I'm sending a budget to Congress to kick off an important, and often difficult, process of deciding how our government should use taxpayer dollars.

Most years, this debate goes on behind closed doors in Washington, with too much input from special interests and lobbyists.

I think that should change. I know you're someone who cares deeply about where we go as a nation.

That's why OFA is asking people like you to make your voice heard in this debate -- will you join in?

Making budgets is something everyone does -- they're the truest measure of our priorities.

As Vice President Biden likes to say, "Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value."

I started the conversation during the State of Union by proposing ways to expand economic opportunity for the middle class, and make critical investments in infrastructure and education.

The budget I'm presenting today lays out exactly what else we can do to keep our families strong -- ways to make paychecks go further, raise wages, and create good jobs here at home. I'm also proposing that we re-evaluate how we make spending cuts -- because they shouldn't be made blindly across the board, as they have been in years past.

I suspect that some members of Congress will have their own ideas about what our priorities should be.

So do you.

This directly affects your life -- you need to have a say in it. This can't be a conversation that happens only in the halls of the Capitol.

OFA was founded to make sure the voices of ordinary Americans are heard in Washington.

That's why I hope you'll be part of this, with OFA or in any way you can -- say you will today:

http://my.barackobama.com/Have-a-Say-In-This-Debate

Thanks,

Barack Obama

>

 Training Camp Notes: Sullivan Barrera

From Cuban Defector to Rising Prospect in the Light Heavyweight Division

Big Bear Lake, CA:           On July 25, 2015 undefeated Cuban light heavyweight Sullivan Barrera (15-0, 10 KOs) will face his biggest challenge to date in the ring since his professional debut in 2009, Vasily "The Professor" Lepikhin (17-1, 9 KOs), but for the 33 year-old from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the hardest time in his life is most definitely in his past.   Barrera Against Jeff Lacy Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events     In 2009, Sullivan defected from Cuba with four other fighters from the Cuban National Team. It was his third attempt to flee Castro's regime and become a professional fighter in the United States. After many days at sea, the five men finally landed in Mexico where they were detained for more than three months. Eventually, Sullivan was able to make it over the Mexican border into the United States.   Shortly thereafter, he made his professional debut, a first round TKO over Anthony Adorno in Miami, Florida. For several years after his debut, he would reside in Florida and continue to fight on many local cards until he met his manager, Luis Molina. Barrera and Molina then met Egis Klimas, manager to Main Events' stablemate Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev and countless other young prospects, who helped Sullivan sign a promotional contract with Main Events.   According to Sullivan, "I ran into some promotional issues and did not fight for a year and a half. When I was 11-0, with the help of Egis Klimas, we approached Main Events about possibly signing with them." Then last year, after he knocked out Lee Campbell in the sixth round, Sullivan began to work with world-renowned trainer, Abel Sanchez at Sanchez' compound in Big Bear Lake, California, The Summit.   Jeff Lacy and Sullivan Barrera Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events     After his first training camp with Sanchez, Sullivan decided to leave Miami and take up permanent residence in California at The Summit. Barrera said, "This will be my fourth fight with Abel Sanchez. Technically I live in Big Bear now because I spend most of my time here. I have nobody with me here, all of my family is still in Cuba. I like living in Big Bear because I am by myself and I am comfortable training. I can stay focused. I am around other world-class fighters who push me to want to get to that next level. Most importantly, I am in a place where I am focused daily."   On July 25, Sullivan will face previously undefeated light heavyweight and Main Events' stablemate Vasily "The Professor" Lepikhin (Lepikhin is co-promoted by Main Events, German Titov Promotions and Interbox). Lepikhin suffered his first career loss on the Kovalev-Pascal undercard in March at the hands of WBC #1 contender Isaac "Golden Boy" Chilemba. Sullivan hopes this fight will be a stepping stone to take him to the next level in the division. He said, "I wanted a fight against Pascal but he didn't want to accept the fight against me. At this point I have to settle for the opponents that come my way. I understand that it is only going to get tougher and tougher to get the fights I want, but I am fighting a guy that is obviously coming with everything. He's got a good record and I am sure he is coming to try and redeem himself."   When asked about the hot light heavyweight division he added, "It is great that it is a busy division. After this fight I hope that I can demonstrate that I am ready to fight any of the top tier guys. As long as there is action in the division that is good for me."  About Kovalev vs. Mohammedi   WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in his first mandatory title defense against Nadjib "Irondjib" Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yunieski Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs). Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

NAACP President/CEO Cornell William Brooks in Charleston, SC, discusses the Confederate flag. Take it down

While in New York, Justise Winslow gets in one last workout before the 2015 NBA Draft. 

 Lebron James Starts the All-Star Game with Two Strong Throwdowns also 

Lebron James Flies High for the Reverse Alley-Oop Slam

James Flies High for the Reverse

The 46th NAACP Image Awards are airing live Friday, February 6 at 8/7c on TV One, and this year's show is going to be big.

Our host, Anthony Anderson, is sure to keep you laughing all evening long, but the star power doesn't end there. The top names in film, TV, music, and literature are coming together Friday night to celebrate an incredible year of arts and entertainment.

http://www.naacp.org/news/entry/anthony-anderson-to-host-the-46th-naacp-image-awards

Photo courtesy of Will Paul
CES MMA LIGHTWEIGHT champion Julian Lane of Mansfield, Ohio, seen here celebrating his win over Luis Felix in August, returns to the cage Friday, Jan. 30th, 2015 to defend his title against Boston's Lucas Cruz on the main card of "CES MMA XXVII" live from Twin River Casino on AXS TV. An alum of The Ultimate Fighter reality television series, Lane is looking to break through in 2015 and reinvent himself as one of the top contenders in the 155-pound weight class

Out from under the shadow of reality TV, Lane prepares for first title defense Friday
 
LINCOLN, R.I. (Jan. 28th, 2015) -- No matter where he goes, Julian Lane can't escape his memorable stint on The Ultimate Fighter reality series, not even more than 600 miles east of his hometown.
 
As he prepares for the first defense of his CES MMA lightweight title Friday night in Rhode Island, Lane is waiting out this week's blizzard cooped up in the same hotel as former TUF teammate Jon Manley, who is also fighting on Friday's card.
 
The two never saw eye-to-eye while sharing the spotlight on national TV, with Manley going as far to suggest Lane's drunken exploits were nothing more than a ploy to get himself kicked out of the house instead of having to face the pressure of fighting on one of the sport's biggest stages.
 
"I don't know if he wants to see me or not," Lane said Wednesday after wrapping up a promotional vignette for AXS TV. "We really weren't that cool on the show, but he's a nice guy and all. I'm sure we'll say hi. I have no beef with the guy."
 
Lane (8-3-1, 1 KO) has matured since his breakthrough in 2012. He's still the same brash, outspoken fighter who nearly punched holes in the walls during his intoxicated rant on TUF, but after beating hometown favorite Luis Felix on AXS TV in August in front of a sold-out crowd at Twin River Casino, he's finally earning recognition as a legitimate contender in the 155-pound weight class, not just "the drunk on TV."
 
"Everybody said I couldn't fight, or that I was just there because of my Mohawk or my tattoos or how I run my mouth," said the 27-year-old Mansfield, Ohio, native, "but now everybody sees I'm full of talent.
 
"I've got a gift God gave me and I'm using it to my advantage. Hopefully, it gets me all the way to the top."
 
Fighting on AXS TV under the promotional guidance of CES MMA has allowed Lane to reinvent himself as a fighter. He'll get the opportunity to continue climbing the ladder Friday, Jan. 30th, 2015 when he defends his title in a five-round bout against Boston's Lucas Cruz(7-2, 2 KOs) on the main card of "CES MMA XXVII" at Twin River, one of two title fights scheduled for Friday's AXS TV broadcast.
 
Tickets for "CES MMA XXVII" are on $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All bouts are subject to change.
 
"There's nothing like fighting on national TV," Lane said. "You're on the spot right there. It's not prerecorded."
 
Life has changed for Lane since choking out Felix five months ago on national TV. No longer the underdog, Lane finds himself in an enviable position as the fighter everyone else is chasing after, desperate to get their hands on that championship belt.
 
"I've actually never been the guy holding the belt," Lane said. "Like they say, it's lonely at the top, man. It's true. But you've got to earn your keep. That's what I'm going to do."
 
The win over Felix also sparked a flurry of social media backlash from some of the region's top fighters, many of whom openly challenged Lane to put his title on the line.
 
"I'm basically like, 'Dude, catch up. You'll get your shot when you have your chance. Work hard enough to get your shot.' I put all my hard work, all my dedication, all my sacrifices for my kids and my family," Lane said. "I've earned my shot at the title. I'm here to prove my point. I'm the champ. I've got the belt, so of course everybody is coming at you now because you've got the gold and they're trying to get a meal ticket off of you.
 
"Everybody's trying to get their shot, man, and if it's by running their mouth, if they try to get it that way, then that's cool. I'm like, "Fuck that, man." Earn it with your hands. Earn it with your skill."
 
Felix controlled the pace in the fight against Lane, circling the cage and keeping Lane at a distance with solid right hands and leg kicks, but Lane wasn't just picking his spots. The reigning champ admits he sprained both of his ankles during the fight, which limited his mobility and forced him to switch up his game plan.
 
"He pulled back on some of the kicks I threw and I guess, like, if you graze someone with your kicks and land with your toes it really hurts bad, man, and I slam my kicks in there, so it caught me off guard," Lane said. "I slowed up kicking.
 
"As you could see, I wasn't kicking and in the third round that's why I was just standing in the cage. I was standing in the cage like, "Fuck it. I'm not moving no more. I'm just going to stand here and wait for him to come. I'm just going to fake that left and I know he's going to circle to my power." That's what happened. I faked that jab and threw the overhand."
 
Lane landed a clean shot, sending Felix crashing to the canvas, and quickly finished the fight with his "bread and butter" move, the guillotine choke. He admits he had trouble throwing high kicks during the fight - "whenever I do, I fall on my ass," he said - but has since fixed the problem with an impromptu trip to the spa.
 
"I went to get a pedicure the other day," Lane said with a laugh. "My feet are really soft, so now I've got some grip. You're going to see a hell of a lot more kicks."
 
Asked to describe Friday's opponent, Lane grimaced and offered only a generic scouting report, noting that Cruz "throws a lot of kicks and punches or whatever" while focusing more on what he plans to do once the door closes and the bell rings.
 
"I really don't look at what he's going to do. I worry about what I'm going to do," he said. "When I get in that cage I'm focused on what I'm doing and I'm going to work my game plan, push the pace and look for the finish."
 
It's business as usual for the reigning CES MMA champ, even after driving through blizzard-like conditions from Ohio to Rhode Island earlier this week to get an early ju mp on Friday's fight. On the surface, Lane is the same loose cannon who gained popularity with a nationwide audience on TUF - complete with all the tattoos and the unconventional hairstyle - but he's finally out from under the shadow of reality television, ready to earn praise for his skills inside the cage.
 
"I'm trying to build another name just to show my real character and show people the real me," Lane said. "They can actually see me fight instead of two-round exhibitions with no audience. I get my rage from the crowd, from the fans, from the hate, from the love, so that's what fuels my fire. There's nothing like fighting live."
 
The main event of "CES MMA XXVII" stars Bourne, Mass., welterweight Chuck O'Neil (14-6, 4 KOs) defending his CES MMA title against Jersey City's Manny Walo (7-1-1, 1 KO) in a five-round bout. Also on the main card, Dedham, Mass., welterweight Brett Oteri (12-5, 1 KO) battles Ludlow, Mass., vet Jon Manley (8-2) while Felix (11-8, 4 KOs) returns to face D'Juan Owens (11-8-1, 4 KOs) of Richmond, Va. East Providence, R.I., bantamweight Dinis Paiva (5-5, 3 KOs) opens the main card in a three-round bout against Matt Doherty (3-1, 4 KOs) of Salem, Mass.
 
The undercard of "CES MMA XXVII" features six bouts, including a three-round featherweight showdown between Kyle Bochniak (3-0, 1 KO) of Boston and Long Island vet Thomas English (5-5, 2 KOs) and a lightweight bout between battle-tested veteran Jeff Anderson (11-9, 2 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., and Andres Jeudi (6-4, 2 KOs) of Dorchester, Mass.
 
Middleweight Eric Spicely (5-0, 2 KOs) of Providence faces Kevin Haley (3-2, 1 KO) of Rollinsford, N.H.; and South Boston's James Murrin (2-1, 2 KOs) battles Baltimore's Robert Sullivan (4-3) in a featherweight bout. Flyweights Chris Cole (3-2) of Andover, Mass., and Dan Cormier (4-4, 1 KO) of East Providence, R.I., battle in a three-round bout and featherweight Rico Disciullo (3-0, 1 KO) of Peabody, Mass., faces newcomer Mak Kelleher of Selden.
 
                                -                       - CES MMA --

Twin River Casino, located in Lincoln, R.I., is the state's largest gaming and entertainment venue as well as its top tourist and cultural attraction. Formerly known as Lincoln Park, the renovated facility offers more than 300,000 square-feet of gaming space. The casino operates more than 4,500 video slot machines and virtual table games (including blackjack and roulette), as well as 80 live table games including blackjack, roulette, craps and more. A great alternative to Connecticut casinos, this unique gaming facility also hosts simulcasting of the best thoroughbred and greyhound racing from around the country, a 29,000+ square foot Twin River Event Center with headline entertainment, free concerts at the Lighthouse Bar, signature cocktails and premium cigars at Blackstone Cigar Bar, award-winning beer and unique food options, along with live music at The Shipyard Pub. Home to Fred & Steve's Steakhouse, enjoy an award-winning steak and seafood dinner, or enjoy the exciting sports bar scene at Wicked Good Bar & Grill, as well as 16 other dining outlets. Twin River offers both smoking and non-smoking gaming rooms. Twin River Casino is situated just 10 minutes from Providence and less than an hour from Boston.

On Saturday, I'll join NAACP members in Ferguson, Missouri, to set out on the Journey for Justice. This seven-day, 120-mile march will lead us from Ferguson to the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City—in memory of Michael. We will stand in urgent solidarity for an end to police brutality and racial profiling.

george, you can join this next step in our fight for justice from your own community because our movement extends far beyond the city limits of Ferguson. If you walk with us in your own neighborhood next week, the world will know this as well.

We're walking #MilesForMichael, and you can join us: Tell us how many miles you will walk in your community during the NAACP's weeklong Journey for Justice.

http://action.naacp.org/MilesForMichael

With every passing day, the grand jury's decision appears more egregious. Our Journey for Justice—and the miles you will walk for Michael—will keep a bright light shining on this great injustice.

To participate, first tell us how many miles you'll march. They could be miles walked while participating in a rally or march, or simply the steps you take on your way to and from work.

Then beginning on Saturday, walk a portion of your pledged miles each day for one week. Walk in memory of Michael, in solidarity with those on the Journey for Justice, and in unity with the NAACP's movement for civil rights.

Every step we take—in Ferguson and Sanford, in New York York City and Los Angeles, and everywhere in between—will raise awareness of the urgent need to end police brutality and racial profiling. Our collective miles marched will let those in a position to effect change know our movement is nationwide—and never-ending.

How many #MilesForMichael will you walk to end police brutality and racial profiling? Tell us today:

http://action.naacp.org/MilesForMichael

In solidarity,

Cornell William Brooks
President and CEO
NAACP

This week your host Tony Rock sits down with the lovely Amanda Seales to talk Apple Cinnamon Love and Beyonce's "Drunk In Love" goat duet! #TonyRock #TheTonyRockShow #AmandaSeales

Submit your funny memes and videos to be featured on the show! Send all submissions to: thetonyrockshow@alldefdigital.com

[TONY ROCK]
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http://amandaseales.com/
https://twitter.com/amandaseales
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[CREDITS]
Producer/Director: Deniese Davis
Director of Photography: Jean Paul Bonneau
Camera Operator: Rochelle Brown
Gaffer: Karron Johnson
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[ADD Playlists]

Ethiopia 30 years on: The famine report that shocked the world http://bbc.in/1sNKfdC  via @BBCWitness

World Music Awards

Nicki changes her outfit 8 times while hosting the EMAs
Sunday night's MTV EMAs was the Nicki Minaj show with the singer flown onto the stage in a spectacular ruffle hem dress with a 14ft train and changing 8 times!

...ith an expletive within her first five words as presenter and continued, but the rap artist was a firm hit with the fans.

US rap artist Nicki went from crowd pleaser to crowd pleaser, riling the Glasgow audience early on with her own rap as a tribute to 'the Scots', which featured the cult favourite Proclaimers hit I'm Gonna Be.

Nicki's fans said she was making them laugh out loud with her stage antics. Nicki's original song featured the line: 'Queen, that's what they call me, plus I'm ballin' with the tartan army' before she broke into 'I would walk 500 miles...', complete with audience participation. Her fans took to Twitter on mass to show their support for the Bang, Bang singer, saying she was 'hilarious,' 'perfect' and 'killing it.' She hosted BRILLIANTLY and premiered a new song with Skylar Grey Grey.

She said: 'After two years, I'm releasing my third album The Pink Print and I'm so excited to share it with you on December 15. And I will be back here to perform.' On top of hosting the awards show, Nicki performed a medley of Super Bass and Anaconda in a skin tight sheer body suit, twerking on the stage and flaunting her curves. See More (4 photos)

Ariana Grande wins big at MTV EMAs; Disney animation 'Big Hero 6' tops U.S. box office; Madonna auction breaks sales record.

Some of the stars that walked the red carpet at the 2014 MTV VMAs include a revealing Demi Lovato and Kim Kardashian, Iggy Azalea, Darren Criss, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Gwen Stefani, Adam Levine and wife, Maroon 5, Snoop Dogg, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Wiz Khalifa, Taylor Seift, Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, and others.

5 Seconds Of Summer
Adam Levine Behati Prinsloo
Anthony Padilla Andrew Hecox of Smosh
Ashley Rickards
Becky G
Brandi Cyrus
Cassie Steele Alex Steele
Chanel Iman
Chanel West Coast
Charli XCX
Cher Lloyd
Chloe Grace Moretz
Chris Brown
Cynthia Watros
Darren Criss
Demi Lovato
DJ Mustard
Fifth Harmony
G Easy
Greg Sulkin
Gwen Stefani
Happyland
Holland Roden
Iggy Azalea
Jason Derulo and Jordin Sparks
Jennifer Lopez
Jordan Calloway
Juicy J
Julianne Hough
Kim and the Kardashians
Kelly Rowland
Kesha
Kiesza
Maroon 5
Michelle Williams
Miley Cyrus
Nick Jonas
Nicki Minaj
Nina Dobrev
Rita Ora
Sam Smith
Snoop Dogg
Solange Knowles
Taylor Swift
Usher
Uzo Aduba
Victoria Justice
White Arrows
Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose
Tyler Posey and Fiance
Jourdan Dunn

The University of Connecticut has made remarkably rapid progress in areas ranging from new facilities to new faculty, President Susan Herbst said Thursday, October 16 in her annual State of the University address. However, she warned those achievements can be quickly undone if University stakeholders don’t commit to a sustained program of further growth and improvement.
“Getting here was hard,” Herbst said at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. “It is much, much easier to slide backward.”

The crew picks the Cowboys to continue their hot season against a Giants team coming off an a

Awful loss in Week 6.

Week 7 Prediction: SF @ DEN - Inside the NFL

The guys think the San Francisco 49ers may be overmatched when they face Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Denver.

Week 7 Prediction: CAR @ GB - Inside the NFL

Boomer, Phil, and Ed give Carolina's QB Cam Newton props, but he might not be enough for the

Panthers when they face the Packers at Lambeau.

Watch Kemba Walker find Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with a behind-the-back pass that leads to a two-hand flush.