The Urban Prepper: August 2007

Owen Wilson Attempts Suicide At His California Home; Actor Is Now Hospitalized In Stable Condition

Song Of The Day: "Apologize" Timbaland featuring OneRepublic

FLASHBACK Song Of The Day: Candlebox "Far Behind"

6 Year Anniversary Of The Death Of Singer/Actress Aaliyah

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001), best known simply as Aaliyah, was an American singer, dancer, model and actress. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Detroit, Michigan from the age of 5, Aaliyah was introduced to audiences by R&B singer R. Kelly. Aaliyah became famous during the mid-1990s with several hit records from the songwriting/production team of Missy Elliott & Timbaland and their associate Steve "Static" Garrett. Aaliyah soon joined Timbaland's R&B and hip hop collective, the Superfriends Clique.Aaliyah signed with her uncle Barry Hankerson's Blackground Records label in 1993 at the age of 14. She released her debut album, titled Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, in 1994 at the age of 15. R. Kelly, was a leading songwriter and producer on her debut album.One In A Million, Aaliyah's second album, was chiefly written and produced by then-unknowns Missy Elliott and Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley. One in a Million was released on August 27, 1996 when Aaliyah was 17 years of age. The album became a landmark in Aaliyah's career, garnering her mass critical acclaim. The album was certified double-platinum within a year, making Aaliyah a major R&B star and igniting the successful careers of Missy Elliott and Timbaland.In 2000, Aaliyah co-starred with Jet Li in the martial arts film Romeo Must Die, which debuted at number one at the box office. Aaliyah and Timbaland executive produced the film's soundtrack album and Aaliyah contributed four songs: "Are You Feelin' Me?," "I Don't Wanna," "Come Back in One Piece," a duet with rapper DMX, and the international number one hit "Try Again." Aaliyah made history once more when "Try Again" became the first song to ever reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 based solely on the strength of its radio airplay, without any single sales factored in.Aaliyah's third studio album, the self-titled Aaliyah, was released on July 17, 2001. The album was an instant critical success. Aaliyah introduced a darker and edgier side to Aaliyah's music and was noted as having showcased her growth as an artist. Around the time of the album's recording and release she had been filming Queen of the Damned, which helped her show a dark and edgy side as her character was a deadly vampire villain. She also had just landed a role that was sure to make her an international film star: a part in the two sequels to The Matrix starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne.On Saturday, August 25, 2001, at 6:49 pm (EST), just after completion of filming for the "Rock the Boat" video, Aaliyah and various members of her record company boarded a twin engine Cessna 402B (N8097W) at Marsh Harbour, Abaco Island, Bahamas to travel to Opa-Locka Airport near Miami, Florida. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff about 200 feet from the runway. Pilot Luis Morales III and all eight passengers, including 22 year-old Aaliyah, were killed in the aviation accident. According to findings from an inquest conducted by the coroner's office in the Bahamas, Aaliyah suffered from "severe burns and a blow to the head," in addition to severe shock. The coroner theorized that, even if Aaliyah had survived the crash, her recovery would have been virtually impossible given the severity of her injuries.

The private funeral for Aaliyah was held on August 31 at Saint Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church in Manhattan, NYC. A public memorial for Aaliyah was held at Cipriani's on 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, NYC that same day and was open to the public for most of the day. I attended that memorial.

Aaliyah is missed and will always be remembered by her fans, friends and most importantly, by her family.

Rashad Haughton, Aaliyah's brother, wrote a special poem for his late sister.Click here to read it on Aaliyah.com:Forever Young

Sources:

CNN.com - Aaliyah funeral attracts fans, stars - August 31, 2001CNN.com - U.S. investigators to probe Aaliyah crash - August 27, 2001Aaliyah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aaliyah Videos:

I Don't Wanna

One In A Million

We Need A Resolution

More Than a Woman

Are You That Somebody

I Miss U (Aaliyah tribute video)

SPCA LA Investigates Britney Spears' Puppy Incident

Britney Spears' Small Young Puppy London Has A Broken Leg

Song Of The Day: "Don't Stop The Music" by Rihanna

Nicole Richie Checks Into Jail For Her 4 Day Sentence; Pregnant Actress Released in 82 Minutes From Custody

La Lohan Triumphs Over The California Justice System

Lindsay Lohan pleaded no contest to two counts of DUI (driving with a .08 blood alcohol level or higher) through her attorney Blair Berk in a Los Angeles courtroom earlier today. By law, Lohan becomes a second offender (with two DUIs) and must serve a minimum of four days in jail. But the judge cut that in half by ordering her to perform 10 days of community service in lieu of two of the days. The judge also gave Lindsay one day credit for time served when she was busted. That means La Lohan will probably spend only one day in jail (or less, as in the case of Nicole Richie, who spent only 82 minutes in jail today and only 35 of those minutes were spent in an actual jail cell).Lohan also pleaded guilty to two counts of being under the influence of a controlled substance (two separate incidents) -- both misdemeanors. She also pleaded no contest to reckless driving.The judge said Lohan will serve 36 months probation and attend an alcohol education program for 18 months.Lohan was also ordered "not to associate with people with controlled substances."As to the controlled substance plea, Lohan was ordered not to use controlled substances. She's also required to enroll in an additional drug program. She's also required to remain at the Cirque Lodge rehab facility on Mount Timpanogos in Sundance, Utah, where she's currently in treatment.By January 18, 2008, Lohan must show she has successfully completed rehab.Lindsay Lohan issued the following statement to the media earlier today:"It is clear to me that my life has become completely unmanageable because I am addicted to alcohol and drugs. Recently, I relapsed and did things for which I am ashamed. I broke the law, and today I took responsibility by pleading guilty to the charges in my case. No matter what I said when I was under the influence on the day I was arrested, I am not blaming anyone else for my conduct other than myself. I thank God I did not injure others. I easily could have. I very much want to be healthy and gain control of my life and career and have asked for medical help in doing so. I am taking these steps to improve my life. Luckily, I am not alone in my daily struggle and I know that people like me have succeeded. Maybe with time it will become easier. I hope so."Lohan was not present in court. She did not have to be present unless felony charges were to be filed, which they were not.It appears that the D.A. feels extreme sympathy for Lohan's broken home upbringing and drug and alcohol addictions. The D.A. says Lohan's cocaine traces "were below the .05 grams required by office policy for felony filing." The fact that she was arrested twice in a short period of time actually helped her by showing she is struggling with an addiction problem. The fact that each time she was arrested she immediately checked into a rehab facility also helped her case. Also, her young age (just turned 21 in July) and the fact that her childhood was unstable also worked in her favor.A law enforcement source said the following regarding La Lohan:"Prosecutors in this county see a lot of kids in crisis. There are lots of kids struggling with addiction. The first sign of trouble usually involves a car. We're not going to throw every one of them in prison. It doesn't make sense."

Oprah Winfrey To Tape Her Show In NYC at Madison Square Garden

Jennifer Lopez And David LaChapelle "Do It Well"

Expecting Mother Foxy Brown Put In Jail On Rikers Island Today By Manhattan Criminal Court Judge

Amy Winehouse Says 'No, No, No' To Rehab

The Red Carpet Premiere Of Rob Zombie's "Halloween" This Week In L.A.

Mary J. Blige Is Pregnant; Expecting First Child With Husband And Defending Britney Spears

Artist Of The Month: Jive Jones

New Music: Nicole Scherzinger "Whatever U Like" featuring T.I.

New Music: "China Wine" by Sun Featuring Wyclef, Elephant Man and Tony Matterhorn

Song Of The Month: "Bed" by J. Holiday

Song Of The Day: "Love Is Wicked" by Brick & Lace

Jennifer Lopez: "Do It Well" Is The New Single From Her "Brave" New Album

Mandy Moore Covers Rihanna's "Umbrella"

Adrianne Curry's Car Vandalized and Burglarized In California

Adrianne Curry was robbed!

The reality TV beauty/ fashion model posted the following message on her official MySpace:

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

"I was robbed last night!!!

So, I wake up this morning to get ready to go to the gym. I have a full plate today, and needed to unwind by pumping some iron beforehand. Then my doorbell rings. Chris answered it, so I went on my merry little way getting dressed fot the gym, and getting my stuff together so I could go straight from the gym to all my appointments later. I ran upstairs to grab a bottle of water and Chris followed me up. He gave me a BIG hug, told me how much he loved me, and that I needed to sit down.

“WHAT???” I asked him. My car’s window had been smashed out, my navigation system stolen, and the possibility of other things missing is high. When I stepped outside to look at my car in my new home’s driveway, I was heartbroken! I get it, material things, yadda yadda yadda. However. I was raised to know the value of a dollar. I NEVER half ass work. I worked and work HARD for everything I have.

I feel violated. Chris always bitches at me for having weapons, wanting extra security, and not wanting to park my car outside of the garage. Now he’s learned. This crap happens all the time, everywhere. I have been robbed of my speakers from a car once, but it was at gunpoint, the speakers sucked…and my car and me came out just fine. (except for the speakers!) That felt better then having someone smash out my cars window so I can’t go anywhere I need to go today! Honestly, I am thinking about fixing my window, putting a bunch of valuables in my car, and sitting on my roof with some ball bearings and a wrist rocket!

Anyone who can’t WORK to EARN something and decides to just ROB someone so they can have it are the most VILE scum to ever walk the planet. Talk about vain! These people think they are above anyone and everything, and deserve to have what is YOURS.

Needless to say, my entire day has been put on hold. I am stressing out because there are so many things I will be behind on, and my Grandma and my Mom are coming out to visit me this Saturday. At least there is a brightside to things. That navigation unit is from our friends at Avis rentacar. Avis changes the password on their units every 3 weeks. If you are not registered with them, you don’t get the password. Without the password, you have no navigation unit! Serves the worthless fucks right! I hope you scum bags enjoy your USELESS navigation system, and while your at it, shove it up your ass!

Well, the Police are here. I would have posted pics but I gotta jet and get this all taken care of.”

Amy Winehouse's Rehab Woes

Amy Winehouse decided to go back to rehab in England. After leaving The Causeway Rehab in Essex, yesterday, as first reported by The Sun, it looks like the talented Winehouse is back in rehab.Her publicist just released the following statement:"Amy Winehouse is putting all her touring commitments for this month on hold until further notice in order to address her health issues. Amy will now not be performing at this weekend's V Festival in Chelmsford and Staffordshire. Her family has requested that the media respect Amy's privacy at this time."Amy's first stint in rehab lasted for 48 hours before she exited by helicopter so she could reportedly have a brain scan in London -- and a visit to a bar.

The Sun reports that Amy did check herself into a clinic in Essex, but bolted after 48 hours and fled back to Camden. She apparently sought the help of a doctor there who suggested she have a brain scan, because she suffered a seizure during her overdose. They think she might have epilepsy.After only a couple of days, Amy Winehouse had checked out of rehab.

A source said, “She wanted to leave on Tuesday evening. People close to her are devastated. But Blake wants her to return to normality — and we all know what their normality is. They’ve even been planning to meet friends in Camden. It’s madness.”

Amy's father was reportedly "beyond upset" and looking into getting a restraining order to keep her daughter away from her husband.

Amy Winehouse insisted she’s heading back to rehab tonight – and only nipped home to pick up a guitar.

Tonight her husband Blake Fielder-Civil admitted Winehouse has “a few problems” but said: “She’s determined to get well.”

Winehouse was rushed to hospital last week after allegedly taking a cocktail of heroin, cocaine, ketamine and alcohol.

Interviewed by Radio 1 today outside her home in Camden, north London, the painfully thin 23-year-old claimed:

“I’m fine. I’ve put on half a stone and I feel fine.”

Asked if newspaper reports of her drug abuse were true, she replied:

“I wouldn’t say so, no.”

She was then driven away by a female friend and gave the thumbs up to fans.

Winehouse, whose biggest hit is her song ironically titled Rehab, was said to have checked out early last night from the €15,000-a-week Causeway treatment centre in Essex.

But her husband Blake Fielder-Civil said:

“It’s been a difficult time for me and Amy, the fact is we are still together and going back to the place tonight. We only came back to get a guitar, but of course in the paper that’s interpreted as we’re both so weak we left after three days. It’s the inevitable way the papers are trying to put you down when you’re trying to do something positive. The main thing is that me and Amy are getting better. Don’t worry, she’s being looked after. We’re going back to this retreat. She’s determined to get well. It’s not as bad as everyone thinks but she’s fine, she’s loved and looked after.”

Asked about reports of the couple’s drug addictions, Fielder-Civil said:

“I wouldn’t believe it. There’s a few problems there but certainly nothing of the magnitude that my mum was falsely quoted as saying.”

His mother Georgette was reported as saying that Winehouse confessed to heroin and cocaine addiction and told her:

“It’s silly, but you just get carried away.”

The singer’s record company say she is suffering from “severe exhaustion”.

30 Years Since We Lost 'The King': Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), was an American singer, musician and actor. He is a cultural icon, often known simply as Elvis; also "The King of Rock 'n' Roll", or simply "The King".

Throughout his career, he set records for concert attendance, television ratings and recordings sales. He is one of the best-selling and most influential artists in the history of popular music. His death, at the age of 42, shocked his fans worldwide.

In November 1948, the Presleys moved to Memphis, allegedly because Vernon — as well as needing work — had to escape the law for transporting "bootlegger" liquor. In 1949, they lived at Lauderdale Courts — a public housing development — in one of Memphis, Tennessee's poorer sections. Presley practiced guitar playing in the basement laundry room and also played in a five-piece band with other tenants.

On December 20, 1957, Presley received his army draft notice. Hal Wallis and Paramount Pictures had already spent $350,000 on Presley's latest film King Creole and they feared the consequences of suspending or canceling the project. The Memphis Draft Board granted Presley a deferment so the movie could be finished. On March 24, 1958, he was finally inducted and completed basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, before being posted to Friedberg, Germany.

Priscilla (née Beaulieu) had stayed with Presley during the 1960s (they had first met in Germany, when she was only fourteen). They married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas. A daughter, Lisa Marie, was born exactly nine months later.

Divorcing in 1973, Presley became increasingly isolated and overweight, with prescription drugs — apparently prescribed with little question — taking their toll on his health, mood and his stage act. As time progressed, Presley became even more obese — he would diet excessively and then binge eat.

Presley's final performance was in Indianapolis, IN at the Market Square Arena, (June 26, 1977). August 17, 1977, was to be the start of another tour. However, at "Graceland" the day before on August 16, 1977, Presley was found on the floor of his bathroom by fiancée, Ginger Alden. According to the medical investigator, Presley had "stumbled or crawled several feet before he died". He was officially pronounced dead from a heart attack reportedly brought on by prescription medicine abuse at 3:30 p.m. at the Baptist Memorial Hospital. The BioScience Laboratories report indicated the detection of fourteen drugs in Elvis' system, ten in significant quantity.

His funeral was a national media event. Hundreds of thousands of fans, the press and celebrities lined the streets hoping to see the open casket in "Graceland" or to witness the funeral. Among the mourners were Ann-Margret (who had remained close to Presley) and his ex-wife. U.S. President Jimmy Carter issued a statement.

Presley was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery, Memphis, next to his mother. After an attempt to steal the body, his — and his mother's — remains were reburied at Graceland in Memphis, TN in the Meditation Gardens.

When Presley died, his finances were in sad shape. Led by ex-wife Priscilla Presley, the estate formed Elvis Presley Enterprises, opened Graceland to the public in 1982 and solidified the legal rights to make money on Elvis' name and image. Last year, Graceland took in $27 million in revenue, and the overall Elvis business brings in more than $40 million a year. That made him the second-highest grossing dead celebrity in 2006, behind only Nirvana 's Kurt Cobain, according to Forbes magazine.

Elvis remains an icon and a legend today, 30 years after his untimely death.

The Urban Prepper

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