Hasta La Gadget!

Kanye West took the Twitter on Thursday to apologize to Beck for blasting the singer at the Grammys.

I would like to publicly apologize to Beck, I’m sorry Beck.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 26, 2015

During the Grammy Awards earlier this month, West almost interrupted Beck when he took the stage to accept Album of the Year for “Morning Phase,” beating out Beyoncé. During the E! after-show, West said, “Beck needs to respect artistry, and he should have given his award to Beyoncé.” As it turned out, West hasn’t even heard “Morning Phase” at the time, but once he listened to it he said it was “kind of good.”

West also decided to hand out a public apology to Bruno Mars for calling him out at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. Now, apparently, West wants to collaborate with Mars a new song he produced.

I also want to publicly apologize to Bruno Mars, I used to hate on him but I really respect what he does as an artist.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 26, 2015

I also would love for Bruno to sing this hook on this song 88 Keys / Puff and I produced… I even asked Tyler to shoot the vid.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 26, 2015

I often wonder why Mother Nature would leave the fate of mankind in the hands of such conflicting members of the human race. Let’s be honest for a second; men and women can’t stand each other. But, since the beginning of time, a curse was put on both genders, embedding a deep-seated gluttonous craving for one another that is almost impossible to ignore.

Men take a lot of flak for their obnoxious ticks and disgusting habits, but admit it ladies, putting up with us isn’t all rainbow-colored unicorns galloping off into the sunset in a field of glitter, either. Women will argue this until the day we die, but the truth is, we have no fu*king clue what we want.

Sorry guys, but you really got screwed on this one.

Women Want: I just want you to find me completely sexy and irresistible.

What Happens When We Get It: Seriously, again?! We just had sex like 4 hours ago. What am I to you, a human blowjob machine? That’s all you think I’m good for isn’t it. Stop grabbing my ass all the time; it’s disrespectful. Heeellllooooo, my eyes are up here. I have a brain you know … can’t we just have an intellectual conversation? Ugh, grow up!!

Women Want: Always tell me the truth or our relationship is over.

What Happens When We Get It:
Man: That outfit is … interesting…
Woman: It’s over.

Women Want: Why can’t you just surprise me and cook dinner for once?

What happens When We Get It: Woman walks into kitchen, which now looks like the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, to find man cooking “dinner”. Oh, you’re cooking? Why didn’t you tell me? Hey, what did you use to marinate the meat because, uh, I usually use this specific marinade that’s on Bobby Flay’s “must-have marinade” list so… did you use it? You have to cut the onions in half-moons. Did you wash these potatoes; they look like they still have quite a bit of dirt on them. You’re going to overcook the meat; it’s supposed to be 5 minutes per side, not … oh, never mind, just let me do it.

Women Want: Don’t–under ANY circumstances–let me eat junk food.

What Happens When We Get It: Woman is on day three of her period, elbow deep in second bowl of brownie batter–because actually cooking brownies is a complete waste of anyone’s time–when, during mid-lick from over-sized spoon, woman notices man staring.

Woman: Practically growling. May I help you?
Man: Is that on your diet?
Woman: Femme fatale stare. If you want to keep all of your body parts in tact, I recommend you slowly back out of the kitchen and never mention this moment again.

Women Want: Can’t you watch anything else besides sports?

What Happens When We Get It: Man tries to get into the latest episode of Keeping up the Kardashians.

Man: Wait, which sister is this? Damn Kim’s ass is huge. What are the younger sisters’ names?
Woman: Ugh I just missed what earth-shattering comment Khloé made; now I have to rewind it. Isn’t there a game on you can watch in the other room?

Women Want: Don’t treat me like other girls–I’m different!

What Happens When We Get It: Man tries something different for Valentine’s Day and buys her something useful, like that juicer she’s always wanted.

Woman: You didn’t get me flowers? Where’s the card? That’s the most important part. How am I supposed to know how you feel about us without a card?
Man: But … you said you weren’t like other girls.
Woman: Don’t try to turn this around. I mean, I’m not like other girls; I’m sexy and unique and funny and unlike anything you’ve ever had in your whole entire life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get me flowers and a card. I mean, everyone knows that’s an exception to the rule.

Women Want: Why don’t you ever want to cuddle while we’re sleeping?

What Happens When We Get It: Our bodies are interwoven and tangled like ivy. All I can hear is the faint whistling sound coming from his nostrils. Jesus, he doesn’t have that many muscles; why does his arm feel like it weighs 100 lbs.? That’s it, now I’m sweating. I feel claustrophobic. What if there was a fire and he didn’t wake up and I’m forever stuck under this gigantic tree stump of a leg and we both die horrible deaths? I have to get out of this wrestler choke hold. Mental note: I will never ask for this again.

Man: Tries to cuddle again the next night.
Woman: Don’t touch me.

Ah, the woman: such a complicated combination of contradictions. But hey, ya gotta love us!

Google Maps can do so much more than just getting you to the nearest gas station.

For lovers of Black History Month, the innovative platform can allow you to experience black history like no other by taking virtual trips to some of the most iconic Black heritage sites and landmarks like the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas and 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

To further enrich your knowledge of black history, we encourage you to take a trip to these signficant venues. However, while travel may be difficult, Google maps can offer you the next best thing: a 360 degree street view of any and all the historic locations you wish to view.

Do yourself a favor and experience the Black History Month experience you deserve.

Here are ten must-see African American heritage sites, tell us your most beloved black history landmarks in the comments below!

Martin Luther King Memorial
A memorial for Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring a 30-foot statue of the Civil Rights leader carved into the Stone of Hope.
1964 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20024

Little Rock Central High School
A group of students now known as the Little Rock Nine were escorted onto this campus by the Arkansas National Guard and 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army, effectively desegregating the school in 1957.
2120 West Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202

16th Street Baptist Church
This former Civil Rights Movement meeting place was the target of a racially motivated bombing by the KKK that killed four girls in 1963.
1530 6th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203

Madame Walker Theater
A U.S. National Historic Landmark whose development was initiated by Madame C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made millionaire, prior to her death.
617 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Brown vs. Board of Education Historic Site
Monroe Elementary School was named a national historic site to commemorate the Supreme Court decision ending racial segregation in public schools.
1515 Southeast Monroe Street, Topeka, KS 66612

Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong’s Home
The jazz legend’s former home is now a museum & National Historic Landmark.
34-56 107th Street, Corona, NY 11368

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
This was first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women, and Bethune’s home from 1943 to 1949.
1318 Vermont Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20005

Apollo Theater
This historic music hall for African-American performers is the former home of Showtime at the Apollo.
253 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027

The Birthplace of Rap
DJ Kool Herc is credited with helping to start hip-hop and rap music at a house concert on August 11, 1973.
1520 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx

Underground Railroad’s “Grand Depot”
“The Grand Depot” on the Underground Railroad was a major center for abolitionism.
Plymouth Church, 75 Hicks Street, Brooklyn

A cross country coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders. More than just physical prowess drives the teens to succeed; their strong family ties, incredible work ethic and commitment to their team all play a factor in forging these novice runners into champions. KIDS FIRST! Critic Gerry Orz comments, “This movie is truly an inspirational story for anyone who watches. McFarland USA will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.” Kayla P. adds, “The message of this film is to not judge a book by its cover.” See their full reviews below.

McFarland, USA
Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Critic, age 12

This movie is truly an inspirational story for anyone who watches. McFarland USA will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

McFarland USA will make you cry, laugh and more. It is a compelling film based on a true story that is full of drama and a solid feeling of inspiration. However, there is a hint of comedy to brighten things up and a spice of thrill that will keep you engaged throughout the movie.

The story starts when a family moves to a very poor town in central California called McFarland. Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominately Latino high school in California’s Central Valley. He quickly notices that the kids there are faster than he has ever seen and turns the fastest boys into a cross country track team. The movie covers the relationship between the coach and the boys, his relationship with his family and the adventure the boys and the coach go through as they try to win the state cross country championship.

This movie is truly compelling and inspiring. After seeing it I had an urge to do more. It has a fantastic mix between concentrating on the coach’s story but also looks at each person on the team, which I think was a fantastic decision. The acting is impressive especially since some of the actors had never even acted before and some of them actually grew up in McFarland.

My favorite scene is when they have a one on one race with another school. Once the two teams start running, the opposing coach starts teasing Coach White. However, after the team’s fastest player, Thomas (Carlos Pratts) finishes first, he brings back all that teasing but in a very classy way. I love this scene because it shows that the team was looked down on but they rose above the torment and tease and truly believed in themselves and a better future for themselves.

This film has a lot of mature moments that may be a bit too much for younger kids, so I give it an age rating of 10 to18. I also give it 5 out of 5 stars for a truly inspiring and fantastic film.

McFarland, USA
by Kayla P., KIDS FIRST! Critic, Age: 13

McFarland, USA is a wonderful family drama based on a true story from 1987.

McFarland, USA is about a coach who gets fired from his job due to inappropriate and harsh behaviors towards his colleagues and students. Coach White (Kevin Costner) and his family have to relocate to McFarland, a town populated by farm growers. McFarland is the only place Coach White is able to find a job as a PE teacher and assistant football coach. He notices that a few of the kids are very fast runners. Coach White learns that there is a state wide cross country tournament. When coaching football fails, he decides to form a cross country team. He trains the kids to compete at different tournaments with hopes of taking them to the state championship to win money for the school. During the journey of preparing the team, Coach White, his family and the teammates learn an important lesson of dedication and commitment.

My favorite character is Danny Diaz, (Ramiro Rodriguez). He is focused and a determined member on the cross country team. Although he is not one of the fastest runners, he learns to never quit no matter how far behind he is and to keep pushing.

The message of this film is to not judge a book by its cover. When the McFarland team travels to different tournaments, some of the competitors pick on them because they are different and do not have the newest clothes or shoes like everyone else. Most of the other racers, as well as the other coaches, make fun of the McFarland team. They all learn not to underestimate anyone by merely judging them by their outward appearance.

My favorite part is when Jim White, Kevin Costner, tries to plan a Quinceaňera for his daughter. He sends his wife and daughters away to the salon and goes outside to plan the party with Senor Diaz (Omar Leyva). As Coach White tells Senor Diaz how to prepare for the party, Senor Diaz tells Coach White to sit down and says, “we are the Indians, not the chiefs.” Once Coach White sits down, a group of women come in and tell the men what they need to do.

McFarland, USA is a wonderful movie great for the entire family. I recommend this movie for kids and teens ages 8 – 18 years old. I give this movie 5 out of 5 golden stars. McFarland is playing in theaters now so, don’t miss it.

Gerry O.

Kayla P.

WASHINGTON — National security law experts, testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on Thursday, faulted President Barack Obama’s proposed authorization for the fight against the Islamic State, saying it adds more presidential authority for waging war.

Obama offered the new authorization for the use of military force, or AUMF, as a conciliatory gesture to those who have criticized the administration’s reliance on authorizations from 2001 and 2002 to fight an entirely different enemy. But rather than replacing the old authorizations, the new AUMF provides an additional legal tool for waging war.

Robert Chesney, associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Texas School of Law, told the committee that concerns over the restrictiveness of the new authorization are misplaced as long as the 2001 AUMF remains active. “To summarize the matter bluntly, the administration’s draft fails — and intentionally fails — to address the relationship between this new authorization and the 2001 authorization,” he said. “The result is that its authorities are, optics notwithstanding, simply additive with respect to presidential authority.”

Congress has split along unusual party lines on the AUMF debate. Democrats have criticized the authorization as overly broad for failing to specifically define the enemy or place geographic limitations on the fight against the Islamic State. Republicans say they see it as overly restrictive because it would expire after three years and would prohibit “enduring offensive ground operations.”

The 2001 AUMF, passed by Congress after the Sept. 11 attacks, was intended to serve as the legal justification to fight the al Qaeda and Taliban threat in Afghanistan. The vagueness of its language has allowed two presidents to expand military operations into Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan, and most recently, airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, without additional approval from Congress. Obama has long voiced his intention to repeal the 2001 AUMF and replace it with updated legislation.

Benjamin Wittes, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, testified that the new AUMF may offer “political constraints,” but emphasized that it “generates essentially no meaningful legal constraints” on the president’s ability to wage war.

The political restraints Wittes mentioned were the three-year sunset clause and the limited use of U.S. ground troops. But even these are “intentionally fuzzy,” in their wording, as White House press secretary admitted two weeks ago.

“The resolution does not define ‘enduring,’ which is a word ripe for elastic interpretation,” explained Wittes. “What’s more, as long as the president might reasonably characterize such operations as defensive, the restriction would not apply at all.”

Top-level officials disagree about the definition of “enduring.” Secretary of State John Kerry told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, “If you’re going in for weeks and weeks of combat, that’s enduring. If you’re going in to assist somebody and fire control and you’re embedded in an overnight deal, or you’re in a rescue operation or whatever, that is not enduring.”

The following day, retired Gen. John Allen, the presidential special envoy for the coalition fighting the Islamic State, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, “Enduring might only be two weeks. But enduring might be two years.”

Similar ambiguity surrounds the definition of an “offensive” operation. Chesney pointed out that while the operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State may appear obviously offensive, the administration could argue that it is, in fact, a defensive response to the Islamic State seizing the territory from the Iraqi government.

To Chris Anders, senior legislative counsel at the ACLU, the new war authorization repeats several of the mistakes made in 2001. “I think the difference is that in 2001, members of Congress didn’t know that they would end up with those kinds of expanded interpretations by the executive branch,” he said. “At this point, given how the 2001 AUMF has been used over the past 13 years, all members of Congress should be going into this with their eyes wide open and realize that any place where there’s arguable ambiguity is going to be taken advantage of — whether by this administration, or a future one.”

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), an outspoken proponent of narrowing the president’s war authority, has called for an AUMF that repeals its 2001 and 2002 predecessors, confines the battle to Iraq and Syria, limits ground troops to training purposes, and requires Congress to revisit the authorization after 18 months.

“We shouldn’t treat this as if it has to cover all contingencies,” Schiff told The Huffington Post. “It’s not like the president can never come back to Congress and ask for a new authorization. Unless the Congress wants to legislate itself into irrelevance in war-making power, we shouldn’t provide an open-ended war authority that may outlast all of us.”

In his closing remarks, Chesney told the committee, “If I have one message for this committee, it is to think about this new authorization within the old one. Otherwise you end up talking about restrictions that really aren’t restrictions. You end up doing all kinds of things you don’t mean to be doing, or you don’t know you are doing.”