Foundation". The charity raises money to help instill leadership qualities in our less advantaged youths. The rapper/musician/poet believes whole heartedly that all children should have empowering qualities.

This article can go on for pages listing the many good deeds, donating and volunteering that rappers have done in the past. We haven't even touched the tip of what these artists have done in our communities, for our less advantaged youth and for many millions of needy and deserving charities. True, it is easier to believe the bad press and one dimensional view of the press. As a society we simply love the stories that focus and dwell on the negatives. My advice goes out to the media and to the press. Maybe if we took a tad bit of time to research the rappers and for that matter all other artists as well, we would find that although negative press seems to sell slightly better, it is also important to treat others the way we would like to be treated. If someone spends the time to give back to a community or raise millions for those in need, perhaps it is well worth writing about. ... Thumbs Down for those who only report the raunchy negatives.... SNAPS for the rappers who have given of their fame and fortune to help others!

http://goodadviceguru.blogspot.com/search/label/Eminem 

RHONJ Matriarch: Caroline Manzo

RHONJ Matriarch Caroline Manzo

Reality shows have become increasingly popular over the years. Some are mindless, boring and not worth watching while others are even more entertaining then any Major Network prime time show could ever be. Amongst the top reality show frenzy are the Housewife series. Whether you're a fan of the kitty kats of the OC, the beauties of Beverly Hills, or the glamour girls of Jersey, there's no denying that Reality Housewives have made their mark on reality TV.

One of the favored Jersey housewives is modern matriarch Caroline Manzo. Caroline is a beautiful woman, loving wife, and incredible mother of three. There is no denying that with her big beautiful melt your heart smile and glamour girl good looks she is clearly physically a beauty. However Caroline's true beauty lies skin deep and comes out shining in the love she has for her family.

In a world where most mothers are career girls as well, many say that family comes first but few truly follow the motto. Mrs Manzo makes the "Family First " rule mandatory and her career falls second fiddle. While her children were growing up Caroline stayed home to nurture their needs. She taught them respect, to be well mannered and well behaved. And although Albie and Chris ( Caroline's sons) are now in their twenties and out on their own, as the show has progressed we have seen through the years that the boys still listen and come to Caroline when they need her. Lauren ( Carolines daughter) is still living at home but because of endless encouragement from her mother she is successfully fulfilling her dreams of "making it" as a make-up artist. Caroline allows her children to pick their own dreams, never forcing them into a family business ( owners of the Brownstone in Jersey) or telling them what she thinks they should do. She even once had encouraging words for son, Chris, when he had aspirations of opening a car wash/stripper club. Her only voice of reason to her son was to "make it a car wash/strip club that mama could visit and be proud of." In another episode Albie, her eldest had decided to leave law-school. Instead of showing disappointment and despair for her son  (as many Italian families would have done) she engaged him in a hug, gave him nurturing advice and lent him an ear to listen. She assured him all would be OK then tells him to find a field of work that better would suit him. She clearly encourages her children and offers them the best of her love and attention.

Although she is loving and warm she still wears the pants ( so to speak) when it comes to running the household. Immediately when you watch you realize when this matriarch speaks, all ears still to listen. Lauren puts it best when she said "my mom offers great advice, she can tell you to "F" off and say it with a smile on her face."

http://goodadviceguru.blogspot.com/search/label/carolin%20manzo

Caroline is #6 out of 11 brothers and sisters, she keeps in touch with her large family and also has a respectful and loving relationship with her longtime husband Albert. She is very vocal about working hard to make her marriage a meaningful marvelous one. They have mutual admiration for one another and both work equally hard to keep the marriage fresh and exciting. In season four Caroline turned down an invite to the popular Posche fashion show due to her dedication to the couples date night. Albert and Caroline take time out every week to spend an alone evening together. It's evident that Albert is clearly in love with his wife. Watch an episode or two and you will no doubt see the love between to the two.

The matriarch gives welcomed advice to her fellow housewives. She has a genuine concern for her friends as well as her family.  The depth of her warmth and her spectacular smile make a meaningful pair, and joined with the sassy side we sometimes get to see certainly make is easy to become a fan of the fabulous Mama Manzo.

Caroline Manzo, the matriarch, is a warm well intentioned woman. She is a loving wife, an amazing mother, and fabulous friend to those she holds dear. To the fans she'll always be a favorite of the "Jersey girls" and one hell of a Housewife. We love Team Caroline!... SNAPs for Caroline Manzo!! 

http://goodadviceguru.blogspot.com/search/label/carolin%20manzo

LADY GAGA : SUED for JAPAN BRACELETS....WHAT????

Lady Gaga Sued for Japan Bracelets

Apparently according to the (AP) and news sources from Michigan, Lady Gaga is being sued in her efforts to raise money for the victims of the March Tsunami/Earthquake in Japan. Michigan Legals 1800LAWFIRMS are alleging that Lady Gaga and the companies that are associated with selling, advertising and marketing the "We Pray for Japan" white bracelets are 1. charging to much shipping and handling and 2. showing "inflated reports of total donations" for the bracelets. There have been no comments from Lady Gaga or the companies associated with the sales of the bracelets as of yet. (In her defence however she is in Japan right now performing concerts in efforts to raise money for the victims of the disaster)

LETS GETS REAL PEOPLE!!!!!

Now clearly there have been efforts in the past when the public has been slightly steered in a direction to believe that money donated to help others may have been accepted and used for profitable reasons. There is no doubt that there are many money hungry people in the world who use unique circumstances to their own selfish benefits in order to make mounds of money. There is no denying that we have all been blindsided before due to terrible individuals who tear tirelessly at our heartstrings to make us donate to a cause we truly believe in. And, once they receive our hard earned money they instead pack the profits in their own pockets instead of giving to those in need. BUT SERIOUSLY PEOPLE This is NOT one of those cases. 

Lady Gaga has spent her entire fame and fortune career trying to teach others about tolerance, equality, being accepting and to lend a helping hand to those in need. The singer flew out to Japan to perform at a benefit concert to sing and send out a message to her fans and others to "come to Japan". Gaga made the bracelets in order to get her "little monsters"  involved in raising money to help the victims of Japan on a monetary level that everyone could afford and certainly NOT to put a profit in her own pocket. The singer has donated now over $3 million of her own money. Clearly she was not scheming and planning to overcharge fans a few measly dollars in shipping and handling.

That's not to say there isn't a problem going on here. Perhaps there was a mistake made on the part of a marketing or advertising third party in the planning of the sales of the bracelets. But, to honestly come out and say that they are suing Lady Gaga for attempting to pocket the money on shipping and handling and showing inflated reports of total donation figures is just simply ludicrous.

Lady Gaga has made millions of dollars for ....well...for just being Lady Gaga. Her "little monsters" love her for her unique, outrageous outfits, her superb singing voice and the many messages she sends out to others of unity, equality, tolerance, love and GENEROSITY.

If there was a glitch somewhere in the planning that made the "Japan bracelet Project" somehow make a profit, it surely was a mistake and NOT done on purpose by the performer. In fact the problem lies within the fact that these days people don't always put efforts in to trying to help others just because they are afraid of something like this happening. Lady Gaga is a woman who should be commended for using her fame and fortune to try to help others and instead shes is getting bad press and back lash for it. (Thumbs down for the cynics accusing the singer for fraud!!) and (SNAPs again for GAGA always willing to help out others)