::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . . You don't have to be a sommelier to enjoy wine. •Lo cated 20 miles north of dc the winery at olney wine bar is the most popular spot in the area. it is friendlyfor BEGINNERs TO TEST THEIR PALETTE WITH GLOBAL selections. Try 5 wines and take home a wine glass for $15. click the video to go inside the wine bar with me.              

buzzz worthy. . . Regina Belle has released her first mainstream album in 15 years, "The Day Life Began."  The legendary vocalist was so excited about the release she could not sleep last night and posted a video announcement on Facebook asking for her fan's support. During her break from recording R&B, the pastor's wife released a gospel album titled  “God Is Good,” that expanded her fan base and  recovered from a brain tumor.  She returns full of life and inspiration. The album compiles 10 songs that represent the Oscar and Grammy winner's "deepest feelings and and strongest beliefs," covering a broad range of styles and subjects.  Over nearly three decades Belle has successfully navigated the genres of gospel, jazz and R&B.  Highlights include the dramatic gospel single “The Day Life Began,” the inspirational ballad “You Saw The Good In Me,” the moving parent to child message song “Be Careful Out There.” In the spirit of "If...

  We are deeply concerned about recent reports of escalating violence in Yemen and resulting deaths of civilians – including the attacks that killed an ambulance driver associated with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Dahyan, a freelance journalist near Sana’a, and civilians in Sana’a and at the Ras Isa oil terminal.  The United States takes all credible accounts of civilian deaths seriously and we again call on all sides of the conflict in Yemen to do their utmost to avoid harm to civilians and to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.    The United States also underscores the importance of promoting the safety, security, and freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel in Yemen.  We express continuing concern about the terrible violence impacting civilians in Taiz and the need to allow the delivery of full and unimpeded assistance, including food, medical supplies, and fuel to all Yemenis in need.  Rec...

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION     Since our country ' s founding, religious freedom has been heralded as one of our most cherished ideals. The right to practice religion freely has brought immigrants from all over the world to our shores, often in the face of great adversity, so they could live their lives in accordance with the dictates of their consciences. Some of America ' s earliest settlers, the Pilgrims, arrived at our shores in search of a more tolerant society, free from religious persecution. Since that time, people of many religious traditions have added their own threads to the fabric of our Nation, helping advance a profound and continuous vindication of the idea of America.     When the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was adopted on January 16, 1786, it formed a blueprint for what would become the basis for the protection of religious li...

buzzz worthy. . . There is a whole generation that grew up off love songs wafting from the smooth R&B vocals of 90's groups such as Surface , whose memorable tracks include "Happy" (1987), "Closer Than Friends" (1988), "Shower Me With Your Love" (1989)among others.With an album aptly entitled "ReSurface, Where Have You Been?"-ReSurface - comprised of David 'Pic' Conley and John Feva - are aimed at reasserting their vocals and rhythmic sounds among old fans, as well as a new generation of R&B lovers. Released on June 1, 2015 , the CD "ReSurface Where Have You Been?" was produced by David Pic Conley. Fans of the old sound can expect that plus some freshly flavored stylings by the team which consists of; Gene Lennon, Gene Lake, Jam Benton, Derrick 'Derky' Culler and the newest talents to join the team, Martin Blockson and Mjestie Brooks. Both a part of the group and the production ensemb...

buzzz worthy. . . MARY J. BLIGE AND TARAJI P. HENSON SCHEDULED TO PRESENT --------------- HOSTED BY ARSENIO HALL --------------- "THE BET HONORS" PREMIERES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, AT 8:00 PM* #BETHONORS NEW YORK, NY- January 21, 2016 – BET Networks announced today that performers V. Bozeman , Leon Bridges , Fantasia , Ledisi , Jussie Smollet and The Deele will pay tribute to this year’s honorees at "THE BET HONORS." Joining the star-studded lineup includes presenters Mary J. Blige   and Taraji P. Henson . Celebrating the outstanding achievements of extraordinary leaders, "THE BET HONORS"  recognizes trailblazers in art, music, theater, education, technology and business. Hosted by comedian and actor, Arsenio Hall , this year’s distinguished honorees are Lee Daniels (Television and Film Award), Mellody Hobson (Corporate Citizen Award), Eric H. Holder, Jr. (Public Service Award), Patti Labelle (Musical Arts Awards) and L.A. R...

buzzz worthy. . . Grace Greenleaf (Merle Dandridge) and her father Bishop James Greenleaf (Keith David)  Photo by Eli Ade; Courtesy of OWN  (LOS ANGELES, CA) - JANUARY 22, 2016 - The new original series " Greenleaf ," featuring Oprah Winfrey's first recurring scripted television role in two decades, will launch with a two-night premiere on  OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network on Tuesday, May 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT and Wednesday, May 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The megachurch drama from Emmy nominated writer/producer Craig Wright ("Lost," "Six Feet Under") and Lionsgate Television will regularly air on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT for the remainder of its 13-episode first season.   " Greenleaf " centers on the journey of estranged daughter and disillusioned preacher Grace Greenleaf ( Merle Dandridge , "The Night Shift") who has returned home after 20 years on the occasion of the mysterious death of her sister, Faith. ...

buzzz worthy. . . Today, we mark the 43rd anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade , which affirmed a woman’s freedom to make her own choices about her body and her health. The decision supports the broader principle that the government should not intrude on private decisions made between a woman and her doctor. As we commemorate this day, we also redouble our commitment to protecting these constitutional rights, including protecting a woman’s access to safe, affordable health care and her right to reproductive freedom from efforts to undermine or overturn them. In America, every single one of us deserves the rights, freedoms, and opportunities to fulfill our dreams.

buzzz worthy. . . SANTA MONICA, Calif.  (Jan. 22, 2016)   — The Recording Academy ® 's   GRAMMY Recordings ®  and Republic Records announce the release of the 2016 GRAMMY ®  Nominees  album — which is available in stores and via all digital retailers today.   The 22nd installment of the best-selling series features 21 GRAMMY-nominated artists and hit songs from the world’s biggest superstars and hottest emerging talent, including Album Of The Year nominees Alabama Shakes , Kendrick Lamar , Chris Stapleton , Taylor Swift , and The Weeknd , as well as Best New Artist nominees Courtney Barnett , James Bay , Sam Hunt , Tori Kelly , and Meghan Trainor . Each 2016 GRAMMY Nominees album purchased in stores will include a special game piece featuring a unique code for a chance to play the GRAMMY Ticket Game.  To participate, the code must be used at 2016GRAMMYAlbum.com for the opportunity to win a trip for two to the 59th Annual GRAMMY Aw...

buzzz worthy. . . By Mona Austin   Residents of Flint, MI have been subject to drinking water of third world quality. Over 500 residents claim they are suffering health issues from consuming contaminated water. Pollution from the Flint River, the source of the city's water supply has corroded pipes and causing lead and poisonous metals to leak into the tap water throughout the predominantly Black, low income  city.   There have been protests, law suits and plenty of press attention about the unsafe water conditions, yet The pressure of national public outcry seems to be the only thing that caused action the various levels of the government to work towards a swift remedy to the problem.  Local and state government officials shifted responsibility over the water crisis  before national media attention forced the city to clean up its act. How did Flint get here? No one wants to accept the blame for this extreme example of "passing the b...

buzzz worthy. . . Debut Digital Single “All These Dreams” Hits iTunes 1/22   New Orleans, LA: Maroon 5’s PJ Morton is on a mission to influence the urban musical landscape with inspiring new music such as the velvet-smooth sounds of the captivating Urban Pop sister act Jcksn Ave. Their debut digital single “All These Dreams,” a coolly catchy affirmation and triumph over trepidation, releases on iTunes and all other major digital download providers on Friday, January 22nd.   Morton first spotted the group at one of his concerts. “I was performing and they were dancing and having a good time in the audience,” he recalls. “I noticed their energy and they looked cool! They introduced themselves after the show and the rest is history.” He liked their vibe and now they are making good vibrations on Morton Records. These five blood sisters (Madison, Jessica, Moriah, Kristian and Han...

buzzz worthy. . . LOS ANGELES - OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network's newest primetime series takes Saturday nights by storm beginning  January 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT .  "It's Not You, It's Men," featuring international movie star, author and platinum recording artist Tyrese Gibson and hip-hop icon, author and reality star Rev Run , will bring viewers insight on everything from men and love to relationships and  marriage. Friends for over seven years, Tyrese and Rev Run pride themselves on their varying points of view when it comes to relationships and marriage.  Tyrese is a single father in search of his dream woman and Rev Run has been happily married for more than 20 years and is a father of six.  Their ideas and opinions on love and commitment often clash, demonstrating the unique chemistry the longtime friends share, and resulting in passionate conversation and humorous banter. Each week, the series will feature celebrity guests offering u...

buzzz worthy. . . FOX News Channel (FNC) announced today that it will present two Republican presidential primary debates on Thursday, January 28 th live from the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The criteria for inclusion in the debates will factor in both national polls, as well as those based in Iowa and New Hampshire conducted and released prior to Tuesday, January 26th at 5PM/ET. The primetime debate will feature candidates that place in the top six spots nationally, or place within the top five in Iowa or New Hampshire. The earlier debate will be presented at 7PM/ET and will be moderated by America’s Newsroom co-anchors Bill Hemmer and Martha MacCallum. The primetime debate will begin at 9PM/ET, moderated by Special Report anchor Bret Baier, The Kelly File anchor Megyn Kelly and FOX News Sunday host Chris Wallace. FOX News announced the entry criteria as follows: In order to qualify for the primetime debate, candidates must place in the top six spots na...

buzzz worthy. . . NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2016 – The New York Times and Sundance Institute today announced several collaborations at the start of the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. The projects, both new and ongoing, include: New Frontier Films on NYT VR The NYT VR app will showcase virtual reality films from the 2016 Sundance Film Festival’s New Frontier program, which highlights the work of artists and technologists who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Films featured in the app are selected by New York Times Opinion editors from among a wide range of virtual reality films premiering at the Festival. The films are “Kiya” by Nonny de la Peña, a film about a true story of domestic violence, “American Bison” by Danfung Dennis and Condition One, an experiential film with endangered animals, and “Waves of Grace” by UN advisor Gabo Arora and Vrse and Vrse.works co-founder Chris Milk, about a Liberian woman who survived Ebola and used her immunity to tak...

buzzz worthy. . . RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif., Jan. 21, 2016  -- American actress Jill St. John whose career started as a nine-year-old in Hollywood and is best known as one the "Bond Girls" for her role in the James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever will be honored at the annual Champion Honors Luncheon benefitting the Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa on Friday, February 12, 2016. Jill St. John is married to actor Robert J. Wagner and the couple has been very committed to helping the Children's Center since it was founded by Barbara and Frank Sinatra 28 years ago. "Both Jill and RJ have been staunch supporters of the Children's Center and close friends with Barbara," said Children's Center Director and Executive Officer, John Thoresen. "We have a group of annual donors called the Aunts Club which provides needed funds to help the children and the fami...

buzzz worthy. . . By Mona Austin  The chance of seeing less of Donald Trump in the media dropped this week with the announcement of a huge supporter. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin and GOP Vice President pick endorsed the billionaire businessman for president in Iowa on Tuesday. She immediately latched on to some of the sentiments that Trump has expressed to appeal to Americans frustrated with liberal sensitivities.  Palin stated she agrees with Trump that Americans' anger is justifiable and being PC has gone too far.  Her conservative stamp  of approval may be just what Trump, a former Democrat needs to silence charges he's a flip flopper.  Trump said on Wednesday morning on NBC News that he would not rule out having Palin as a potential running mate. A Trump/Palin ticket would attract women and more mainline Republicans. New York papers, The Post and The Daily News must have had a field day  coming up with their clever headlines.  The f...

buzzz worthy. . . Seven years ago today the history and trajectory of American politics changed forever with the inauguration of President Barack Obama​.  People from all walks of life packed the National Mall on that blisteringly cold 20th day of January in 2009 to serve as eyewitness to what many thought was impossible.  Obama, the son of a White mother and African father officially became the leader of the free world a day after the national celebration of slain Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, symbolizing the fulfillment of Dr. King's dream for racial justice. After taking a victory stroll down Pennsylania Ave. With his wife Michelle, Obama laid his hand on the loaner Bible from the family of  MLK Bible which the First Lady held and pledged to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."  In pursuit of this obligation, opposition to his authority has grayed the very hairs on Obama's head. "In the words...