::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . .#blackish In its season two opener the black-ish goes there. . .The cast tackles use of  the controversial N-word. The show became a hit by approaching real issues with hilarity.  Dre can't use the word in his home.  It will be interesting to see how they use humor to make a point about using a word in a "Black-ish" family, when the Black community supposedly buried it a long time ago. Dre's co-workers chime in with their analysis giving a glimpse into how White respond to using the nearly forbidden word. Producers likely wanted to address use of the word because it continues to come up in conversations and many African American still have conflicting views about it ranging from personal feelings to freedom of speech.   Black-ish premieres on ABC on September 23 at 9:30 Eastern.

buzzz worthy. . . “Amazing” Singer/Songwriter TIFF JOY Releases Self-Titled Debut Album Featuring Top 40 Gospel Hit “The Promise” After a few years of floating in the backdrop of the gospel music industry as a singer/songwriter collaborating with several seasoned acts, the twenty-something TIFF JOY’s explosive voice dominated the gospel airwaves in 2014 as the featured instrument on Ricky Dillard & New G’s Grammy Award nominated radio smash “Amazing” that spent an astounding 30 weeks at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Gospel Airplay chart. Now, the Chicago native is stepping onto center stage with her self-titled debut solo album “TIFF JOY” (WalkWay Entertainment/Tyscot) that features the soul-stirring radio hit “The Promise.” The soul-lifting twelve-song project displays the full range of TIFF JOY’s velvety alto spanning the funkified worship of “You Are” and the silky soul balladry of “Al...

buzzz worthy. . .#popeindc September 23, 2015 HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS: "Mr. President, I am deeply grateful for your welcome in the name of the all Americans. As a son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families.   I look forward to these days of encounter and dialogue in which I hope to listen to and share many of the hopes and dreams of the American people. During my visit, I will have the honor of addressing Congress, where I hope, as a brother of this country, to offer words of encouragement to those called to guide the nation’s political future in fidelity to its founding principles. I will also travel to Philadelphia for the eighth World Meeting of Families to celebrate and support the institutions of marriage and the family at this critical moment in the history of our civilization. Mr. President, together with their fellow citizens, American Catholics are committed to building a society whic...

buzzz worthy. . . Yogi Berra was an American original – a Hall of Famer and humble veteran; prolific jokester and jovial prophet.  He epitomized what it meant to be a sportsman and a citizen, with a big heart, competitive spirit, and a selfless desire to open baseball to everyone, no matter their background.  Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and his fans in New York and across the world.

buzzz worthy. . . September 22, 2015 -- A line of greeters led by President Obama  welcomed Pope Francis to the U.S. for the first time today.  The Pope stepped off of the plane at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland onto a red carpet.  The initial welcome set the tone for a level of pomp and ceremonial regalia never before bestowed upon a visiting dignitary.  The excitement from the White House and the nation is palpable throughout the capitol area. Those in line to welcome the Pope were: Barack Obama, President of the United States Mrs. Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States Ms. Malia Obama, First Daughter Ms. Sasha Obama, First Daughter Mrs. Marian Robinson T.H. Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States Ms. Maisie Biden, Granddaughter of the Vice President Ms. Finnegan Biden, Granddaughter of the Vice President Peter Selfridge, Chief of Protocol of the United States A...

buzzz worthy. . . New U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to Respond to Syria Crisis   The Syrian Civil War has caused a mass exodus, displacing millions of people as some flee to regions in parts unknown and others seek political asylum with neighboring countries that are starting to withdraw support.  As the Syrian crisis escalates, the U.S. has increased its humanitarian response.  Since 2012, the start of the Syrian war, in total the U.S. has committed 4.9 billion, more than any other nation globally, including the war torn nation itself.  The State Department compiled a comprehensive breakdown of the various levels of financial support per organization and nation. On September 10, President Obama ordered his administration to increase the number of  refugees the U.S. will take in to 10,000, up from the initial 5,000 which Nancy Pelosi said was too low.  That number comes from a 75,000 refugee quota that applies to overall refugee support.  T...

buzzz worthy. . . Paso Robles, Calif., September 21, 2015 – On October 9, 2015, the Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs will be hosting its 1 st Annual Gala at The Life Church in Manassas, VA. This year will feature keynote speaker Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William G. "Jerry" Boykin.   “I continue to be amazed by the incredible response we garner from a grateful nation” , stated Mighty Oaks founder Chad Robichaux. “Particularly, the support our Veterans receive in the Washington DC area is overwhelming. This event sets us up for success throughout the year. We have now put 757 warriors through our program, and have not yet had a single alumni contribute to the veteran suicide rate of 23 a day. God has truly shown us favor in supporting our Warriors.”   Mighty Oaks is now launching a local “Outpost” in Washington, DC, where active duty military, Veterans and Mighty Oaks alumni who are struggling with reintegration, PTS or combat trauma can come together weekly under the commitme...