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Eminem recently made it back to the music scene with latest album "Recovery," and his pop hit "Love the Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna. I had always been a die-hard Eminem fan so when I heard he was coming back to Detroit for a concert I knew I had to be there. He collabed with other rap star Jay-Z to perform a concert of a life time for both their home towns. They were in Detroit Sep 2 and 3rd at Tiger Stadium (Comerica Park) and will be at Yankee Stadium Sep 13 and 14. I was at Friday night's show and could truly feel how special the night was and what history was being made. There was around 45,000 people in attendance including Lady Gaga and Beyonce (HAPPY BDAY) who were said to be in the crowd! The night began with singer B.O.B who performed all his hits. Jay-Z came on next with an 80 minute show and "wowed" the crowd from the start. People around us said that him only would have been concert of the year. He did melodies in tribute to Biggie Smalls, Michael Jackson, Proof, and Tupac. Everyone went crazy when he performed "Empire State of Mind", and "Hard Knock Life". He was also accomponied by rapper Young Jeezy. Eminem came out a little later and began with hits off Recovery but also did many of his old songs. 50 Cent came out next but probably the loudest roars came when famous producer Dr. Dre performed. D-12 was also out for a while and did hit, "My Band" with Eminem. At the end Eminem came back out for an encore with "Not Afraid". The night was truly epic and the concert of a life time. It also did wonders for Detroit as it brought in tourism all the way from Virginia. Detroit busses were busy for the first time I've seen and restaurants had lines out the door. I'm glad Eminem choose to put on this show for his hometown and I'm sure the New York show will be just as amazing. (All pics I took)

Rima Fakih

    When Rima Fakih ريما فقيه was announced 2010 Miss USA she became the first Arab American and Muslim to win the contest. Rima was born in Lebanon but in 1993 her family moved to New York before finally settling down in Dearborn, Michigan. Dearborn, Michigan is known as the Arab capital of the United States. This is very evident as the buildings, signs, and shops are labeled mostly in Arabic. Exactly 20 years ago, Miss USA 1990, Carole Gist became the first African American title-holder. Carole Gist (my friend's mommy) was also Miss Michigan before going on to win the national contest. They both represent the diversity and culture that not only thrives within Southeast Michigan but within the entire state. Together they have broken racial and religious barriers to represent our entire country. I truely love calling Michigan my home. I was also delighted when our school (not very close to Dearborn) became the first MI school offering Arabic as a language for students to take.

    Today was the first time Rima returned to her hometown since the pageant; and I was so grateful to be a part of the event. She is an amazing person and a perfect role model for all young girls. The day began with several associations such as her alma mater's presenting her with awards, along with Arab and Chaldean foundations. Dearborn Mayor, John B. O’Reilly presented Rima with a key to the city as well as declaring July 10th, Rima Fakih Day. When the presenters had gone, Rima was alone to speak from her heart to her family, friends, and fans of her beloved hometown city. She stressed that education was the gateway to success and her secret weapon to winning the pageant. "Anyone who is rich can lose money. You can never lose a degree." Rima hopes to go on to lawschool after her rein is complete. "Love the haters," she exclaimed. "They made me push even harder to prove them wrong. The people that tried to get me disqualified only made me want to win even more." Rima also gave her dad credit for always instilling in her that "anything is possible"; and from what we have all seen, she has lived up to this quote. A Lebanese immigrant, Rima is the epitome of the "American Dream". "I want girls to look at me and say, she comes where I come from. We all have backgrounds. No one is only American." It is beautiful to see when an American can proudly represent all cultures or ethnicities he/she comes from. She is exactly right. Our stories are all unique and we all have another heritage in which we can be proud of. I am so glad Rima is representing the United States because she portrays the diversity each individual in our country beholds. Let me add she has a great fashion sense along with a personality out of this world.

Forbes Celebrity 100

Forbes just released the 100 Most Powerful Celebrities of 2010. Here is the top 10:
1. Oprah Winfrey (No surprise)

2. Beyonce Knowles

3. James Cameron (Avatar)

4. Lady Gaga

5. Tiger Woods (Remains highest paid athelete)

6. Britney Spears (Really?)

7. U2

8. Sandra Bullock
9. Johnny Depp (Alice in Wonderland)
10. Madonna (2009 Tour)

Street Pianos

I have already been to NYC several times, but after seeing a particular commercial I was especially excited. Alicia Keys is one of my favorite artists and I follow her website frequently. She recently partnered with Sing for Hope- a charity organization centered in NYC-to place 60 pianos around the city for any enthusiast to play. The campaign called Play Me, I’m Yours, aims to bring music to the streets of NY while raising money for schools, hospitals, and communities. The ‘street pianos’ were decorated by buddies from local schools, hospitals, or charities, and will then be donated to their buddy organizations. However, their limited appearance began June 21 and ends July 5. Play Me, I’m Yours and Make Music New York worked in collaboration to bring free concerts to several of the piano locations. On closing day several celebrities such as Alicia Keys, actress Lauren Ambrose, Nathan Gunn, Titus burgess, Kevin Mambo, and the cast of HAIR, will perform or endorse their charities. “This summer, Sing for Hope will create a beautiful and worthy moment for our city by bringing the Play Me, I’m Yours street pianos to our city’s parks and public spaces. Its things like this that me extra proud to be a New Yorker, and the endless possibilities represented in these streets.”-Alicia Keys. If you are traveling to NYC soon I highly encourage you to find one of these beautiful pianos and enjoy yourself as you contribute to the essence of the city. If not traveling to NY, you can donate at http://singforhope.org/get-involved/donate/

MJ Tribute

Just this past weekend my dance studio put on a recital dedicated to Michael Jackson. It truely was a beautiful and great way to remember this phenomenal pop star. In two days it will be one year after his sudden death. Heard recently, Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, LL Cool J, Marc Anthony and many more will be performing a one hour tribute to the star on CBS's, The Early Show. Christina quoted, "Music wouldn't be what it is without someone like Michael Jackson. I remember going to my high school talent show singing 'The Way You Make Me Feel' and being a huge fan of his album Bad. I know all my dancers wouldn't be behind me dancing if it weren't for that." I also agree that he was the first real dancer that ever lived and truely inspired millions throughout the years. Michael Jackson should be remembered for being an amazingly caring person as well as an outstanding father, too. Also, BET will be having an all Michael Jackson week starting Friday. We will never forget you and all you've done for the world!

Poor "Baby"

Recently, Cameron Diaz stated in her interview with InStyle Magazine, "Having children changes your life drastically, and I really love my life. Children aren't the only things that bring you gratification and happiness, and it's easier to give life than to give love, so I don't know." <-So true. Anyone can make a baby, but to truely love your children and take care of them is a different story. Just because she doesn't want to have kids or doesn't know yet if she wants to have them does not mean she is a bad person or doing anything wrong. Not everyone can be the Angelina Jolie's in this world and adopt seveal babies. (although I hope to adopt at least one). There's no point in having kids if she is clearly happy with her lifestyle and acknowledges the fact she's not ready. This just portrays the fact that some people believe it's a woman's job to have and take care of a family...However, they are neglecting the truth that women can still make a difference and help people in other ways. Following a career in any field requires dedication, and having children sometimes just doesn't fit the schedule: more power to these women making $$. I commend Cameron for standing strong with her decision and not "following the trend" to have a baby on her arm!