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By Xavier Rathlev FROM ACT NOW: On September 22, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed into law the act mandating a national service corps "to promote world peace and friendship." Fifty years later, more than 200,000 American Peace Corps volunteers have served in 139 countries around the globe. I am one of those volunteers. Having grown up in a post 9/11 world, I really do believe that if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem. And so I've done my best to learn as much about the history, culture, language, and religion of North Africa and the Middle East as possible. I studied Islam and Arabic in college. I spent a semester in Cairo, Egypt. And I now live in Goulmima, Morocco, as a Peace Corps volunteer. On the surface, Goulmima, Morocco, is the complete opposite of my hometown of Annapolis, Maryland. Annapolis sits on the Chesapeake Bay, is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, and is a short drive from Washington, D.C. Goulmima is small oasis town on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Of Goulmima's 30,000 residents, three are white, and one is American. Me. The language is a blend of Berber, Moroccan Arabic, and French. The religion is different. The food is different. The clothes are different. The pace of life is different. But the people are the same. Goulmima people are hospitable in the same way they are in small town America. They want the same things Americans do: education, jobs, and to support their families. And in some cases, they're inspired by the same music: hip-hop. I met the Louk Omar, Mnilik Irm Mohammed, and Klay (aka Joundi Smail Hafidi) here two years ago. They walked into my English class wearing flat brimmed Yankee caps, Kanye West sunglasses, baggy jeans and hooded sweatshirts. Their cell phones were constantly blasting Jay-Z, Kanye and Eminem. They called themselves S7rawa Boys (pronounced "SaHArawa"), and told me they wanted to be hip-hop stars. I was skeptical at first. I was afraid that these guys had embraced a simplified, possibly distorted picture of American culture. I expected them to rap at me about drugs, making money, and getting with girls. Then they told me about their their rhymes, and I discovered I was wrong. In "Full Stop," the chorus lists a series of drugs in French ("Cigarettes, nicotine, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine") and then in English says "Stop smoking and lets do it!" In "Get Up," the refrain "Get up! Change your life with us!" "We like Eminem because he talks about real life, and real problems," Louk told me. "We rap about putting an end to smoking and drug use, stopping corruption, ending the racism between Berbers and Arabs, and discrimination between rich and poor." S7rawa Boys asked me to assist them with their hip-hop dream. They'd written songs, mixed beats, and recorded music before I met them. So I've tried to provide them with drive and direction to achieve their vision. I encouraged them. I helped them set deadlines, and record and distribute their first, self-titled album. We worked together to utilize the web to distribute their songs by creating Facebook and Soundcloud pages. "Xavier has taught us many things about America and life," Mnilik says. "He improved our English. He taught us how to throw an American Football. And he taught us to organize our time and focus on the finishing our first CD." It took some time, but the community has responded. "At first some people in Goulmima responded negatively to our music," Mnilik explained. "They didn't understand rap or hip hop. They did not know our music could be positive. But we've explained our songs. We have a catchy hook, good beat, and a positive message. People like our music. The key is that they understand the message." "We have realistic career goals for our future, such as being an electrician, gym teacher, or construction worker," Joundi says. "But we also dream of recording in a professional studio and singing in front of tens of thousands of people. If successful as a rap team, we want to travel the world and have a positive influence on how people treat each other." [url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/09/22/kanye-west-eminem-jay-z-inspire-moroccos-s7rawa-boys/]View the full article[/url]

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux continued their matching wardrobe streak Thursday night as they headed to dinner in New York City. Justin looked drool-worthy in black pants, a black suit jacket, and skinny tie. Jen was black from head to toe in tights, boots, and a dress. This is one gorgeous couple! Ever since making...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/jennifer-aniston-justin-theroux-hold-hands-on-their-way-to-dinner-photos/]View the full article[/url]

Brad Pitt‘s sports drama Moneyball hits theaters tomorrow, and critics have weighed in on the film … and so far, the reviews are great! Fox News states that “Moneyball is the “Wall Street of sports movies,” and goes on to say that Brad’s portrayal of Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane is his “best performance yet.”...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/reviews-are-in-for-brad-pitts-moneyball/]View the full article[/url]

She’s been keeping a low profile lately, but today Sandra Bullock is taking it to a new level! Hiding behind dark black sunglasses with her hair stuffed under a hat, the actress was spotted in West Hollywood looking like she was headed to an undercover assignment. Please tell us this could be a scene from...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/sandra-bullock-goes-ingocnito-in-west-hollywood-photos/]View the full article[/url]

This singing superstar isn’t looking quite like herself these days. Arriving to Rio De Janerio in a wearing a Carmen Miranda mask, she kept her true identity secret — well, sort of. Can you name that star? Hint: She’s in Brazil to perform at the Rock in Rio concert tomorrow night. The lady in questions...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/whos-that-girl-name-the-masked-celebrity-photos/]View the full article[/url]

Robert Pattinson was spotted Wednesday in Los Angeles shopping at the popular vintage furniture store This is Not Ikea (T.I.N.I). Twitter blew up with the sightings yesterday, and we have a few more details about the casual sighting. Rob was with one of his best guy friends, and was in a great mood. “He was...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/scruffy-robert-pattinson-is-fan-friendly-while-furniture-shopping-in-la-photo/]View the full article[/url]

Showing a little baby belly hidden under her white dress, Beyonce launched her new fragrance, Pulse, today in NYC. The pregnant singer sparkled in a sequined- blue blazer at the Dream Hotel as she celebrated her third scent’s official debut. Although there’s a baby on board, don’t expect having kids to slow her down! Speaking...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/beyonce-knowles-i-want-to-create-a-boy-band-photos/]View the full article[/url]

Rock star Pete Wentz was spotted holding hands with a hot mystery girl today leaving a grocery store in Los Angeles! This is the first time we’ve seen Pete show another girl any attention after split with ex-wife Ashlee Simpson earlier this year. So, is this a newfound love or just a casual date? We haven’t...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/pete-wentz-shows-pda-with-new-mystery-girl/]View the full article[/url]

Once again, the cameras followed Jennifer Love Hewitt as she did a bit of shopping Thursday in Los Angeles, CA. The former Ghost Whisperer beauty was seen leaving Madison clothing store on Melrose Avenue, wearing a floral print dress and tan belt. J-Love also appeared to be rocking another new hairdo – this time, with...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/jennifer-love-hewitt-goes-shopping-in-floral-print-dress-in-los-angeles-photos/]View the full article[/url]

Celebs really are just like us! Running on empty, Vanessa Hudgens needed some fuel to drive around Los Angeles and stopped by a gas station to fill up. She stepped out looking ultra sexy, wearing a graphic t-shirt, very short shorts and knee-high boots as she pumped her gas. Meanwhile, V-Hud fit in an early...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/vanessa-hudgens-pumps-gas-in-short-shorts-photos/]View the full article[/url]

Christina Hendricks has one of the best bodies in Hollywood, so consequently that makes it one of the most talked about, too. Hendricks sidestepped questions about her figure at the Emmys, from the carpet (where a reporter inappropriately tried to ask a “spanx” question) to the press room. Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner told the LA Times...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/mad-men-creator-discusses-obsession-over-christina-hendricks-curves/]View the full article[/url]

In the high stakes battle for Hip Hop superiority, it appears that the two top money earners in the rap game – Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Sean "Diddy" Combs respectively – are in a quiet duel to become the first billionaires by way of their shared industry. With various streams of revenue flowing for both savvy businessmen, some unrelated to music, the potential is vast for both men according to a recent analysis from Forbes magazine. However, another Hip Hop mogul believes he and his team will eclipse Jay-Z and Diddy in the money race all in due time. CEO of Cash Money Records Brian “Birdman” Williams threw his and protégé Lil Wayne’s Young Money imprint names into the billionaire sweepstakes pot, defiantly stating that the YMCMB machine is well on its way to the top. “I think Young Money Cash Money would be the first billion-dollar brand in hip-hop,” said Birdman plainly in an email to Forbes referencing his label ventures. “We strong and growing every day as a brand and fast. Within the next few years we will be billionaires.” According to Forbes numbers, Diddy is at the halfway mark with an estimated net worth of $500 million, much of that tied up in Diddy’s business ventures such as his Sean John and Enyce clothing lines along with his stake in Ciroc vodka. Jay-Z is right behind his rich pal with assets that include a lucrative $10 million dollar Live Nation deal, the 40/40 club chain, cosmetic company Carol’s Daughter and his partial ownership of the New Jersey (soon to be Brooklyn) Nets amongst other deals. Continuing the dollar tally, only Dr. Dre and 50 Cent are within range for the coveted billionaire status. What do you think of Birdman’s latest boasts? Do you think Jay-Z or Diddy will respond? Tweet to us at @MTVRapFix or leave us a comment below. [url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/09/22/will-diddy-and-jay-z-be-first-hip-hop-billionaires-not-so-says-birdman/]View the full article[/url]

Reuters - It Will Rain by Bruno Mars will be the first song from the upcoming soundtrack for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, the film's studio Summit Entertainment said on Thursday. [url=http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/music/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110922/music_nm/us_breakingdawn]View the full article[/url]

AP - The Top 20 Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city and includes the average ticket price for shows in North America. The previous week's ranking is in parentheses. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers. [url=http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/music/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110922/ap_en_mu/us_top20_concert_tours]View the full article[/url]

Reuters - Leading names in British arts world have criticised the London Philharmonic Orchestra's (LPO) suspension of four members who opposed a London concert by Israeli musicians. [url=http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/music/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110922/music_nm/us_israel]View the full article[/url]

AP - If Nickelback's upcoming album sounds like the band is suffering from multiple personality disorder, frontman Chad Kroeger says that's by design. [url=http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/music/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110922/ap_en_mu/us_music_nickelback]View the full article[/url]

[url="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/tag/clive-owen"]Clive Owen[/url] is convinced his character in [url="http://www.mtv.com/movies/movie/481715/moviemain.jhtml"]"Killer Elite"[/url] isn't the bad guy in this spy-thriller-meets-popcorn-action-flick production. [url="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670919/jason-statham-killer-elite.jhtml"]Jason Statham's hero[/url], as he gets his face bloodily pounded in by Owen's menacing presence, might argue otherwise, but we're certainly not going to argue with either of these gentleman. "Whenever I play a part in a film, I never think he is the bad guy," Owen told MTV News. "You have to always find a reason and understand why he's doing what he's doing." [url="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/09/22/killer-elite-clive-owen/"][img]http://mtv.mtvnimages.com/uri/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:693523?height=288&width=512[/img][/url] Fair enough. And sure, Owen (Oscar nominee that he is) did his big-screen due diligence, taking what might have been a villain on the page and transforming him into, at the very least, a bad guy certain of his noble intentions. But the actor also admitted, perhaps with less than a shred of truth, that his conception of Spike (the leader of a team of hit men targeting Statham and other ex-special ops agents), began and ended with facial hair. "Listen, some people do a lot of research — they spend a lot of time," Owen laughed. "I just pinned everything on that mustache. I'll stand by it. If it fails, I go down." His lip fuzz got the heave-ho as soon as the production wrapped, and Owen certainly wasn't missing the 'stache as he chatted with MTV News at the Toronto International Film Festival recently. He was, however, quite proud of "Killer Elite," which hits theaters on Friday (September 23). Press play on the video to hear him wax (on and off) poetically about his facial hair and how the flick is a very cool genre mashup. [i]Tell us what you think in the comments section and on [url="http://twitter.com/mtvmoviesblog/"]Twitter[/url]![/i] [url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/09/22/killer-elite-clive-owen/]View the full article[/url]

Filed under: [url="http://www.tmz.com/person/victor-ortiz/"]Victor Ortiz[/url], [url="http://www.tmz.com/person/floyd-mayweather/"]Floyd Mayweather[/url], [url="http://www.tmz.com/category/tmzsports/"]TMZ Sports[/url], [url="http://www.tmz.com/category/tmz-live/"]TMZ Live[/url] [b][url="http://www.tmz.com/videos/1_wv08z5ce"][img]http://ll-media.tmz.com/2011/09/22/092211-tmzlive-credit.jpg[/img][/url]Victor Ortiz[/b] doesn't believe [b]Floyd Mayweather[/b] deserves the welterweight title after a brutal sucker punch last Saturday -- telling TMZ, Money May isn't as good as he thinks he is. Victor came out swinging on TMZ Live today -- lambasting Floyd for for his unsportsmanlike knockout ... claiming, "If he's really as great as he thinks he is, take a step back. We can settle it as professional athletes." Ortiz adds, "This isn't the way something like this is supposed to end." [url="http://www.tmz.com/2011/09/22/victor-ortiz-floyd-mayweather-fight-bout-sucker-punch-interview-rematch-fraud/"]Permalink[/url] [url=http://www.tmz.com/2011/09/22/victor-ortiz-floyd-mayweather-fight-bout-sucker-punch-interview-rematch-fraud/]View the full article[/url]

[url="http://www.mtv.com/movies/person/142455/personmain.jhtml"]Guillermo del Toro[/url] has come a long way since 1997's "[url="http://www.mtv.com/movies/movie/115504/moviemain.jhtml"]Mimic[/url]," a movie about a genetically engineered breed of insect called the Judas Breed that feasts on humans and can copy their appearance and behavior in stunning fashion. But even with films like "[url="http://www.mtv.com/movies/movie/276481/moviemain.jhtml"]Pan's Labyrinth[/url]" and the "[url="http://www.mtv.com/movies/movie/237801/moviemain.jhtml"]Hellboy[/url]" movies to his name, the legacy of "Mimic" remains: two direct-to-video sequels have been produced, and now a brand new director's cut is coming to Blu-ray on September 27. The "Mimic" director's cut, featuring seven minutes of restored footage and a wealth of never-before-seen featurettes, certainly boasts a vision of the movie that you've yet to see. But even if it [i]had[/i] seen the light of day previously, del Toro would likely argue that the movie has changed — or, at least, [i]you[/i] have changed. [url="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/09/22/guillermo-del-toro-mimic/"][img]http://mtv.mtvnimages.com/uri/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:693507?height=288&width=512[/img][/url] In this exclusive look at one of the "Mimic" Blu-ray's featurettes, del Toro speaks about the nature of storytelling and life, an ever-flowing river that necessitates the steady stream of endless change. For GDT fans, this is can't miss material; give it a watch and see for yourself. [url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/09/22/guillermo-del-toro-mimic/]View the full article[/url]

Jessica Simpson and Bristol Palin were both holding hands with their leading men in a similar style. The ladies have each been snapped separately wearing loose leopard print tops and cutoff shorts. Could this be a new trend spotting? Who’s wearing this look best: Jessica or Bristol? Cast your vote in the poll and leave...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/jessica-simpson-vs-bristol-palin-style-showdown-poll/]View the full article[/url]

Kendra Wilkinson flaunted all her sexy curves while out with husband Hank Baskett earlier today. The reality star wore a nude mini dress paired with pumps as she walked through The Grove in Los Angeles. Kendra definitely has her groove back since welcoming baby Hank in 2009. Kendra smiled for the photogs and wasn’t afraid...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/kendra-wilkinson-wears-curve-hugging-mini-dress-to-the-grove-photos/]View the full article[/url]

Team Jacob came out in full force Thursday to catch a glimpse of Twilight hunk Taylor Lautner in action. Taylor, who was in New York to promote his new movie, Abduction, took time to pose for pictures with fans as he made his way to a taping of Live With Regis & Kelly. Dressed in...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/slimmed-down-taylor-lautner-visits-regis-kelly-photos/]View the full article[/url]

Two TV stars seem to be having a bit of a Twitter tussle on the day that both of their shows are set to premiere. Joel McHale and Minka Kelly will go head-to-head in the same time slot when Community‘s season premiere and Charlie’s Angels‘ series premiere both air tonight! Joel tweeted about his competition: “I have...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/tv-premiere-battle-community-vs-charlies-angels-poll/]View the full article[/url]

The second season of How to Make It in America will premiere on HBO Oct. 2, and Luis Guzman‘s famous friends have all rallied to promote the show … and Luis Guzman of course! The music video features the beats from American-Canadian DJ duo Duck Sauce‘s techno hit “Barbra Streisand” only the lyrics are switched to have everyone...Read more» [url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-09-22/justin-bieber-mark-wahlberg-love-luis-guzman-video/]View the full article[/url]