Broadcasters around the world are shifting into their highest gear to cover Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding Friday.

LONDON -- As the big day draws near, it's not just the bride who may be feeling a little anxious.

With predictions are that it will draw the biggest audience in television history, broadcasters around the world are shifting into their highest gear for the royal wedding, and for the next few days London will become the focus of the world.

"Yes, we're moving to London. Where else would you be?" says Chris Hampson, NBC News' director of international news. "Everybody wants to be here. You can't sit in New York and tell this story. You have to be right in the thick of it."

And the thick of it is exactly where the world's biggest media organizations will be. Take a stroll down London's Mall toward Buckingham Palace, and the bland, tree-lined vista used mainly for bypassing the traffic chaos of Piccadilly has been transformed into a hive of pre-ceremony activity.

The traffic has been shut off, and behind the milling tourists and Japanese camera crews, two huge temporary media studios have been erected opposite either flank of the Queen's London residence. This media zone in Canada Gate will host more than 40 stand-alone studios with full play-out facilities for broadcasters including the BBC, ABC, Sky News, NBC, CBS and Al Jazeera English.

It is just part of a network of locations including Westminster Abbey, the Mall and Trafalgar Square that are host to a raft of specially erected broadcast locations.

"It's our biggest international technical build-out ever," said Hampson, who added that NBC and its sister networks including MSNBC and Telemundo, E! and Bravo began planning wedding coverage even before the royal engagement was announced in November. "We began to focus very early and had a team in London scouting locations and planning for months."

The result is a series of prime locations, including a prestige slot beneath Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square from which NBC will broadcast a special edition of Today on Friday kicking off at 4 am EST as well as four studios in the media village at Buckingham Palace.

It is also bringing over a host of anchors including Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer, Natalie Morales and Al Roker.

NBC is far from alone in pulling out all the stops; ABC will have live coverage of the ceremony from London anchored by Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters, and the network will air a special edition of Good Morning America from London.

CBS is sending Katie Couric on what could be her swan song for the network. Couric will lead the main wedding coverage and anchor an hourlong news special at 8 p.m. Friday.

CNN will use its London squad as well getting as an insider's take from Piers Morgan, while Fox News is sending over around 50 staff including Shepard Smith and Martha Macullum.

Fox will piggyback on the feed from its sister U.K. network Sky News, which, like all the British broadcasters, is planning wall-to-wall coverage of the event.

Click here to read the entire article: The WEDDING

I'm Not Perfect; but MORE Perfect Than YOU!!!!

HEREEEEEEEE"S GRACE!!!!

by Leah Greenblatt

Lady Gaga may adore cult pop icon Grace Jones, but Ms. Jones won’t picking up her t-t-telephone calls any time soon.

The 61-year-old Jamaican-born model/actress/fashion radical, best known as a club performer, Warhol muse, Bond girl, hair maverick, and all-around fabu freakshow, was recently asked by London’s Guardian newspaper what she thought of the world’s current preeminent mistress of carcinogenic eyewear. Jones’ reply? “I really don’t think of her at all. I go about my business … I wouldn’t go to see her.”

And would they ever work together? “She did [ask], but I said no. I’d just prefer to work with someone who is more original and someone who is not copying me, actually.”

Mild-ish words, actually, from the woman who gave the world Strangé—and one wonders why she doesn’t call out her other obvious acolyte, Rihanna—but she can hardly be blamed for drawing the comparison.

As stated on The Future on February 5, 2010, Gaga’s genealogy has never been much of a mystery: She is unabashedly built from the DNA of many stars who came before her—including but not limited to Madonna, David Bowie, Roisin Murphy, Prince, Cher, Labelle, Freddie Mercury and of course the original cult-of-personality maestro himself, Mr. Warhol.

Like the recent M.I.A.-chugs-the-Lady-haterade episode, this one will surely be met by Gaga loyalists‘ insistence that the Lady is, like, ten billion times more amazeballs than Jones, who is just too jealous/old/All About Eve-ish to acknowledge her younger and more commercially successful rival.

If they do, they may be touching on some truth (sometimes, Strangé get cranké), but they’re missing the larger point: Gaga, definitively, could not exist without Jones, Madge, and Mercury, and she seems very much aware of that. In fact, she acknowledges them ad nauseum in her album liner notes and interviews and in, basically, the way she lives her outsized life-as-performance-art existence (bedazzled face crustaceans for brunch! Personal head planetarium for Ellen!) every day—if not in the fairly straightforward and markedly commercial (much more, at least, than Grace’s ever were) pop songs that anchor it all. I AGREE and I am the BIGGEST GRACE JONES FAN AROUND!!! Lil Mogul...

If progenitors like Jones are sometimes a little bothered that Gaga sails so easily down the far-out road they paved—and with a much fatter wallet tucked in her triangle pants—is that jealousy, or just humanity? I call it LIFE!!!

PRINCE DONATES $1.5 MILLION TO THREE LOCAL HARLEM CHARITIES

Bleu Magazine Reports

Prince is continuing his mission to pay it forward and pave the way for the next generation to attain greatness. The seven-time Grammy award winner gave a $1 million line of credit to the Harlem Children's Zone and $250,000 each to the Uptown Dance Academy and the American Ballet Theatre .The lines of credit allow Prince to remain involved in and know the needs of the organizations as they draw on the funds to grow and accomplish their missions.

The announcement came yesterday during a press conference that Bleu attended at Madison Square Garden in NYC featuring Harlem Children's Zone's President and CEO Geoffrey Canada and 30 students from the community-based educational organization. The same night Prince concluded the first leg of his phenomenally successful "Welcome 2 America" tour, one of the highest grossing recent tours in the country.

Your 10 Personal Favorite Michael Jackson Songs

By Waddie Grant

www.worldwidewaddie.com

With the one-year anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson, a.k.a. The King Of Pop, looming tomorrow, I wanted to share with you all my ten personal favorite songs of Mr. Jackson.

Above all artists, his musical has been one of the most influential as far as how I want to express my own creativity. His trend-setting, thinking outside-the-box and social awareness significantly affected the music industry positively, and my creativity has been affected as well. I admired his perfection. I feel the emotions he spews in my favorite tunes of his. The upbeat tempos bring up my spirits where I want to dance whenever I hear them. Ultimately, Jackson’s music takes me onto an imaginary journey where I visualized my own visual soundtrack to his music.

Thus, these ten songs below are the Michael Jackson tunes I will never grow out of loving.

10. “In The Closet” (Dangerous album, 1992)

I love the New Jack Swing era of Michael Jackson. That kind of rhythm with one of Jackson’s sexiest lyrics and music videos kept me jammin’ for a long time. Also, this song has that extended instrumentation that was popular in the 80′s and 90′s that keep us party people dancing.

9.”Heal The World” (Dangerous album, 1992)

…

8.”Break Of Dawn” (Invincible album, 2002)

When I first listened to Invincible album, I remember loving every second of the album because I was glad that Michael finally released new music since his 1995 HIStory album. Immediately after, I realized how dated the album sounded, but this song stood out to me. I remember creating this beautiful imagery in my head of a beautiful, sunny morning atmosphere with the one I would love.

7.”They Don’t Care About Us” (HIStory album, 1996)

There are many sides of Michael that I love, and his militant side is what I appreciate the most. His pro-Black and caring for the world approach in his music about social injustice makes his catalog of music stand out above all other artists. I love singing the lyrics of this tune when I feel militant-minded. I even love the music video with Jackson protesting with the poor residents of Brazil.

6.”Ain’t No Sunshine” (Got To Be There album, 1972)

Who knew that a 14 year old male pop singer could sing a song with so much soul as Michael did with this remake of this Bill Withers classic? His vocal dynamics of this heart-wrenching soulful ballad made me feel the melancholy anguish of the lyrics. His rendition outperforms the vocal talents of his contemporaries twice his age.

5.”Got To Be There” (Got To Be There album, 1971)

I first fell in love with Chaka Khan’s remake of this tune before I even knew that Michael was the original singer from a decade prior. When I learned that revelation, I’m thinking Chaka’s version had to make Michael’s forgettable. Fortunately, I was wrong. Like “Ain’t No Sunshine,” I could not picture a young male teen singing his soul out like a seasoned adult performer about such experience a teen may be too young to endure. At that point, I realized Michael was able to sing anything at any age.

4.”Scream” (Naughty Pretty Pella remix) featuring Janet Jackson & Treach (HIStory album, 1995)

The pairing of Michael and his equally popular sister Janet made me go bananas on this tune. I admit that I was enamored with the high-tech music video more than the song’s album version until I heard the official remix with Treach of Naughty By Nature. The rock and neo-soul groove of the remix is one of my favorite instrumentations I have ever listened.

3.”Billie Jean” (Thriller album, 1993)

What is not to love about this tune? The bassline beat is the hottest. Jackson’s moonwalk changed the game of stage performance and became a legend instantly. The subject matter was ahead of its time, especially for a R&B/pop singer. I didn’t even understand what the lyrics were about. I was seven years old at that time. Regardless, I enjoy the song now as much as I did then.

2.”Man In The Mirror” (Bad album, 1988)

The humanitarian in Michael Jackson is what I will always admire most about his legacy. I remember being in middle singing this song all the time and realizing for the first time how I could be more socially aware especially about communities and countries who really need the help and love that I have been blessed to have.

1.”Remember The Time” (Dangerous album, 1992)

Hands down, this is my favorite song to perform at karaoke. I remember at first listen when I was 15 years how this song made me want to dance. The song could never get out of my head either…and that was before the video came out with all that Black star power and the hottest choreography of that era. When I got the Teddy Riley extended remix of this song, I fell in love with this song much more. I wish I had the talent of dancing because I would create the hottest choreography for this.

From this list you would think that Dangerous is my favorite Jackson album, but Thriller is really my favorite. What are your favorite Michael Jackson songs and albums?

Fashion Fridays - Vivienne Westwood

Riddle me this, Riddle me that,
By Deshawn Moody

Have u ever danced with the devil in the pale of the moonlight?

This season, Vivienne Westwood, the Fashion pump Diva better known for intricate high-steppers, shows us that she has a DARK side when it comes to Men’s attire. Her Spring/Summer 2010 collection pays homage to the late great Heath Ledger with edge and a little class.

A few of the looks were infused by women’s wear but with a suttle twist made it the perfect juxtaposition. With all the different variations, it makes it so much easier to be prepared for any and every occasion. Whether you’re on the way to a Spring destination or a out on the town with friends, this line is sure to be top of the list.

“If I was a rich boy, Nananananahx4,
See I’d have all the items in the line, iF I was a wealthy boyohohoy



“Clean out Vivienne Westwood in my fancy London town”

Lindsay (Lohan) Sues E-Trade for $100 Million Over Super Bowl Spot

By SAM GUSTIN

Oprah, Madonna, Prince . . . Lindsay? Colorful starlet Lindsay Lohan says she's in the same league as those single-named iconic entertainers -- and that's why she's entitled to $100 million from E-Trade (ETFC) for violating her privacy last month in a TV commercial during the Super Bowl.

But Lindsay -- er, Lohan -- faces a significant burden of proof. "To prevail in a case like this, she would need a consumer survey that is methodologically sound, showing that a significant number of people understand 'Lindsay' to be a reference to her," says Reed Freeman, a partner at Washington-based law firm Morrison Foerster. "That's the method of proof that would be required here."

But celebrity lawyer Daniel Horowitz says the ad's use of the word "milkaholic" is obviously a reference intended to poke fun at Lohan's personal struggles. "It's clearly meant to refer to Lindsay Lohan," Horowitz says. "And the only way E-Trade will get off the hook is if they claim it was some kind of parody." Interestingly, one of Horowitz's clients is a man accused of breaking into Lohan's house, as part of the "Hollywood Bling Ring" case.

Lincoln Bandlow, a partner at Los Angeles-based law firm Lathrop & Gage, says the big hurdle for Lohan is showing that this is a use of her identity, one which violates her privacy. "I don't think it is," Bandlow says. "She's not Sinatra, she's not Cher, and she's not Bono."

But even if she succeeds in doing that, Bandlow says, she then must make an "odd argument," one which could lead to embarrassing disclosures. "She's going to have to say that she's such a lush and an alcoholic that the use of the word 'milkaholic' obviously refers to her," Bandlow says. "The identifying information she will have to cite is someone who is an addict."

'That Milkaholic, Lindsay'

The star of such films as Mean Girls and Herbie: Fully Loaded is suing the giant online brokerage for unlawfully using her "likeness, name, characterization, and personality." Lohan filed the suit in New York State's Nassau County Supreme Court Monday, seeking $50 million of compensatory damages and $50 million of exemplary damages. An E-Trade representative says the company has yet to review the filing and has no comment.

In the commercial in question, part of E-Trade's popular campaign featuring babies who chat about investments and life, an infant refers to "that milkaholic, Lindsay." Lohan's troubles with drugs and alcohol and scuffles with the law have been widely chronicled by the celebrity press. Lohan's argument hinges on a court's accepting her contention that her worldwide fame -- or notoriety, if you prefer -- has turned her first name into a specific, recognizable reference to the her, much like "Oprah" or "Madonna." "Many celebrities are known by one name only, and E-Trade is using that knowledge to profit," Lohan's lawyer, Stephanie Ovadia.

Notes from Nathan: Let it Reign

fter one month, we have nearly reached our goal of having 3,000 hits to our site. One thing about goals is that you get to set them. If you reach them FANTASTIC! If you don't, it's not the end of the world. You get to set a new goal and strive to accomplish it. We at The Future aim to provide you with a wide variety of information to choose from when you visit our site. We bring fresh, new and innovative to your online experience.

2009 is almost complete! Have you reached the goals you set for yourself at the top of the year? There is an amazing buzz going around that 2010 is going to be a major year so get ready! Be sure to take time to appreciate the little things. Listen to the wind. Help an elderly person across the street. Watch children play. Visit a friend.

This past weekend I got a chance to catch up with an old friend. Karen Minors. Karen and I have been friends since college. We realized this weekend that 7/7/07 was a significant day for us. She got married on that day and I completed a relationship. Wow. Just typing that brought up interesting memories and a few tears. Now why she and I are just learning this about each other is beyond me but it was great to see her. I am wooing her into becoming a contributor. Wish me luck. She's an amazing writer!

Have an amazing month and be sure to tell a friend about The Future.

Have a Sevenly Day!

Prince & Androgyny by Clarence Haynes

A few days ago, Celebrate Brooklyn!, the series of concerts and events held in the Prospect Park Bandshell, held a Purple Rain sing-a-long in celebration of the film's 25th anniversary. The 2,000 seats and additional lawn space were full, with many fans clad in purple regalia, paying tribute to the man and his movie. The park joined media entities like SPIN Magazine and NPR's New York station, WNYC, which have hosted their own Rain discussions and commemorations. (SPIN has even produced a tribute album by a variety of artists, including a remake of "When Doves Cry" by The Twilight Singers, featuring Apollonia, one of the film's stars.)

The plot: Prince, starring as The Kid, is the head of a Minneapolis-based band whose sound falls outside of popular sensibilities. The group is barely hanging on to its headlining role at a popular venue. Enter gorgeous Apollonia, arriving with hopes of becoming a star while being romantically pursued by both The Kid and his archenemy, Morris Day, aka Purple Rain's main comic foil and scene stealer.

A mass of moviegoers singing and hooping and hollering to Purple Rain is perfect, for the plot is driven by the still-innovative music (I'm particularly fond of "Take Me With U"'s easygoing effervescence and whimsy), the concert antics, the comedy, and the sex. And what erotic treats there are: Apollonia's toplessness, and her lingerie and leather, and her love scene with Prince. And Prince's toplessness, and his blouses and leather, and his grinding and sweat, and almost perpetual aura of androgyny.

SPIN's Prince Cover, July 2009

It was the androgyny in particular that incited some of the women in the audience. High-pitched screams were elicited at key scenes -- the demure way the Kid tells Apollonia "stop" as they begin to groove at his place, the way he swivels his svelte hips and backside in his home, the way he parts his lips as he lay on stage, swathed in pink light at the end of his performance of "The Beautiful Ones."

It's an interesting lesson from a mid-80's film, that a man who exults in the feminine in his gestures and style -- lace, eye liner, curls, lashes, finger waves, head scarves, midriff tops, boots -- turns on legions and legions of women. And mind you, he's soaring with aspects of this style in a film set in a working class 'hood.

I spoke to some female Prince fans about their adoration of the man: two commented on their love of his uniqueness and willingness to do his own thing, with one woman exclaiming, "It's the heels!"

My suspicion: many women are thrilled by Prince because they readily see themselves in him, and vice versa, and the mutual love is visceral and real. And perhaps this lesson is lost on our current crop of soulful male performing artists who cling to a more rigid mode of masculinity. Andre 3000 and Maxwell come to mind as two artists with a huge female fan base who embrace "softness" in their creative instincts, yet note how anomalous they are in the current musical landscape.

(Special Note: Another shining star of brown androgynous manhood in film can be found in Chris Tucker's comedic character Ruby Rhod, a muscled, lipstick-wearing, squeaky-voiced radio personality who loves to pleasure women in the futuristic sci-fi flick The Fifth Element.)

The Kid is by no means a paragon of feminine virtue; he physically abuses and manipulates Apollonia, and is sometimes harsh and domineering with his bandmates, particularly Wendy and Lisa. Nonetheless, his fluidity onscreen is captivating, and makes me wonder how Purple Rain Prince would make out in these times of hardcore swaggering and conformity, where brothers take to the streets with an urban uniform and The Jungle Stroll -- shoulders hunched forward, fists clenched, arms swinging side to side.

Prince took his androgyny to the stratospheres of success, and we clapped, and continue to applaud. Yet in a cultural landscape where brown men who want to be seen as manly qualify acts of softness with the disclaimer "no homo," where r&b statesman Ne-Yo feels the need to issue a website statement defending his masculinity after crying onstage, how would new-to-the-scene petite royalty in golden gilded wraps and purple ruffled ascots fare?

Prince's compilation album cover showcases his signature styles.

READ MORE from Clarence Haynes: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/clarence-haynes