An hour after Game 6 of the AL championship series was postponed, there was Andy Pettitte in a nearly empty Yankee Stadium, drenched in the pouring rain. With his short hair soaked and sweat shirt dripping, the New York Yankees' pitcher played catch in the outfield and ran light sprints through thick puddles on the warning track before finally grabbing some cover in the dugout.
Tag: AL
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Angels head to NY with comeback in mind (AP)
Chone Figgins and the Los Angeles Angels know they're heading straight into more than one kind of storm, and they can't wait to get wet. Heavy showers in Saturday's New York forecast are threatening to wash out Game 6 of the AL championship series, yet that's a minor drizzle compared to the high-pressure system the Angels created for both themselves and the Yankees by extending the…
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Angels answer Yanks’ rally, extend ALCS (AP)
Mere moments after the Los Angeles Angels unleashed their leaping, screeching, rambunctious Rally Monkey on the scoreboard, they erased a late deficit and saved their season. Surely that monkey business was just a coincidence. He's just a marketing gimmick, a video star and a plush toy — right? Not to the fans who watched it happen Thursday night in the latest improbability of an AL…
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A-Rod, CC lead Yanks to brink of pennant (AP)
Alex Rodriguez limited the celebration of his latest playoff homer to a brisk trot and a few high-fives. CC Sabathia barely even pumped a fist while mowing down the Angels for eight innings. Even while they shined at a pivotal point in the AL championship series, the slugger and the workhorse starter seemed determined to stick to business.
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Mathis’ RBI double lifts Angels in 11th (AP)
When Derek Jeter led off Game 3 with a homer into the bullpen, this AL championship series seemed uncomplicated. Power hitting and steady pitching appeared to be driving New York to the World Series. About 261 minutes, 14 pitchers, six homers and several big blunders later, a winning hit by a backup catcher left only one thing certain in this cuckoo series: The Los Angeles Angels won't be…
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Yanks win in 13 after A-Rod’s HR in 11th (AP)
Alex Rodriguez is putting all those playoff failures behind him. The Los Angeles Angels are turning the AL championship series into a defensive debacle. Coming through under pressure once again, Rodriguez hit a tying homer in the 11th inning and the New York Yankees edged Los Angeles 4-3 Saturday night on Maicer Izturis' error in the 13th for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
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Sabathia stifles Angels in wintry Bronx (AP)
CC Sabathia heated up as the night went on, throwing fastballs past the Los Angeles Angels and pumping his fist for emphasis. On a blustery night more suited to bobsleds than baseballs, Sabathia pitched eight superb innings of four-hit ball to win his second straight postseason start, and the New York Yankees took advantage of a rare sloppy game by the Angels to win the AL championship series…
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Al Scales Reynolds: Opening Up About ‘Life After’ Messy Marriage
Filed under: Television
The one and only Al Scales Reynolds is a featured celebrity notable on TV One’s much buzzed about docu-series ‘Life After,’ which explores the past, present and future hopes of some of black America’s most intriguing bold-faced names.
The eight-episode, half-hour series — which feature candid profiles on Omarosa Manigault Stallworth, Taimak, Eva Marcille and Daryl “Chill” Mithcell, respectively — is part biography, part confessional and an overall celebration of the human spirit.
Though the former husband of Star Jones isn’t a SAG card-carrying thespian (like the aforementioned actors and reality TV stars), his short-lived marriage to and messy divorce from a former TV personality has presented many public and professional challenges for the former Wall Street power broker. He has had more than his fair share of tabloid fodder and wants to set the record straight about any misconceptions and misrepresentations.
Reynolds exclusively offered Blackvoices.com some insight on why he chose to do ‘Life After’ – in his very own words.
When I decided I did not want to be married any more, the truth is I had no idea how it was all going to play out. The one thing I knew was that I did not want to do it any longer–not one extra day with how bad it had gotten.
I knew it was going to be a long road to recovery, but I was ready because I’d had enough, enough of the lies and deceit that existed in my life. It was becoming harder and harder to wake up and be satisfied with the face that stared back at me in the mirror.
I would like to set the record straight: I am not one who advocates divorce. That would be the furthest from the truth, but I am one who advocates happiness and moral responsibility. You see, before I got married, I was a private banker at the world headquarters of one of the most prestigious white-glove financial firms in the world. I had a client list that read like a who’s who of fashion, sports, design and education. I lived downtown in The Ritz Carlton Residence, and I was well on my way to realizing all the dreams I had envisioned for myself. I studied at some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the country.
This all was the experience of a “country boy” from Virginia who started out in a mobile home in Horsepasture, Virginia, and ended up living in a penthouse in Manhattan. I managed to defy every single statistic that existed in my era and pushed forward to become what many define today as a success. And guess what, it was not overnight. It was after 25 years of schooling, 12 years of work experience and 33 years of living. It was after three career changes and dozens of setbacks, failures and disappointments.
To accomplish all of that and wake up to find myself in a high-profile marriage that led to what felt like the raping of my character, integrity and namesake was a problem.
How did all of this occur in what felt like a matter of seconds and why was it happening to me? That’s what I found myself thinking about. I would frequently wonder when I heard or read anything about myself who the tabloids were they talking about?
Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, what I’ve experienced and how I’ve been misrepresented in the media is a real-life tragedy. And before now, I didn’t feel comfortable enough to say it and say it out loud. Now, I want to be very clear, I am not looking for sympathy. I only want to take responsibility for any part I had to play in this.
But at the same time, I want the respect that I worked so hard to obtain. How come, within the blink of an eye, people started questioning my sexuality? How come after all that I worked hard to achieve, I was being called a freeloader, a kept man or a fraud?
It was with caution that I originally took the call from TV One Network. Most of the calls I had received from most networks — and you name it, they’ve called — were not interested in showing who or what I was really about. They were interested in me living out the caricature that was so vividly portrayed.
TV One approached me about showing the world what I was doing now, using my voice as the platform. Finally, I thought, someone who was interested in exploring who the real Al Reynolds was and not who the media had made me out to be.The producers said they were only interested in doing socially responsible programming that would allow me to just be me. They were interested in following me mentoring young adults, teaching my personal finance and leadership courses at the university, helping everyday Americans with their financial problems, writing financial articles, doing financial television commentary and exploring the road I have traveled from early childhood to the present.
I felt that ‘Life After’ was finally a project in which I could showcase who I really am, with no scripts, no red carpets, no paparazzi, no endorsements — just the real deal.
The show represents pushing through whatever challenges or obstacles you are experiencing in your life and persevering. It is the” life” you forge “after” your adversity.
This project represents to me the closing of a chapter in my life, as well the beginning of a new and exciting one, one that is filled with giving back to my community, which is thirsting for help in mentoring and motivating in order to achieve and overcome adversity.
It’s the beginning of embracing the entertainment side of my life. I look forward to having a much greater touch by writing, commentating and developing socially responsible projects for everyone to be inspired and uplifted.
Reclaiming my name, my identity and my voice back is the most rewarding and best part. From the bottom of my heart to the tip top of my head, I still say to any and everyone listening: What doesn’t kill you definitely makes you stronger!
‘Life After: Al Reynolds’ premieres Oct. 18 at 10 p.m. on TV One.
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The Penguin Stopped From Buying NFL Team!
Posted by: The Connector Once again, Rush Limbaugh’s (aka The Penguin) been pushed away from the NFL — the talk-show host has been officially dropped by a group looking to buy the St. Louis Rams. A rep from the group claimed Rush got the boot because his participation complicated the effort. Ever since word got out that the conservative mouthpiece was interested in the team, several people lashed out against it — including the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, the head of the NFL Player’s Association and even Al Sharpton. It might be the best thing that happened to Rush — the Rams haven’t won a single game this season.
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Angels’ Lackey to start Game 1 of ALCS (AP)
John Lackey will start Friday night's Game 1 of the AL championship series against CC Sabathia and the Yankees, getting the nod from manager Mike Scioscia before the Angels traveled to New York on Wednesday. Lackey pitched 7 1-3 innings to lead Los Angeles to a 5-0 win over the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the division series.
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Yankees might try 3-man ALCS rotation (AP)
The Yankees might go with a three-man rotation against the Los Angeles Angels in the AL championship series. CC Sabathia is scheduled to start Friday night's opener, with A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte as New York's other two primary starters. The shortened rotation would allow manager Joe Girardi to keep Joba Chamberlain and Chad Gaudin in the bullpen.
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A-Rod, Posada HRs help Yanks sweep Twins (AP)
Alex Rodriguez finally delivered the playoff performance he needed and his talent demanded, powering the New York Yankees back to the AL championship series. During this first-round sweep of the Twins, Rodriguez's performance was nothing like all those oh-fers of Octobers past. Rodriguez and Jorge Posada hit seventh-inning home runs to spoil Carl Pavano's opportunity to frustrate New…
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Teixeira walkoff HR puts Yankees up 2-0 (AP)
Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez stood together as Yankee Stadium roared. Teixeira had the chills. Rodriguez had a smile that said it all — a satisfied look after putting years of postseason failure behind him. Teixeira hit a leadoff drive in the 11th inning to give New York a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night and a 2-0 lead in their AL playoff series.
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Yankees rally to top Twins 7-2 in Game 1 (AP)
Derek Jeter got a big hit, just as he did in Octobers past at the famed ballpark across the street. CC Sabathia joined in the postseason fun. Even Alex Rodriguez broke out of his playoff rut. It was like old times in the first postseason game at the new Yankee Stadium, with New York beating these tired Minnesota Twins 7-2 Wednesday night in the opener of their AL playoff series.
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The Week That Was: T-Boz Opens Up About Brain Tumor, More to Mo’Nique’s Movie Drama
Filed under: Music, Movies, Television, News, Celeb Updates
TLC CrazySexyCool
News is spreading like wildfire about TLC singer T-Boz‘s revelation that she battled a brain tumor.The 39-year-old Grammy Award winner told People magazine that she waged that battle in secret for three years.
In the Oct. 12 edition of the magazine, she revealed having a seven-hour surgical procedure back in 2006 during which doctors peeled the tumor away from the brain stem.
The divorced single mother of one said she was battling the tumor during her stint on Donald Trump‘s popular reality competition ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ but didn’t want to make it known to the public. “I didn’t want pity. I was there to help sick children.”
On the most recent season of the series, which was won by comedienne Joan Rivers, T-Boz (born Tionne Watkins) competed to help raise funds for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. As a child, she was diagnosed with the lifelong blood disorder.
Named one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” by the magazine in 1994 and 2000, T-Boz said that people are “shocked” when she tells them the news, but added “I won’t let you feel sorry for me.”
*****
So there may be more to the hype of Mo’Nique sabotaging her big chance at being nominated for an Academy Award for her much-buzzed about role in the Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry-produced movie, ‘Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.’ There may actually be a smear campaign in place so that another one of the film’s co-star can capitalize on any negative press that the former ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ hostess endures. Yes, Mo’Nique hasn’t been available at glitzy film festivals touting the film, but sources tell us that the married mother of three has been prioritizing getting her new late-night show – which debuts Oct. 5 on BET – off the ground. We don’t know the promises that were made to her by the filmmakers of ‘Precious,’ but there may be some validity to her high demands. As for the Hollywood Reporter story about publicist Tresa Sanders resigning due to Mo’Nique’s difficulty, that’s not true. Sanders, who has help launch the careers of Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Keyshia Cole, and handled publicity for Da Brat, Mary J. Blige, Pretty Ricky and Nelly Furtado, said Roger Friedman ‘s report is not accurate. “Contrary to the rumors, I did not quit,” she said. “Mo’Nique is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. It was an honor to work with her and to get to know her as a human being. She’s at a point in her life where her achievements should be heralded.”*****
If renowned civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton is the new lover in actress LisaRaye McCoy Misick‘s life, no one seems to be talking. Well, at least not anyone from their respective camps. Queries made to McCoy Misick‘s off-and-on publicist Lynn Allen Jeter have gone unanswered. Meanwhile, Sharpton’s longtime rep, Rachel Noerdlinger, told us: “Since Rev. Sharpton publicly announced the end of his marriage in 2004, he has chosen not to comment on personal matters.”
But insiders have seen the “couple” painting the town since the 42-year-old former first Lady of Turks and Caicos accompanied Sharpton to Michael Jackson‘s September memorial service. Tongues have wagged. Natasha Eubanks of the black celebrity gossip Web site Young, Black Fabulous put the alleged affair on blast earlier this week, saying that “Lisa knows she’s not getting onto any of these ‘society and political’ events without a man who could bring her along. She’s also starved for attention from the media–surprise, surprise–so Al is her ‘in’ into that world.” Wowza.*****
Looks like people are loving ‘The Cleveland Show.’ The Black-oriented spin-off of FOX’s animated romp ‘The Family Guy’ drew the best numbers among adults between the ages of 18-49 during its Sunday night debut. According to Nielsen, the animated series – featuring the voice of Tony Award and Emmy Award-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan — was the second-best overall behind the premieres of the much-hyped ‘Jay Leno Show‘ two weeks ago. And rapper Kanye West didn’t even have to shed a tear.*****
Late, great author E. Lynn Harris‘ latest book, ‘Mama Dearest,’ has debuted on the New York Times Best Seller List. According to the tome’s publisher, Karen Hunter, the book will land at number 15 on the prestigious list next week. ‘Mama Dearest’ follows the scandal and drama of a singer/actress and her recently imprisoned mother. Harris died unexpectedly on July 23. The new novel is his 11th book to chart on the best-sellers list, and there may be more where that comes from. According to unconfirmed reports, seven unpublished manuscripts written by the groundbreaking author have been recovered from his computer’s hard drive. Computer forensic experts reportedly were able to locate and open password-protected files that were found on Harris’s personal laptop. Black Music Notes June 1
6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.Wire Image
6/1/09: Grace Jones
The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.Getty Images
5/28/09: Chaka Khan
Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.AFP/Getty Images
5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.Getty Images
5/21/09: Jay-Z
Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”Frank Micelott, Getty Images
5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
5/19/09: The Dream
Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.Getty Images
5/19/09: The Whispers
After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.5/19/09: Mariah Carey
On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
5/19/09: Will Downing
Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.Verve
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Rays eliminated from playoff chase (AP)
The Tampa Bay Rays will not get the chance for a second straight championship season. Jose Lopez hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Rays 4-3 Tuesday night, eliminating the defending AL champions from the postseason. "It's not the way we wanted this year to end," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said.
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Red Sox win, damage Rays’ playoff hopes (AP)
Clay Buchholz pitched six effective innings, Jason Bay drove in two runs and the Boston Red Sox hurt Tampa Bay's playoff hopes with a 6-3 win over the Rays on Thursday night. The Red Sox took 2 of 3 from the Rays — Boston's first series win at Tropicana Field since Sept. 21-23, 2007 — to extend their AL wild-card advantage over Tampa Bay to six games.
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Pena’s 38th HR helps Rays beat Tigers (AP)
Carlos Pena and the Tampa Bay Rays headed into September on a high note. Next up, a key series against the Boston Red Sox. Pena hit his AL-best 38th homer and drove in four runs to help the Rays beat the Detroit Tigers 11-7 on Monday for a split of their four-game series. Tampa Bay scored six times in the first inning against the AL Central leaders, capped by Pena's two-run drive.
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Byrd pitches Red Sox over Blue Jays 7-0 (AP)
Paul Byrd, making his first major league start since last September, pitched six shutout innings and the Boston Red Sox completed a three-game sweep with a 7-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The win was the sixth in seven games for Boston, which opened the day 2 1/2 games ahead of Texas in the AL's wild-card race.