FORMER MIJAC MANAGER IN NY POST STORY BY MISTAKE: Frank DiLeo wrongly-quoted in article about Jackson family's financial issues.
*A scathing story about the Jackson family in Sunday's New York Post claims most of the famous brothers are financially strapped and waiting on the next handout from Janet, but EUR has learned that a source quoted in the article claims to have never spoken with either of the two Post writers.
"In a series of interviews with three of the nine Jackson children, two relatives and a current and former employee - over the last three years and as recently as last week - The Post learned in stunning detail just how down and out the Jacksons are," wrote The Post's Stacy Brown and James Fanelli.
They go on to claim that Marlon, 51, is currently stocking shelves at a Vons supermarket in San Diego, and "had to temporarily move into an extended-stay hotel." Randy, 46, reportedly "does odd jobs, including fixing cars in a Los Angeles garage owned by a family friend. He recently claimed Michael was going to give him $1.7 million – 'a pipe dream,' said another brother last week."
Brown and Fanelli say that Jackie, 56, "is struggling to manage his son Siggy's aspiring rap career after an Internet clothing business startup and attempts to produce music failed." They claim that Jermaine, 54, "shuttles back and forth from his girlfriend's home in Ventura County, Calif., to his parents' mansion in Encino, where Jackie and Randy still bunk."
"Tito, 55, is the only brother still making music, but it's a meager living," the article claims. "The guitarist fronts a blues and jazz band that plays small venues and nets him $500 and $1,500 per occasional gig - a far cry from the days when the Jacksons could pull in 50,000 people at $30 a ticket."
As for Papa Joe, the 79-year-old, according to the article, "spends most of his waking hours conjuring up schemes he hopes will replenish a bank account that once had more money than the FDIC cared to insure."
EUR's Lee Bailey has spoken with Michael Jackson's former manager Frank DiLeo, who was quoted during a portion of the article about the possibility of a Jackson reunion tour to generate funds.
DiLeo was quoted as saying: "Michael was not going to work with the family again. He was concerned only about building his legacy. He had to be bigger than Elvis."
But DiLeo tells us he never made that statement. Furthermore, he contacted the article's co-writer, Stacy Brown, to complain. According to DiLeo, Brown said the quote was meant to be attributed to Bob Jones, MiJac's former director of communications and the author of "Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask."
DiLeo told EUR: "Stacy Brown called because he wanted me to speak at the University of - somewhere up there [in NY] - and I told him I lived in Nashville and I wasn't able to do it, and that was the end of it. He said, 'How are things going,' I said, 'Fine.' We talked about our business in Nashville."
Next thing DiLeo knows, he's being quoted in the New York Post regarding Michael Jackson.
"And I don’t know what [Brown] got into with Bob Jones or whatever, but I'm not a part of that whole crew," he said. "I never make statements and I don't make any comments. Why they put my name in that and where they got it from – it could've been something from 30 years ago, for all I know."
Read the entire New York Post article here:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/03232008/news/nationalnews/jacko_clan_in_a_deep_funk_103188.htm?page=0
CAUSE OF DEATH PENDING FOR CORINNE BAILEY RAE'S HUSBAND: Cops arrest man on suspicion of supplying him with drugs.
*Authorities are still waiting on toxicology reports to determine what exactly caused the death of Jason Rae, the 31-year-old husband of British R&B singer Corinne Bailey Rae.
Cops said Sunday that he may have died of a drug overdose. A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of "supplying controlled substances" to the musician, who was found dead Saturday in an apartment in the northern English city of Leeds.
Rae was scheduled to perform with his band, the Haggis Horns, Sunday night at the HiFi Club in Leeds.
According to the Haggis Horns Myspace page, the band is an "an eight-piece live funk extravaganza" mixing heavy breakbeat funk, soul, hip-hop and afrobeat "with the virtuosity of trained jazz musicians."
WILSON'S WIDOW BLOCKS OPRAH-LED 'FENCES'?: Talk show host was reportedly trying to star in revival, but widow shut those plans down cold.
*The New York Post is reporting that Oprah Winfrey was in "serious discussions" last year to star in the upcoming Broadway revival of August Wilson's "Fences" – that is until Wilson's widow Constanza Romero decided to go in a different direction.
As previously reported, the revival is a go with playwright/director Suzan Lori-Parks and producer Carole Shorenstein Hays, the San Francisco real estate heiress and the original producer of "Fences" in 1987. But in the early planning stages, director Kenny Leon and producer David Binder - the team behind the 2004 hit "A Raisin in the Sun" starring Sean Combs – were pitching Romero a "Fences" revival that would star Forrest Whitaker and Winfrey in the lead roles of angry former baseball player/ex-convict Troy, and his long-suffering wife, Rose.
According to the Post, the "Fences" revival has been in development for years, and Winfrey had been repeatedly lobbying Wilson, who died in 2005. Romero, now in charge of her late husband's affairs, ultimately decided to hand the production over to Hays.
"It was a question of loyalty," says a source. "Carole was August's first producer. She supported all his plays, even the ones that weren't successful."
Binder and Leon were reportedly stunned to hear of Romero's decision.
They had, after all, met with Wilson several times before he died to outline plans for their production. Wilson was especially impressed that they'd been able to lure predominantly black audiences to "A Raisin in the Sun."
But as they say, the show must go on. The Post also reports that Laurence Fishburne, Mos Def and Anthony Mackie are being sought to star in the "Fences" revival.
TYLER PERRY WRITING OBAMA-INSPIRED SCRIPT: Blogsite reports of filmmaker being inspired by the couple.
*The blog site Sonya's Spotlight (www.sonyasspotlight.com) is reporting that Tyler Perry is currently writing a screenplay inspired by the life of Michelle Obama, the wife of Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama.
"I was just inspired by Michelle and Barack Obama to write a new script that is phenomenal," he's quoted as saying. "I'm writing it right now. Just watching him in the debate with Hillary and meeting him and Michele and having dinner with them inspired this amazing story.
"It's a love story with a little political twist. It's called, 'For the Love of You,' and it's about Barack's love for his woman."
Read more of Perry's interview at Sonya's Spotlight.
SINBAD VS. HILLARY CLINTON II: Senator responds to comic's recollection of Bosnia trip, which prompts a final from Sinbad – so he says.
*Sen. Hillary Clinton is brushing aside comments made earlier this month by comedian Sinbad, who claimed that their 1996 trip to Bosnia was not as violent as she described in two separate occasions on the campaign trail.
As previously reported, the Democratic presidential candidate was attempting to show up fellow candidate Barack Obama on foreign policy by talking about her "harrowing" trip to the war torn country, stating she "landed under sniper fire" and had to duck-and-run toward waiting vehicles.
Sinbad, who was also on the trip, told Washington Post blog The Sleuth that sniper fire was never an issue when the plane landed, and there was no mad dash to vehicles while under duress. When told of Sinbad's differing account of the trip, Clinton's four-word response was: "Sinbad is a comedian."
"I made my statement, and she made hers," Sinbad wrote to the Sleuth this week in an email. Refusing to comment any further, Sinbad did suggest that he finds the entire exchange amusing. "Ha ha! This has taken on a life of its own," he wrote.
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal chimed in with details of Clinton's personal schedule detailing the Bosnia trip. The itinerary, which the Clinton campaign released along with scores of other records from the Clinton White House last week, had "no mention of security threats"
regarding the trip
Sinbad, an Obama supporter, feels Clinton should be more concerned with her poll numbers following the Illinois senator's speech on race relations.
"After Barack's last speech, Bosnia is the least of her problems,"
Sinbad said.
WILL SMITH BEHIND 'PHARAOH' PROJECT?: Actor's production company reportedly developing project written by Carl Franklin.
*Sun Media is reporting that Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment production company is housing the next project written by filmmaker Carl Franklin.
"The Last Pharaoh," according to the Web site, is currently undergoing re-writes at Overbrook by "Never Back Down" screenwriter Chris Hauty.
The story follows Taharqa, the king of Egypt (from 690 BC to 664 BC) and a member of the Nubian or 25th dynasty of Egypt. He was the son of Piye, the Nubian king of Napata who had first conquered Egypt, and the younger brother and successor of Shebitku. The story is about Ethiopians battling Assyrians for the throne of Amun-Ra.
"It's an open writing assignment from Will's company. It's something he's taken a big interest in," Hauty said.
DIDDY COMPLETES DEPOSITION IN SHOOTING CASE: Mogul deals with $130 million lawsuit stemming from 1999 club incident.
*Sean "Diddy" Combs has completed his deposition in a $130 million lawsuit filed against him in relation to a 1999 shooting outside a New York nightclub.
The entertainer and former Bad Boy rapper Shyne were both named in a civil suit filed by Natania Reuben, who was shot in the face during the incident at Club New York.
Combs, who was with his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez when shots rang out, was acquitted of all charges in the case. But Reuben sued both Diddy and Shyne in civil court seeking damages for her injuries. A judge is now required to decide whether Shyne acted alone or as part of Combs' Bad Boy collective before the case goes to trial.
Shyne -- born Moses Michael Leviy -- is currently behind bars at the Clinton Correctional Facility in New York State on a 10-year jail term. He was found guilty of assault, reckless endangerment and gun possession.
If both Combs and Shyne are required to stand trial, a jury will decide who is responsible for the shooting. Shyne, who did not testify during the criminal trial, may be required to take the stand and testify.
INDIA.ARIE INKS LABEL DEAL: Singer links with Universal Republic to launch SoulBird Music.
*Singer/songwriter India.Arie has entered into a label deal with Universal Republic Records to launch her new imprint SoulBird Music.
Described by the artist as "another name for a butterfly," Arie says the label “is meant to evoke the energy of the music rather than the style.”
The first artist signed under the new banner is R&B singer Anthony David, whose album, Acey Deucey, is scheduled for release on June 17.
“I’m excited that Tony will be the first artist to be released on SoulBird,” stated India.Arie, “Tony is a great talent and one of my oldest friends. I have so many memories with him. Not only did he encourage me to start performing professionally, but it was Tony who suggested I use my first and middle name as an artist. There was even a time when he spent his rent money for me to experiment in the studio.”
Describing Anthony’s sound as ‘Bill Withers meets Mos Def,’ India.Arie adds, “ I love his music for how he speaks from a man’s emotional perspective in relationships, and his views on learning about life as a young man of the hip hop generation."
India.Arie has always rebuffed being stuffed in a box titled “neo-soul” and instead says “in this era soul is not a sound or a color, it’s an intention. James Taylor has it and so does Al Green, John Mayer has it and so does Anthony David. That’s the kind of music I want SoulBird to represent; music with intelligence and heart, music that moves people in their souls and their bodies. Music with wings."
TYRA'S ALLEGED STALKER ON THE LOOSE AGAIN: Judge sets 37-year-old man free without bail.
*A 37-year-old Georgia man who was charged with stalking Tyra Banks for several months was let out of jail pending his next court date in Manhattan.
According to the New York Post, 37-year-old Brady Green has been sweating Banks since early January - sending her flowers, showing up in person at her Los Angeles TV studio and hounding her with numerous letters and phone calls.
The last straw was when the Dublin, Ga., native took a bus to New York last Tuesday and showed up at her Manhattan studio at 4:23 p.m. with a big duffel bag full of her magazine clippings.
Fearing for her safety, Banks called the cops and Green was forcibly removed from the property. But he came back three hours later and sat across the street at a McDonalds. He sat by a window drinking coffee and flipping through one of his magazines, said witness Jesus Nuñez, who described the
6-foot-2 Green as "huge, strong with a lot of muscles."
Green told police he was homeless, although he appeared clean and dressed in neat, casual clothing, they said. Cops arrested him in the restaurant and charged him with stalking, harassment and criminal trespass.
He pleaded not guilty to all three charges the following day and was subsequently released by Judge Anthony Ferrara on his own recognizance.
The judge, however, slapped Green with a restraining order that forbids him from going anywhere near the former supermodel. Banks told the Manhattan District Attorney's office she felt she was "in fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death."
Should Green be convicted of the most serious charge against him, stalking in the third degree, he could face up to one year in prison.
DMX IS 'BLEEDING'; TRACY MORGAN GETS 'NAILED': Entertainers join casts in separate film projects shot in the Carolinas.
*Rapper DMX and actor Tracy Morgan made the Hollywood trades yesterday after joining separate film projects shot in both North and South Carolina.
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, has been cast in the horror action film "The Bleeding" from Indifferent Entertainment, while Morgan will join Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Biel in David O. Russell's romantic comedy "Nailed."
"The Bleeding," directed by Charles Picerni, centers on an ex-Army Ranger who stumbles across a family of vampires in a former chemical weapons factory-turned-nightclub while searching for the killer of his parents.
Also cast in the film are Vinnie Jones, Michael Matthias, Michael Madsen, Armand Assante, William McNamara, Pittsburgh Slim, Rachelle Leah and Kat Von D. Shooting begins next month in North Carolina.
Morgan's character in "Nailed" is still being finalized, according to Daily Variety. James Marsden stars as a small-town boyfriend of Biel's character Alice, a naive waitress who gets a nail shot into her head, causing erratic and outrageous behavior. She heads to Washington to fight for better health care and ends up falling for a clueless new congressman (Gyllenhaal) who must summon the political courage to save her.
Catherine Keener will play a self-serving congresswoman, while Morgan will likely be an injured compatriot of Alice's who has given up on love. The film is now in preproduction in South Carolina, with principal photography set to begin April 14.
'GANG LEADER' TAKES OVER PARAMOUNT VANTAGE: Film company options book about Columbia professor embedded with Chicago gang members.
*Producer Stephanie Allain and director Craig Brewer, the duo behind "Hustle & Flow" and "Black Snake Moan," will team again for a film based on the Sudhir Venkatesh book " Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets."
The book recounts the years Venkatesh spent chronicling a crack-dealing gang in Chicago for a research project. He befriended the Black Kings and their leader and was invited to observe close up.
Venkatesh found a close-knit group whose corporate culture was much like that of a successful legitimate business. Venkatesh was given the job of calling the shots of the criminal enterprise for a day.
His adventure was first chronicled in "Freakonomics," the Steven D.
Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner book that is being turned into a documentary in which topnotch directors will make short films of chapters in the book.
Paramount Vantage has optioned the property for Allain to produce and "Sopranos" scribe Michael Caleo to write, reports Variety.
B.B. KING BUYS A JUKE JOINT: Blues legend becomes club owner in his hometown.
*B.B. King is the proud new owner of a juke joint in his Mississippi Delta hometown.
The blues icon purchased Club Ebony in Indianola from previous owner Mary Shepard, reports the Associated Press. Shepard says she decided to unload the property because she wanted some much needed relaxation and more time with her family.
The venue, a mainstay in the town since 1945, has hosted such musicians as Count Basie, Ray Charles, James Brown and Ike Turner
King, meanwhile, already has his name on a chain of blues clubs around the country, called "B.B. King Blues Clubs and Grill.
LIL MAMA'S ALBUM FINALLY HAS A STREET DATE: Jive takes advantage of teen rapper's exposure on MTV series.
*Lil Mama's new Jive album, "VYP – Voice of the Young People," has been assigned a release date of April 29, Billboard reports.
The set will feature her No. 10 hit "Lip Gloss" as well as her current single "Shawty Get Loose" featuring Chris Brown and T-Pain – which last week had the biggest gain on the Hot 100 this year with a 92-19 leap. "Shawty" is featured in commercials for the MTV show "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew," on which Lil Mama is a judge.
"VYP," featuring songs produced by Swizz Beatz, the Runners, Nate "Danja" Hills, Scott Storch, Cool & Dre and Dr. Luke, among others, will also be available in a deluxe edition with bonus tracks and a DVD, with details to be announced.
As previously reported, Lil Mama will join Soulja Boy for a spring U.S. tour, beginning April 11 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
ALICIA KEYS PLUGS DOVE SOAP: Singer stars in new 'micro-series' about women in their 20s.
*Alicia Keys is starring as a public relations executive in a new micro-series created by Dove go fresh, aimed at giving women a "fresh take" on life in their twenties.
"Fresh Takes," which premiered last night during "The Hills" on MTV, follows three girlfriends as they embark on their adult lives juggling the pressures of being a 20-something woman -- career, relationship, beauty, family and friends -- all intensified by their own critical inner voice.
This premiere celebrates the launch of new Dove go fresh -- a fragrance-driven product collection.
"I am so excited to be starring in 'Fresh Takes' created by Dove go fresh because it puts the pressures that I deal with every day in a new light and opens my eyes to the reality that I can be successful in many different ways and have every reason to feel beautiful right now," says Keys. "I hope the series inspires other 20-somethings to get a fresh take on the pressures in their lives and start enjoying the ride."
Keys headlines the series, alongside up-and-coming actresses Desi Lydic and Jessalyn Wanlim. Here's a description of the characters:
• Alex (Alicia Keys): Fearless, fun and always falling in love, the stylish Alex works at a trendy music PR firm • Diane (Desi Lydic): Type A personality, she is focused and ambitious, although her friends urge her to loosen up • Lizzie (Jessalyn Wanlim): The "lost" friend struggling to find who she is and what she wants to do with her life
TIGER WOODS PLUGS GATORADE IN SPACE SUIT: Plus, golf star's six-month winning streak ended Monday at Doral.
*Tiger Woods sports an astronaut suit for a series of advertising spots supporting his new signature sports drink, Gatorade Tiger.
"I've experienced a lot of amazing moments in my golf career, but Gatorade Tiger is taking me someplace I never imagined with this campaign," said Woods, whose six-month win streak ended yesterday at Doral. "I'm really excited about how this launch has come together because it brings to life that I'm always thinking about taking my game to the next level."
Woods has used Gatorade Thirst Quencher throughout his career and began drinking Gatorade Tiger on course and in his training last December. His signature sports drink is now available in flavors inspired and selected by Woods -- Red Drive (Cherry blend), Cool Fusion (Citrus blend) and Quiet Storm (Grape blend).
To celebrate the drink's launch, PepsiCo's Gatorade brand will launch a comprehensive integrated marketing campaign that includes television and print advertising, digital communications, retail displays, promotions, sampling and cause-related marketing initiatives.
Beginning in late April, visitors to http://www.gatorade.com can play virtual golf on the moon and enter an online sweepstakes to win one of two "out of this world" grand prizes. Additionally, from late April through May, the "Gatorade Tiger Longest Drive Challenge" will visit five cities across the U. S. -- Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago, Miami and New York -- to offer consumers an opportunity to test their virtual golf skills. The Gatorade Tiger golf simulator competitions will culminate with a national championship event in New York City in late May where the golfer with the longest drive will win the other grand prize.
Meanwhile, in the final day of the CA Championship at Doral on Monday, Woods started the morning five shots back with seven holes remaining and made his typical charge, closing within two strokes after making a 4-footer at the 17th. He birdied the 12th to start his day, then hit his tee shot within a foot at the par-3 15th for a tap-in. But Geoff Ogilvy was able to stay ahead in the final stretch and finished at 17 under, one shot better than Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh, who all closed with 68s in the rain-delayed tournament. Woods was fifth at 15 under.
It was his first defeat since Sept. 3, and his perfect start to 2008 begged the ridiculous-sounding question: Could he go unbeaten for an entire year?
"You want to always win every one you play in," Woods said. "So you've just got to get ready for the next one."
His next official tournament: the Masters, where Woods' annual Grand Slam quest will begin.
"I think it's a great sign, what happened this week, to make that many mistakes and only be two back," Woods said.
JILL SCOTT DETAILS MINGHELLA EXPERIENCE: Artist says director was main reason she signed on for 'No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.'
*Actress Jill Scott continues to praise Anthony Minghella, the British director of her film "The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" who died last week at the age of 54.
In a new interview with UK newspaper Daily Telegraph, Scott says it was Minghella's past work that prompted her to take the lead role of private detective, Precious Ramotswe.
"The thought of working with Anthony was all the incentive I needed," she said. "One of my all-time favorite films is 'The Talented Mr. Ripley.' So I was thrilled by the prospect of collaborating with Anthony; the very idea of it took my breath away."
The film shoot in Botswana lasted several months, during which Scott developed a special working relationship with Minghella.
"With an Oscar-winner you never know if there'll be a large amount of ego and pretence, but Anthony was such a great director," says Scott. "He was like my uncle - silly, fun, intelligent, and sensitive. He was also a huge Motown fan, so between takes we all sang the Supremes.
"Anthony believed in the team. He understood that it wasn't just about him or me on the movie - it was about the entire cast and crew, including the extras and the people who made the lunch. He understood precisely why it's called a film unit.
"He was also an amazingly creative creature - he had such a rare talent. He saw things that no one else saw. Who knew? It was like he was showing you shooting stars every few minutes. He captured the essence of Botswana in this movie. When I finally saw it, I burst into tears. There were no words to describe what he'd done."
The entire Telegraph article is available here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/03/22/bfjill122.xml&page=1
ITTY BITTY BITS: 'Browns' box office; Oprah's Andre; Vick's free co-defendant; Kanye joins Weezy; Trinity 'Truth'; Papa Knowles ' Revealed'; J.Lo's triathlon; Suge's TV show.
*"Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" was the Easter weekend's biggest hit, theater for theater, grossing $20 million off about 2,000 screens, per estimates compiled Sunday by Exhibitor Relations, reports E! Online. Overall, the film placed second behind "Dr. Suess' Horton Hears a Who!," which retained the No. 1 spot playing on nearly twice as many screens with a weekend take of $25.1 million.
*Oprah Winfrey's beloved Andre Walker, her personal hairstylist of 24 years, was among six Pivot Point International-educated beauty industry leaders recognized for career achievements during America's Beauty Show in Chicago. The L.E.O. award stands for Leadership in the salon industry, Excellence in designer education and Outstanding Pivot Point Alumnus, while also honoring Pivot Point International's Founder and Chairman Leo Passage.
*Tony Taylor, a co-defendant of suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick, was released from federal prison Thursday after completing a two-month sentence in the dogfighting conspiracy. Taylor was held at the federal prison work camp in Lewisburg, Penn. He pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court last July to one federal count of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of illegal gambling and to sponsor a dog in animal fighting.
Vick is currently serving a 23-month sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan.
*Kanye West has been added to the list of contributors to Lil Wayne's upcoming album "Tha Carter III," tentatively due in May via Cash Money/Universal. Weezy made the announcement during a recent interview with BBC Radio DJ Semtex, saying West appears on three tracks and that Swizz Beatz, Jim Jonson and Deezle also appear. "I hope it sells well," Wayne said of the album. "I never [boast] because I know you can come out and not sell [one] record. I put my all into it, it's me on a platter so if you don't like it, then you don't like me."
*The Truth About Trinity (http://truthabouttrinity.blogspot.com/) is a blog that attempts to show the positive aspects of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ and its retired Rev. Jeremiah Wright in the wake of his past sermons that have been labeled as anti-American. The blog's writer, a member of the church, aims to "give the world a perspective from the inside out.” Also available is the Trinity YouTube channel
(http://youtube.com/user/TRINITYCHGO) which offers videos “about [the] church from [its] point of view.”
*Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment hosted their annual digital summit March 17 and 18 at the House of Dereon Media Center in Houston. Music World announced the launch of their digital-only label, Hits Revealed, which will include unreleased music by Dionne Farris, rapper YoYo, UK sensation Jade Anderson, Sygnature (produced by Robin Thicke), 15-year-old R&B vocalist Mic Little (featuring Ne-Yo and Snoop Dogg) and previously released titles by the O'Jays and Blaque. Music World's first digital-only artists, IB3 and Lady Lux, will release singles on May 15. The Bamaz currently have "Meet the Bamaz" available digitally.
*Jennifer Lopez, the new mother of twins Emme and Max, has told People magazine that she will begin training for a triathlon race due to take place later this year. "Probably in October, September/October," she says. "I want my babies to be proud of me." As previously reported, the singer has flown out celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson to help her get in shape.
*Marion "Suge" Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records, has a new reality show in the works titled "Unfinished Business." The series follows his attempt to revive his bankrupt label. No word on when or where the show will air. View the trailer here:
http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1467273929&channel=1126077681
EUR DVD REVIEW: Atonement
Ambitious Adaptation of Romance Novel Released on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*How many times have you heard yourself say that the book was better? Well, despite its seven Oscar nominations, be prepared to add this historical drama to that long list of disappointing screen adaptations.
Based on Ian McEwan's critically-acclaimed romance novel, Atonement is an overly-ambitious adaptation which takes license with conventional, linear storytelling by periodically repeating scenes from slightly different perspectives.
This implausible picture earns higher marks for its visually-stimulating flights of fancy than for its ultimately unsatisfying underlying plotline.
Cinematic effects aside, the film is essentially an eventful tale of unrequited love. It all revolves around an incestuous love triangle which tears two sisters apart, ruins a promising young man's future, and leaves the vengeful, odd-girl out wracked with guilt for the rest of her days.
Set on the sprawling country estate of the Tallis family, this generation-spanning saga opens in England in 1935. There, we find 13 year-old Briony (Saoirse Ronan) devoting considerable time to spying on her big sister Cecilia's (Keira Knightley) flirtations with their housekeeper's handsome son, Robbie (James McAvoy).
Although too young to turn his head, the sexually-awakening Briony has a crush on Robbie, too. But because he only has eyes for her sibling, the frustrated voyeur falsely accuses him of rape and he is carted off to prison.
Instead of righting the wrong, Briony lives out her life in the grip of overwhelming regret. Only on her deathbed, does she pull a rabbit out of her hat which conveniently explains why she never tried to clear Robbie's name. However, that unfair turn of events renders almost meaningless most of what you've just emotionally invested a couple of hours. What's it all about, Briony?
Strictly for the daytime soap opera crowd, its sophisticated pretensions notwithstanding.
Fair (1 star)
Rated R for profanity, sexuality and disturbing war images.
Running time: 123 minutes
Studi Universal Studios Home Entertainment DVD Extras: Deleted scenes, director's commentary and two featurettes.
ASK ADVICE CHICK: Answers to YOUR Dating, Sex, Life, & Love Questions!
By - AdviceChick@ameritech.net
Later this week:
"I called and asked him was he married, he kept saying no. So I hung up and did some more research. I found her work number, dialed it, and asked to speak to her ..."
Straight, Gay, Bi, Tran, Woman, Man – Send your questions to AdviceChick@ameritech.net !
Dear Advice Chick,
*I've been wanting to write you for sometime, but heretofore, decided it was silly to do so. At any rate, I'm a 35 year old educated brother, no kids, own my house yada yada yada. My question is I've been dating this sistah (sic) for two weeks and I've really grown fond of her. However, I'm reluctant to tell her that my mother, who is 73 years old, lives with me. Just so you understand, the house is mine, not my mother's. Do you think any reasonable, rational woman would have a problem with this? Either way, my mom is very important - hell she is my world. So regardless how a woman might feel about my living situation, it's not going to change anytime soon unless I get married. I just would like to know your position.
Advice Chick replies,
Are you SURE it’s YOUR house and you’re not chill’in in the basement writing your name on that flat a$$ 3 liter of R.C? L E R O Y’s don’t touch! Yo! This aint no Tony Perkins in Psycho type deal, is it? On the real, your 73 year old mom isn’t really YOU, is she, Norman? Seriously, you say you’re feeling this sistah, right? Although the two of you have only been dating for two weeks, it’s not too early to let her know you have a permanent house guest, aka – moms.
Send YOUR questions and comments to Advice Chick right NOW! Please put “Dear Advice Chick” in the subject line so your email isn’t deleted as spam. Thanks! advicechick@ameritech.net.
----------
Ask Advice Chick about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING related to dating, sex, love, and life! She is THE resident dating expert at EURweb.com, and calls on over 11 years of dating and relationship industry experience.
The Bridge: Whores & Wives, Part 1
By Darryl James
*At 38, Ron had been with enough women to fill twelve issues of Essence.
He had loved a few, but mostly, he had either hurt them or had been hurt by them.
At this stage in his life, he wanted something more.
Ron wanted more than just the sexual conquests that most of the women had been.
And he wanted more than just the few months of happiness most of his relationships had been.
Older and wiser, he knew that in order to have something different, he had to be something different.
So, he spent time alone after the last failed relationship. Instead of seeking more sexual conquests, he sought resolution for his emotional turmoil and unrequited desires for love.
Instead of dating more women, he dated himself, taking time to process where he had been, where he was and where he wanted to go. Some of that time was spent alone, some was spent in church and some was spent on the couch of his therapist.
After two years, he felt ready to venture out into the world of dating again, with a new mission to find something better than he had before.
At 36, Leslie had allowed more than forty men inside of her. Some had been inside of her heart, some only inside of her bed, but all of them had been inside of her body.
And now that she was focused on finding someone to have and to hold for the rest of her life, she had all of the men in her life inside of her mind.
Leslie wanted something different, but the thought had not occurred to her that she should be something different.
When she was out with the girls, they all talked about how men were dogs and that since you couldn’t beat them, you needed to join them. And so, just like they imagined men were doing, Leslie and her girls were on a mission each weekend to find cute guys who could keep their beds warm for a while and take them to nice places.
Not that Leslie didn’t believe in love.
She had been in love a few times and had actually loved the last man she had spent time with. But the two of them had been unable to find a way to keep the music playing, so she simply turned it off.
And she thought she had turned everything off, but the heartache was still playing, even as she pretended that it would only take the “right” man to break through her icy exterior and warm her heart.
Ron walked into a bar one Friday night and right into the peripheral vision of Leslie, who began staring while her friends began chiding her.
“Don’t just stare at him, girl,” said Linda, who believed in being aggressive to get whatever she wanted out of life. “Go get that tall, fine man. He’s here by himself, so he is single and you are ready to mingle.”
“I ain’t chasing no man,” Leslie replied. “I’ll just wait until he notices me and he’ll come to me.”
And, Ron did notice her.
Sitting at the bar, he had a direct view of Leslie and noticed that she was looking his way, so he decided to make a move on her.
A few quick words and Ron was walking away with Leslie’s number.
The following weekend, they went out to dinner, followed by drinks and another date the next day. Their conversations were filled with what each wanted out of life and love.
Ron made it clear that he was looking for a woman to be his girl and much more.
Leslie said that she wanted to be someone’s girl and to be in love.
On the third day, Ron invited Leslie over for dinner. He cooked a gourmet meal of steamed salmon, scalloped potatoes and asparagus spears.
Leslie brought a bottle of wine that the two enjoyed before and during the meal.
Intoxicated with food, wine and the newness of dating, the two kissed and explored and touched and rubbed.
Ron had already decided that since he liked Leslie, he wasn’t going to press her to have sex with him. He wanted to take his time and really get to know her.
But Leslie had already decided that since she liked Ron, she was going to have sex with him. She wanted to get naked with this man, not even thinking about any other portion of the relationship she talked about wanting.
So, she made her move and made an announcement.
“Let’s do this,” she said. “But I want to be clear—I don’t want any strings attached to what we’re about to do. It’s just sex and it doesn’t have to be bigger than that.”
Ron was stunned. To him, Leslie sounded like the player he used to be. He had expected and wanted so much more, but he knew from her words that there was only so much to expect now.
And so they did the deed.
Two whores whoring. One reformed whore falling back into old habits and one consistent whore, claiming to want more, yet unable to shake the habits of finding less.
Neither called the other after the tryst.
Ron didn’t call because he wanted to go back to his plan to be more and find more. What he had with Leslie was more of what he no longer wanted.
Leslie didn’t call again because she actually did like Ron. But because she was afraid that he would only use her for sex, she had decided to beat him to the punch. Yet, she still hoped that someday…
Ron remained consistent and met a beautiful woman who refused to get overly physical until they had dated for a while and had a mutual understanding of what they were trying to build. They both wanted the same thing and had each worked hard to be the thing they wanted.
Leslie went out to the bar with her girls the following weekend.
They talked about how all men were dogs, but Leslie couldn’t help thinking that for all of their talk, she and her girls had been barking themselves.
Someone once said that you can’t turn a whore into a housewife, and while that may not always be true, what is true is the simple fact that the whore has to first acknowledge being a whore…
Darryl James is an award-winning author who is now a filmmaker. He released his first mini-movie, “Crack,” and in Spring of this year, will release his first full-length documentary. James’ latest book, “Bridging The Black Gender Gap,” is the basis of his lectures and seminars. Previous installments of this column can now be viewed at www.bridgecolumn.com. James can be reached at djames@theblackgendergap.com.
PEOPLE OF NOTE: 7-Time Grammy Winner Gladys Knight to Appear in the Bronx
By Deardra Shuler
*Born to the stage, Gladys Knight began her career at age 4 when she first started singing in her church, Mount Mariah Baptist. Her appearance at age 7, on the television program, The Ted Mack Amateur Hour, won her grand prize. This enduring artist and seven-time Grammy award winner who is known to sing in the genres of pop, R&B, Adult Contemporary, and gospel, will be gracing the stage of the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, April 5th at 8:00 p.m., where she is looking forward to meeting her Bronx fans.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without fans who continue to support me. I’m looking forward to a night of reminiscing and incredible moments,” stated the indomitable Ms. Knight.
As a young girl, Gladys and members of her family consisting of her brother Bubba, her sister Brenda and her cousins William and Elenor Guest created the Pips. In 1960, her cousin Edward Patten and friend Langston George joined the Pips wherein the group became Gladys Knight and the Pips. The group went on to make musical history with hits songs such as “Every Beat of My Heart,” “Letter Full of Tears,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” and “If I Were Your Woman.” Her singles included 10 gold-certified singles such as “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye),” “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” “Best Thing to Ever Happen to Me” and her #1 smash hit “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
Eventually, Gladys ventured into television and film. She was the voice behind HOLIDAZE, her first animated project, and also contributed a track to the film, currently on DVD. To her credit, is the film UNBEATABLE HAROLD where she appeared opposite Dylan McDermott and Henry Winkler. She also co-starred on NBC’s “Las Vegas.” She had roles on CBS’s former hit show “JAG and made an appearance in Harrison Ford’s film HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE. She appeared in FOX’s “American Juniors” and “Duets.” She was also a guest judge on “American Idol,” where she performed in this past season’s grand finale. Last year, she ended a critically-acclaimed four-year run at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, where she performed nightly. Critics hailed her show “the number-one show on the Strip.”
Well known for her participation in the world renowned song “That’s What Friends Are For,” (her collaborative effort with Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Dionne Warwick), Knight has inspired listeners with her chart topping albums with hit songs such as “Good Woman” (1991); “Just for You” (1994); the inspirational “Many Different Roads” (1999); and “At Last” (2001). Her song “At Last” employed the talents of producers Randy Jackson, Gary Brown and James D.C. Williams III, Jon John, Jamey Jaz, Keith Thomas, Tom Dowd and Tiger Roberts. Knight has recorded over 38 albums, which includes the four solo albums mentioned above.
Ms. Knight recently appeared in an episode of NBCs hit comedy “30 Rock” where her song “Midnight Train to Georgia” was featured. Edie Falco, best known for her role in The Sopranos, also appeared in the same episode. The production “Sisters in the Name of Love,” an HBO special that co-starred Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle, gave Gladys a vehicle in which to produce and star. She also appeared in the CBS comedy “Charlie & Co.” with Flip Wilson and on TV in the “Jeffersons.” She was in “New York Undercover,” “Benson,” and “Pipe Dreams,” a movie made for TV. Gladys Knight devotees saw her in “An Enemy Among Us” and “Desperado.” She recorded the title theme for the James Bond movie “License to Kill,” and appeared in the Broadway musical “Smokey Joe’s Café.”
The singer, whose career has spanned fifty years, claims she is looking forward to her upcoming performance at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West in the Bronx.
“I am so excited to return and bring the music that we have shared in our journey throughout the years,” said the Georgia born performer, author of “Between Each Line of Pain and Glory.” The title was taken from her hit song “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.”
Gladys has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Gladys Knight and the Pips have been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame presented the group with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
A humanitarian at heart Gladys has involved herself in several causes including working with the American Diabetes Association and with the American Cancer Society as a national spokesperson.
Fans can purchase tickets to Gladys’ upcoming show at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts by calling the box office at 718.960.8833 (Mon. through Fri., 10 AM – 5 PM, and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert), or on-line at www.LehmanCenter.org.
BRONZEVILLE METROPOLIS: Is Reverend Wright On His Own?
by Leila Khaled
*As the major media outlets continue to do a number on Reverend Wright and Trinity UCC, where are the press conferences defending Reverend Wright by other Christian pastors? Where is the left-hook of the Black Press?
Where is the NAACP and all the other "Black" organizations condemning these cheap tactics? Are we going to leave Reverend Wright hanging in this modern day lynching?
Many have voiced their differences, disagreements, and disapproval of Reverend Wright, but none can negate the essence of his ministry. Trinity Church has been churning out some of the most productive and insightful citizens of Black America for years.
Thinkers, doers, movers, shakers. The members of Trinity seem to possess a certain knowledge of self and scripture which grants them a confidence and peace not found in a lot of church goers. Good fruit could not fall from an evil tree. With their ministry under attack, we just shake our heads and say, "that's a shame."
Although the smear job of ABC and Fox is typical, it is still unfair and deserves a response. They have chopped up Reverend Wright's sermons to fit their purpose of making him look like a race baiting madman instead of a preacher who has congregants worthy of becoming president.
I have yet to hear a sermon delivered at Trinity where the door was closed on America. Reverend Wright and Reverend Moss make the scriptures come alive by drawing parallels between Ninevah, Babylon, Egypt, and other ancient cities to modern day America. In each case, the people are given the choice
- God's way or the highway.
Barack's effort of uniting the country under our common interests, rather than our differences, is a noble one and is highly commendable. Yet, no campaign can erase the reality Black America has endured. Reverend Wright cannot be blamed for ministering unto a people who were enslaved, abused, and rebuked for centuries by America and around the world. The Black man has always been, the bottom rail.
The shock White America is experiencing, after hearing sound bites of Reverend Wright's sermons, falls squarely on the shoulders of all Uncle Tom preachers, organizations, and "leaders" who have White folk thinking, "everything is alright, massa. Throw us a few crumbs and we'll get dem other Negroes under control."
Thanks to these sellouts, White people have been intoxicated by their own arrogance. They honestly believe that the social injustices Blacks have received were blowing over without a hitch or that we would continually destroy ourselves instead of learning the game and excelling in spite of it.mOh no, Blacks haven't noticed the growing prison industrial business, the lucrative narcotic transactions in our neighborhoods, or the HIV/AIDS rates. Oh no, everything is cool, massa. Just throw a dog a bone, like a Walmart sponsorship or contributions to our nonprofits, and we's be quiet and play nice.
White people should be happy ministers like Reverend Wright and Minister Farrakhan give an outlet to the brooding discontentment that, without addressing, could be acted out in the destructive ways we see everyday.
The real question is, did Reverend Wright lie in any of his sermons? It is unbelievable that they clutch their pearls while exclaiming, "How dare you call us out!" Whether White folks want to admit it or not, there have been two Americas since 1555. A land of milk and honey, and a land of bitter bondage, servitude, bloodshed, and exploitation. This election year is proving that the majority of Americans want a better way but, are Black people, all of a sudden, supposed to now see America through White eyes?
With the current climate, Barack will undoubtedly have to distance himself further from Reverend Wright. Hopefully Black people will not get excited and blast him. If we had a united front, the media and others would show a little more sensitivity to those we hold in high regard and it would make Barack's response much easier. Instead, we are divided into factions so he's damned if he do and damned if he don't.
At the Chicago press conference Barack held on March 12th, all of the major media was in attendance. As I looked across the room and chatted with a few reporters, I thought it remarkable that these people were the opinion shapers of the United States and the world. These are the ones who decide the headlines and what Americans will debate the next day. The Associated Press, the New York Times, NBC, ABC, and every other major outfit was present.
As we waited for Barack to take the podium, the reporters communicated with their offices and each other trying to figure out the right questions with which to nail him. "Should I do Tony Rezko, Geraldine Ferraro, the Clintons playing the race card, the divided votes of Mississippi, or what?"
No questions would be posed on the relevance of the Generals and Admirals who had endorsed him and how these military men had served under the last nine presidents. The goal was - how can we manipulate him and get him to blow his cool? How can we get, at least one, emotional reaction out of him? If we can knock him off of his square, we can nail him for sure.
This is a mere fraction of the opposition he is up against and if there was ever a time to have a brother's back, this is it. Barack should not be expected to defend every controversial person in Black America. The response should come from the people. Yes, Reverend Wright is his pastor but, if we, the people, let them have Reverend Wright for an appetizer, who do you think is on the menu for dinner? Bronzeville Metropolis
Source:
Leila Khaled
Editor/Publisher
Bronzeville Metropolis
www.bronzevillemetropolis.com
BETWEEN THE LINES: Obama's Speech on Race: Not Just Empty Words or Another 'Eloquent Speech.'
Anthony Asadullah Samad
*The nation grew a little bit last week, when Democratic Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama, give a speech on race unlike this nation has ever seen.
In the very week America thought it had discovered the bone in Obama's closet that would derail his run for the Presidency, Barack kicked down the door of the closet that holds America's worse skeletons, its race closet.
We all know race is a conversation America never wants to have, because it's a conversation they can never win. So the race closet, stacked to the top with 400 years of skeletons-from the Middle Passage through today's colorblind racism, is closely guarded by those who know and understand this vile and twisted history.
However, this time America started it by trying to radicalize Obama and racialize Obama's Minister, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Barack finished it by stating that if you really want to have a conversation about somebody's racial views-then let's talk about America's racial views, in it's totality.
It was substantive, and it was eloquent. Historians are equating it to the great watermark speeches in American history like Lincoln's "Divided House"
speech that positioned him to be President (though he lost the Senate election, he was the anti-slavery candidate two years later), and Kennedy's "Catholic Church" speech that eased the nation's concerns that the Pope wasn't going to dictate to a Protestant nation.
But America has never had a conversation on race, per se, in the midst of a presidential campaign where someone in the electoral campaign led the discussion. Let Hillary Clinton call this speech "just empty words" or another "eloquent speech." And let those who claim Barack ain't "black enough" hang their on hat this speech while those who try to diss his "too black" pastor realize that Barack to "too black" to allow himself to be separated from his church and his community. It was a historic moment. We can truly say that after this week, "a black man" is running for President.
And by most accounts, he's still the best candidate in the race.
Floating that Obama was a Muslim and wasn't patriotic hasn't been enough to sink his prospects. They had to try to radicalize Barack by suggesting that his racially radical minister spoke what Obama deep down believed, and inferred guilt by association. This after trying to suggest that we were in this post-racial era of American politics where race doesn't matter. We have been shocked back to the reality that race always matters in America, and racial hysteria is only as far as one critical statement of America's racial past.
America is a nation of xenophobes who are never far removed from their racial doubts that Blacks (and others) can acculturate-even lead their Eurocentric society without changing their racially charged cultural norms.
Obama has proved he's different in every way, and even before the Wright remarks-they still had doubts about him. Now that America knows he sat in the pews of a prominent black church and listened to harsh and bitter criticisms of America's historically improper (and I'm being diplomatic) racial and foreign policies, and didn't leave or speak out, many are trying to suggest that maybe someone who tolerates the expression of such views might be "too black" to represent all of America. They're back to doubting that a black man can represent a white nation (don't get it twisted-America is still 69% white).
America was poised to default on Obama. The default position is, of course, that only a white can represent all of the people. Well, name me one President in the history of America who has represented "all of the people?"
Every President has acted adverse to the equality interests of black America, being either implicit or complicit in their actions to cover-up the race caste system in American society. Only two, Abraham Lincoln and Lyndon Johnson, sought to eliminate the legalized race caste systems (of