::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . . Statement by the President on the Anniversary of Cuba Policy Changes One year ago, I announced that after more than 50 years, America would change its relationship with Cuba and put the interests of the people of both countries before the outdated ways of the past. Since then, we have taken important steps forward to normalize relations between our countries—re-establishing diplomatic relations and opening embassies; facilitating greater travel and commerce; connecting more Americans and Cubans; and promoting the free flow of information to, from, and within Cuba. We are advancing our shared interests and working together on complex issues that for too long defined—and divided—us. Meanwhile, the United States is in a stronger position to engage the people and governments of our hemisphere. Congress can support a better life for the Cuban people by lifting an embargo that is a legacy of a failed policy. Today, the Stars and Stripes again fly over our Embassy...

buzzz worthy. . .       Waismann Method Group is Calling on the Public Health Community to Increase Access for Mental Health Resources and Humane Heroin Withdrawal Treatment LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Heroin overdose deaths skyrocketed once again in the United States in 2014, according to recently released figures from the National Center for Health Statistics. Despite constant discussion in the political arena and endless promises by government administration, deaths related to heroin and to prescription painkillers continue to rise. In response to these trends, the Waismann Method Medical Group is calling on the public health community to make aggressive efforts to not only identify at-risk individuals, but also increase access to individualized mental health resources and humane heroin withdrawal treatment. Impact of Heroin Overdose Deaths in the U.S. The figures from the National Center for Health Statistics indicate that...

buzzz worthy. . . Bel Air Internet Provides Pop Up Temporary Internet for South LA Youth at Hackathon LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2015  -- Bel Air Internet, a California-based communications provider, donated their Pop Up Temporary Internet to the Hustle N' Code Hackathon at the Slauson Community Center in South Los Angeles this weekend.   The event, which encouraged inner-city children and teens to innovate solutions to community problems through coding, was put on by Teens Exploring Technology (TxT), a South Los Angeles non-profit that empowers and teaches disadvantaged youth the tools of technology and coding to encourage higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Over 150 kids, mainly from the nearby Los Pueblos Housing Development, were split into teams and challenged to conceive and code a website or app that would help their church, school, block or community. Volunteers from Google and other technology and media c...

The sages of the South have an old saying I've embraced: "Don't over-stay your welcome." It is utterly awkward to be some place only to realize you are in the presence of your enemies or individuals who make it clear subliminally or directly that they don't want you around, but it isn't convenient to leave. Instinctively, most people will leave when they detect an air of rejection, but there are moments when you must stay when the welcome is worn. In those instances, weigh the value of the experience. Will you gain anything by staying or lose anything by leaving? Does your success depend on existing in the same space as competitors or those who are innately against you? Will remaining in uncomfortable situations interfere with you attaining a goal?  While you may not want to deal with being in an unwelcome environment, there are times when a particular place is where you belong and are placed for the purpose of growth, promotion and elevation. Stay the...

buzzz worthy. . . James Wright Chanel and Patti Labelle Grammy-winning® recording artist Patti LaBelle and viral video sensation James Wright Chanel come together to cook, sing and, of course, bake Patti's Sweet Potato Pie in the holiday special,  Patti LaBelle's Holiday Pies , premiering tonight,  Wednesday, December 16 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT on Cooking Channel .  It's a dream come true for James, whose viral video singing the praises of Patti's Pie has been viewed over ten million times, as he joins his idol in the kitchen to share stories, songs, recipes and uproarious laughs.  Patti is all about the holidays and making her homemade pies this time of year, and she starts off with her favorite Apple-Peach Cobbler and famous Holiday Brisket Pot-Pie.  For the headliner, Patti and James hit a high note and make her Sweet Potato Pie recipe.   Patti LaBelle's Holiday Pies will also air on Food Network on Sunday, December 20th at 10:30 am ET/PT .

buzzz worthy. . . The creators of The Cannolis, a cartoon satire in the tradition of Family Guy meets The Sopranos, have created a spoof of Donald Trump for their latest short cartoon episode.       CHERRY HILL, N.J., Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cannolis creators are not afraid to take on all sorts of topics, including politics. The latest short release from the creators of this satirical cartoon that has its roots in shows such as Family Guy and The Sopranos is a spoof of none other than Donald Trump, one of the current presidential candidates. In the episode, Trump is featured speaking to a group of supporters in Little Italy, an area of New York that Trump notes "is only three blocks long." Speaking in front of the Cannoli's cafe, Trump promises the supporters that he will build a "great wall" around Little Italy to keep out the Chinese, whom he claims are his friends, and will get Mexico to pay for it. "Nobody builds walls better th...

buzzz worthy. . . LL COOL J RETURNS TO HOST THE 58TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®  Two-Time GRAMMY® Winner Hosts Music's Biggest Night® For The Fifth Time Live On CBS Feb. 15, 2016   SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec 16, 2015) — Entertainment icon and two-time GRAMMY® winner LL COOL J is set to return as host of the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards®, marking his fifth consecutive year as master of ceremonies. Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Music's Biggest Night® will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). "We are delighted to welcome back the very talented LL COOL J as our host for the 58th GRAMMYs®," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "His unique expertise, both as a GRAMMY-winning recording artist and accomplished actor, allows him to connect with both his musical peers and the fans at home, and his dynamic personality and charismatic ene...