AL-QAIDA'S NO. 2 CALLS OBAMA 'HOUSE SLAVE': Ayman al-Zawahri says president-elect is 'direct opposite of honorable Malcolm X.'
*Al-Qaida's No. 2 leader Ayman al-Zawahri posted a video message on militant Web sites Wednesday in which he referred to President-elect Barack Obama as "abeed al-beit," which literally translates as "house slave."
The 11-minute 23-second video, al-Qaida's first response to Obama's victory, appeared chiefly aimed at persuading Muslims and Arabs that Obama does not represent a change in U.S. policies.
Ayman al-Zawahri said in the message that Obama is "the direct opposite of honorable black Americans" like Malcolm X, and grouped the president-elect along with secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice into the category of "house slaves." But, al-Qaida supplied English subtitles of his speech included the translation as "house Negroes."
The video also includes old footage of speeches by Malcolm X in which he explains the term, saying black slaves who worked in their white masters' house were more servile than those who worked in the fields. Malcolm X used the term to criticize black leaders he accused of not standing up to whites.
The clip features a still photo of al-Zawahri along with his audio message. Other images displayed include one of Obama wearing a Jewish skullcap as he meets with Jewish leaders.
"America has put on a new face, but its heart full of hate, mind drowning in greed, and spirit which spreads evil, murder, repression and despotism continue to be the same as always," said al-Zawahri, the deputy of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. He said Obama's plan to shift troops to Afghanistan is doomed to fail, because Afghans will resist.
"Be aware that the dogs of Afghanistan have found the flesh of your soldiers to be delicious, so send thousands after thousands to them," he said.
BRANDY SAYS CAR CRASH 'CHANGED LIFE FOREVER': Plus, Tyrese denies dating rumors.
*R&B singer Brandy gave a candid interview about her 2006 car accident to "Access Hollywood," saying she still carries the emotional scars of the freeway collision that left another driver dead.
"It was a situation that changed my life forever," she told the TV program. "I will never be the same. It was pretty bad. There were parts flying and there was a bunch of smoke."
Brandy was behind the wheel of her Land Rover in Los Angeles when she crashed into another vehicle on a busy freeway, triggering a chain reaction that caused another driver to hit the central partition. The driver, Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, died from her injuries.
Brandy says she felt hurt when people blamed her for the death of an innocent driver.
"I just feel like a lot of people jumped on it because it was something to talk about. And instead of just waiting to see what really happened, they kind of make their own story about it and started pointing the finger and blaming," she said.
Brandy is now facing a $50 million lawsuit for wrongful death by Aboudihaj's family. The trial is set for April 2009.
Meanwhile, recent photos of Tyrese attempting to foil paparazzi by distancing himself from Brandy as they left a Los Angeles mall together has spawned rumors that the two are secretly dating. Not true, Tyrese tells Usmagazine.com.
“Brandy and I have been the best of friends since we were 14 years old. She's one of the most talented friends I have," said Tyrese. "I would never date her - it would be like dating my sister."
"It was a simple lunch amongst friends," adds the singer, who is married. "I love her like family but the rumors of us dating are really old."
In the new issue of Us Weekly (out Friday), Brandy also maintains she is single. "I haven't dated anybody in three years," says the singer, whose new album, "Human" drops Dec. 9.
BUSH TWINS SHOW OBAMA GIRLS THEIR BEDROOMS: Malia and Sasha were joined by Michelle and Grandma for tour of living quarters.
*Barack Obama's two young girls were given a personal tour of their new bedrooms by previous occupants, Barbara and Jenna Bush, the twin daughters of current president George W. Bush.
Barbara and Jenna, who will be 27 next week, "enjoyed showing their rooms to the Obama girls," said Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for Laura Bush.
Malia Obama, 10, and her sister Sasha, seven – the youngest children to enter the White House in a generation – were joined by their mother, Michelle, and grandmother, Marian Robinson for a visit that lasted approximately an hour at the invitation of Laura Bush, added McDonough.
Robinson may also call the Obama White House home, as the president-elect indicated in his "60 Minutes" interview on Sunday.
She has "just been an unbelievable support for all of us during this process. And you know, she likes her own space, you know. She doesn't like a lot of fuss around her. And, like it or not, there's some fuss in the White House. But we hope that she comes," he said.
JAMIE FOXX'S 'SOLOIST' NOW DUE IN APRIL: Release date pushed back a second time.
*Paramount and DreamWorks have agreed to release the Jamie Foxx-Robert Downey Jr. drama "The Soloist" on April 24 instead of March 13, reports Variety, marking the second time the project has been pushed back.
DreamWorks was caught off guard last month when Paramount announced at the 11th hour it was moving the film's release date from this year to March 13. The Joe Wright-directed movie had an original release date of Nov.
21.
In the April 24 slot, "Soloist" will open one week before the official start of the summer box office, which is primetime for movie-going.
Based on a series of articles by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez, the film tells follows the dream of a homeless schizophrenic (Foxx) to play at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
112'S Q. PARKER ADDRESSES THEFT ALLEGATIONS: Singer goes on Atlanta radio station to address Michael Keith's EUR interview.
*Q. Parker of the group 112 appeared on Atlanta's WVEE-V103 this week to address former member Michael Keith's recent allegation that the group disbanded due to mistrust among the quartet.
Without naming names, Keith told EUR's Lee Bailey that he and Marvin "Slim" Scandrick fell out with another member of the band over a mishandling of funds – which left either Quinnes Parker or Daron Jones as the alleged guilty party.
"I had to leave because I found out that a certain member of the group took my publishing check," Keith told Bailey in October. "It was made clear that it was intended for myself and another member, Slim."
During his interview on WVEE, Q directly addressed Mike's accusation of theft.
"It comes down to something very simple," he said. "As recently as last week we went to court about this very topic and I was exonerated."
"All of the guys from 112 are like my brothers, and I have nothing but love for them," he added. "I may not agree with what Mike is saying, but I respect his right to speak his mind."
As for Mike's statement that he left the group, Q said, "If 112 is broken up, its news to me. We have been doing shows over the last year; as recent as last weekend!"
Added Parker, "I agree with Mike on a lot of the things he says. This group is like a marriage, a family, and when there are problems in the family, you work together to try and resolve that. I wish that was something Mike would do."
'LEGEND' WRITER TO PEN NEW WILL SMITH FILM: Plus, actor gives out Thanksgiving turkeys in Miami.
*"I Am Legend" co-writer Mark Protosevich is in early talks to pen the remake of "Old Boy," which "Legend" star Will Smith is developing with director Steven Spielberg.
As previously reported, DreamWorks is currently securing the remake rights to the 2003 Korean film about a man's mysterious kidnapping, 15-year imprisonment and feverish quest for revenge upon being released.
Protosevich has also written "Poseidon" and "The Cell," and he worked on "Thor" for Marvel Studios. His screenplay for "Legend" helped the film earn $584 million in revenue worldwide.
Smith, meanwhile, was in Miami recently for a charity screening of his latest film, "Seven Pounds," in which he plays a man who does remarkable things for seven strangers. In keeping with the movie's theme, Smith also donated 300 turkeys to the needy.
"Seven Pounds" arrives in theaters on Dec. 19.
RICE APPOINTS KEN GRIFFEY JR.: Secretary of State names baseball star as a new public diplomacy envoy.
*In her waning days in office, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday named major league baseball all-star Ken Griffey Jr. as a new public diplomacy envoy, a job that calls for travel abroad to help polish Washington's image.
Griffey joins Cal Ripken Jr, figure-skating champ Michelle Kwan and actress Fran Drescher as current diplomacy envoys. Rice said Griffey will take a trip to Panama in January in his new role.
"When Ken Griffey travels overseas, one of his greatest objectives will be to talk to young people and to spark their interest in America and in our culture," Rice told a ceremony at the State Department.
She added: "I am so very proud that Ken Griffey, Jr., has stepped up to that task of helping us to share the story of America, the culture of America, and the values of America."
Griffey, a 38-year-old outfielder, said he jumped at the chance to take up the role.
"I played in Japan for the Super Series and just watched how other countries go about their business in playing baseball," Griffey said. "After a certain age, you pretty much set your ways. But we can reach out to young children about our culture and also about our pastime, which is baseball."
PACMAN JONES FINISHES REHAB: Cornerback hopes to rejoin the Cowboys before season is over.
*Suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones is done with the inpatient portion of his NFL-ordered alcohol treatment and has returned to Texas, where he hopes to soon rejoin the team.
Jones' attorney, Worrick Robinson, said the player is handling personal matters while waiting for Commissioner Roger Goodell to determine if Jones will be reinstated and be able to play again this season or in the future.
"He's using this time to focus on himself and focus on his priorities, which is to stay committed to the program he started," Robinson told the Associated Press. "He's re-establishing his life in Dallas with this program being a priority."
Jones was suspended indefinitely last month for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The commissioner said then that the suspension would be a minimum of four games and that he would evaluate the situation after that time. The fourth game was Sunday, and Jones took part in a program in the Boston area during the month while he wasn't playing.
Robinson said there has "not been any timetable for when a decision will be made by the commissioner."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said last week that he would welcome Adam Jones back to the team if he's reinstated and didn't expect it to be a distraction if the player returned.
"No, not if he's adhering to the kind of things that he has to address," the owner said. "He was a hard worker, hard practicer and certainly contributed positively to our team. So I don't consider him a distraction."
DREAMGIRLS ANNOUNCES TOUR SCHEDULE: 60-week trek to begin Nov. 2009 at the Apollo Theatre.
*The North American touring production of "Dreamgirls" will kick off at the Apollo Theater in November 2009 and remain there for about one month before touring internationally for 60 weeks.
The play will soon go into rehearsal for a 21-week engagement in Seoul, South Korea opening in February. The stateside version will be largely the same production, although the Seoul version will star Korean actors.
Robert Longbottom directs the new staging, with choreography by Shane Sparks. The Apollo run does not preclude a potential Broadway run, which remains up in the air and would not likely materialize before 2011.
The new production will also include "Listen," a song sung by Beyonce in the 2006 film version.
An open audition for actresses to play the tuner's three lead female roles is set for Saturday at the Apollo.
HENRY SIMMONS IN LIFETIME ORIGINAL FILM: Actor joins ensemble cast of biopic 'Georgia O'Keeffe.'
*Actor Henry Simmons has been cast opposite Ed Begley Jr., Tyne Daly, Linda Emond, Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons in the Lifetime original biopic "Georgia O'Keeffe," according to Variety.
The film from Sony Pictures TV follows the 20-year love affair between the American artist (Allen) and photographer Alfred Stieglitz (Irons). Simmons portrays writer Jean Toomer, with whom she has an affair later in her life.
Begley plays Alfred's brother, Lee, a doctor who examines Georgia after she faints and years later when she suffers a breakdown. Daly is set as artist Mabel Dodge Stern, a friend of Georgia's who lives in New Mexico. Emond plays Georgia's friend Beck, with whom she travels on her life-changing trip to New Mexico.
Bob Balaban is directing the movie, set to premiere in third-quarter 2009.
ZAHARA AMONG 'WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL TOTS': Jolie-Pitt child on list with two of her siblings; Tiger's cub; Madonna's son also in top 10.
*Zahara Jolie-Pitt and David Banda have made Forbes magazine's new World's Most Powerful Tot list, which ranks the most influential children under the age of five.
Zahara, the adopted Ethiopian daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, appears at No. 3 after her younger sister Shiloh at No. 2 and Suri Cruise (the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes) at No. 1.
Banda, the adopted son of Madonna and her estranged husband Guy Ritchie, ranks No. 8. Sam Alexis Woods, the daughter of golf ace Tiger Woods, is No. 5.
The remaining Powerful Tots are as follows: 4. Pax Jolie-Pitt; 6. Cruz Beckham (daughter of Victoria and David Beckham); 7. Matilda Rose Ledger (daughter of actress Michelle Williams and the late Heath Ledger); 9. Sean Preston Federline (daughter of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline); 10. Sam Sheen (daughter of Charlie Sheen and ex-wife Denise Richards).
CED'S F***ING PLAY OPENS ON BROADWAY: Expletive-laced David Mamet production premieres at Belasco Theatre
*The opening night of Ced the Entertainer's new Broadway play "American Buffalo" was dripping with endless profanity – from the stage at Belasco Theatre on down to its employees.
According to the New York Daily News, ushers gave the celeb-filled audience a taste of what was to come in the David Mamet play. One politely asked an audience member to "please take your f***ing seat." The announcer asked, "We kindly request that you turn off your f***ing cell phones."
Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Kathleen Turner, former Sen. Bill Bradley and Newark Mayor Corey Booker were among the crowd battened down for the torrent of bad words.
"I will try to brace myself," the Rev. Al Sharpton told the Daily News. "I have heard these words before, but this may be the first time I've heard it with my daughter, Dominique, present. So I will try to act like it is inappropriate."
Spike Lee's elegant wife, Tonya, predicted that her husband wasn't going to hear anything he hasn't said himself.
"He swears a lot," she said. "But he can't stand it if I do."
Cedric the Entertainer admitted Mamet's impieties did infect his own speech. "All of us were cussing a lot more," he said. "We were saying, 'Bring that sh** over here! [Bleep] that [bleep]!' Things that don't even make sense."
But, yesterday, he was trying to hold his tongue because, he said, "My mommy's in town from St. Louis."
MIJAC CAN'T FLY BECAUSE OF VITILIGO?: Fox411 columnist says singer's lawyer is trying to use "skin disease" as an excuse to miss London trial.
*Fox.com columnist Roger Friedman wrote yesterday about the "illness" that Michael Jackson's lawyer says is preventing him from traveling to London for his breach-of-contract trial.
"Jackson refuses to come to England because he’s claiming sickness," Freidman wrote in his Fox411 column. "In fact, Jackson has told his lawyer to tell the British court that he has a skin disease that’s preventing him from traveling.
"But of course Jackson has always said he has the skin disease Vitiligo, causing him to lose melanin from his pigmentation. He’s always said that’s the reason he’s turned white over the years. It was, however, revealed here a couple of years ago that Jackson uses a whitening cream made with acids and created by the Mickey Fine Pharmacy in Beverly Hills. That came out when he failed to pay his bill there.
"Jackson’s 'skin disease' hasn’t stopped him in the past two years from traveling all over the Middle East, to Japan, to Las Vegas, and Ireland. The notion that Jackson is too sick to travel is absolutely laughable at this point."
The lawsuit brought against Jackson by Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain claims the King of Pop reneged on a contract for an album, an autobiography and a stage play, after accepting $7 million from the sheikh.
Jackson's lawyer denies the claims, insisting their agreement was not valid and that Al Khalifa's case is based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence."
CONDO WORKERS PROTEST OWNER MAGIC JOHNSON: Union wants basketball legend to give better health benefits.
*A New York union is calling on Earvin "Magic" Johnson to offer better health benefits for its service workers employed at a luxury condominium he owns in downtown Brooklyn, reports Crain's NY Business.
SEIU Local 32BJ, representing over 50,000 building service workers in New York, launched a Web site Monday to protest the former NBA basketball star’s use of non-union labor at a Brooklyn condominium building owned by his investment company.
The online site NoMagicHealthCare.org calls attention to workers at One Hanson Place, which was reopened this year following renovations and offers individual condo units for up to $1 million.
Prior to One Hanson Place’s conversion, the cleaning and maintenance workers in the building were 32BJ members earning area standard wages and benefits. The dozen workers currently receive individual health care coverage and are paid the union rate of $18.94 for porters and concierges and $20.19 for handymen. But they are being asked to pay $300 per family member for coverage, a benefit unionized luxury residential building workers in the city get as part of their contract.
The protesting union members plan to follow Johnson around with picket signs during his visit to New York this week as he makes various public appearances to promote a new book.
Meanwhile, Magic participated in a TSA (“Teen Service Announcement”) as an early and passionate supporter of @15, a new teen-led social change platform underwritten by Best Buy to give teens a voice and give them opportunities to direct the company’s philanthropy through the newly-created @15 Fund.
“There were all sorts of chances and times that I could have gotten into trouble, but instead of turning right, I turned left,” Johnson says in his online TSA. “You should dream high, because I’m a big believer that if you don’t dream it, you can’t become it. Life passes you by so fast. So, enjoy the moment. Enjoy the time.”
In addition to serving as the chairman and chief executive officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), Johnson is currently vice president and part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. A version of the @15 TSA will begin airing during Lakers games within the next month.
DALLAS AUSTIN BACKS AWAY FROM 'ATL HOUSEWIFE': Plus Sheree is still trying to launch her fashion line.
*Dallas Austin is now downplaying his association with Kim Zolciak of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," who had enlisted his help in trying to launch a career in country music.
Austin has been shown several times in the series meeting with Zolciak about her music plans and even working with her in the studio. But the artist posted a message on his MySpace page that aims to set the record straight.
"We are not doing a song, we are not doing an album ... that was only for television!" Austin wrote.
Meanwhile, fellow Atlanta Housewife Sheree Whitfield tells the New York Daily News that she remains "100 percent" devoted to developing her debut fashion line, She by Sheree.
"It's for today's modern woman," she says. "The pieces will be classic, sexy [and] look feminine and with a strong emphasis on dresses."
Tuesday's season finale featured Sheree getting some advice by Mychael Knight, a finalist on Bravo's "Project Runway," after her launch party for the line ended up being held without any of the completed fashions on display.
She admits that the line, which is inspired by the women in her family, is "still kind of a work in progress."
Despite its infancy, She by Sheree has already attracted plenty of attention from "Housewives" fans who are impatiently awaiting its launch. Whitfield and She by Sheree were among the top 10 most Googled items last week after the show's second-to-last episode.
ALAN KEYES SUING TO PROVE OBAMA'S CITIZENSHIP: President-elect's former Illinois rival files suit in Sacramento.
*Alan Keyes, a former presidential candidate, has joined members of his American Independent Party in filing a lawsuit in California that calls for President-elect Barack Obama to prove his U.S. citizenship before receiving the state's electoral votes.
According to the lawsuit filed in California Superior Court in Sacramento, Keys and members of his party are calling on Obama to provide documentary evidence that proves he is a natural born citizen of the United States.
The Obama campaign countered similar accusations early in 2008 by posting Obama's certification of live birth, and saying: "Barack Obama was born in the state of Hawaii in 1961, a native citizen of the United States of America." A copy of this document is available on the Obama Web site in the "Fight the Smears" section (http://fightthesmears.com/articles/5/birthcertificate).
Keyes ran against Obama as a Republican for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois in 2004. Obama won that election to serve his first and only term in the U.S. Senate.
SEAN BELL'S FAMILY MEETS WITH PROSECUTORS: Relatives of unarmed man slain by cops hopes to bring civil rights charges against officers.
*Family members of Sean Bell had their first ever meeting with federal prosecutors Tuesday, nearly two years after Bell died in a hail of 50 bullets fired by undercover cops outside the Queens nightclub Kalua.
The officers who killed the unarmed father, set to get married the next day, were later cleared of state criminal charges.
"Justice was never served in this case," family attorney Michael Hardy told WPIX.com. "We still want justice for Sean."
The family has been pushing for the Justice department to bring civil rights charges against the officers. After their first meeting with federal prosecutors, the family now believes that it is possible.
In a statement, Rev. Al Sharpton said he believes today's meeting is "a sign that the federal government has begun to seriously look into the egregious denial of the civil rights of Sean Bell, Joseph Guzman, and Trent Benefield."
ITTY BITTY BITS: Michelle Obama's backside; Aretha on AMAs; Julian Bond steps down; Howard flirts; backtracking Baldwin; Sugar Hill lawsuit.
*A black, female columnist at Salon.com has written an entire piece praising the derriere of Michelle Obama. "I'm a black woman who never thought I'd see a powerful, beautiful female with a body like mine in the White House. Then I saw Michelle Obama -- and her booty!" writes Erin Aubry Kaplan "…Barack's better half not only has stature but is statuesque. She has coruscating intelligence, beauty, style and -- drumroll, please -- a butt. (Yes, you read that right: I'm going to talk about the first lady's butt.)" Continue reading here: http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/11/18/michelles_booty/index.html
*R&B legend Aretha Franklin will present the first award of the night at the “2008 American Music Awards,” producer Larry Klein announced Wednesday. Also, Natasha Bedingfield will join Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, New Kids On The Block, Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Kanye West and many more performers (19 in total) at this year’s celebration.
*Veteran civil rights activist Julian Bond will not seek another term as chairman of the NAACP's national board, saying the time is right to "let a new generation of leaders" take over the century-old organization. Bond, 68, has served as chairman since 1998. He announced Tuesday that his current one-year chairman's term, which expires in February, will be his last, although he plans to remain on the board. "This is a time for renewal. We have dynamic new leadership. The country has a new president in Barack Obama; the organization has a new CEO in Benjamin Jealous, and we'll soon have a new chairman of the NAACP Board," Bond said in a statement. "The NAACP and the country are in good hands."
*The New York Post is reporting that Terrence Howard couldn't keep his hands off of French model Noemie Lenoir during Friday night's opening of the Fontainebleau hotel in Miami. After Mariah Carey performed, the two were spotted at hotel lounge Blade. A source told Page Six: "Terrence saw Noemie in the crowd and started singing to her. He came to see her the next night at the Victoria's Secret show, and they like each other a lot."
*Republican Stephen Baldwin is now backtracking on his threat to leave the United States if Barack Obama wins the presidency. "The liberal Democrats who didn't get that I was joking need to lighten up," the born-again Christian told Page Six. "Obama is obviously talented and intelligent, and I have great respect for the man. He's got my full support, and I'm gonna be praying for him and his administration."
*Sugar Hill Gang co-founder Joey Robinson is being sued by ex-bandmates Michael (Wonder Mike) Wright and Guy (Master G) O'Brien on claims that he owes them royalties. Wright and O'Brien, who've been touring as the Original Sugar Hill Gang, performed last weekend on CNN's "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News." Robinson tells the New York Daily News of the touring group: "It's really a sham to confuse the public." He says he'll sue them for encroaching on his trademarks.
EUR FILM REVIEW: Gardens of the Night
Innocence Stolen Is Theme of Child Abduction Drama
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Donnie (Evan Ross) doesn't exactly remember how he ended up in the clutches of Alex (Tom Arnold), but he thinks his mentally-unstable mother might have sold him to the middle-aged child molester.
Leslie (Gillian Jacobs), on the other hand, was eight years-old when the same sicko abducted her with the help of a teen accomplice (Kevin Zegers).
For the past nine years, Donnie and Leslie have been simultaneously imprisoned and left traumatized by the unspeakable sexual abuse they've been subjected to by this pair of perverts.
Over that span, the kids have held onto their sanity only by leaning on each other's shoulders and by exchanging promises to always be there for each other.
In fact, they've grown so close, they now think of themselves as brother and sister, even though she's white and he's black.
Actually, of far more significance than their shades of skin tones is the bond which they developed while sharing a small bedroom, There, they created a fantasy world into which they could escape the never-ending nightmare. Then, at 17, Donnie and Leslie find themselves suddenly free but lacking the wherewithal to function normally. In order to survive, they turn to the only thing they know, namely, sex, so they end up prostitutes on the streets of San Diego.
So unfolds Gardens of the Night, a meticulously-researched loss of innocence drama written and directed by Damian Harris. Harris started work on the project way back in 1980, after being moved by the photo of a missing girl on a milk carton and reading a Newsweek cover story about stolen children.
But it took him 10 years to write the first draft of his sobering script, this after speaking with parents and counselors of young kidnap victims, and with police officers assigned to the child sex crimes unit.
The upshot is a haunting tale which very convincingly conveys the
overwhelming sense of helplessness and dread which undoubtedly afflicts impressionable souls unfortunate enough to be so exploited while still in the bloom of youth. Kudos to Gillian Jacobs and Evan Ross for their powerful lead performances and to Tom Arnold and John Malkovich for equally-effective outings in support roles.
A profoundly disturbing, super-realistic examination of pedophilia not to be
screened on an empty stomach, nor forgotten during awards season..
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 110 minutes
Studi City Lights Media Group
To see a trailer for Gardens of the Night, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM2I6-D2ah8
EVAN ROSS: The Gardens of the Night Interview with Kam Williams
God Bless the Child: Diana's Baby Has Got His Own
*Evan Olaf Ross was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on August 26, 1988 to pop diva Diana Ross and Norwegian shipping magnate Ame Naess.
Following not only in his mom's footsteps, but in those of three of his sisters (Tracee Ellis Ross, Rhonda Ross Kendrick and Leona Naess), Evan entered showbiz at an early age, making an impressive film debut as T.I.'s troubled younger brother in the critically-acclaimed ATL.
Next, he received rave reviews for his NAACP Image Award-nominated performance as a troubled teen in the made-for-TV movie Life Support.
He then returned to the big screen for another memorable outing as a stammering swimmer in Pride. That, in turn, led to his being signed to do eleven more pictures, including his current release, The Gardens of the Night, a harrowing drama about kidnapping, child molestation and homeless kids co-starring Gillian Jacobs, Tom Arnold, John Malkovich and Harold Perrineau.
Here, Evan talks about his new flick, s well as everything from his budding musical career to Barack Obama to his close relationship with his mother.
Evan Ross: Hey Kam, how're you doing?
Kam Williams: Very well, thanks.
KW: How do you feel about Barack Obama winning election?
ER: I feel like we've been saved. I'm happy that we have a good person as president. I think that's important.
KW: Your father's from Norway. Do you speak Norwegian?
ER: Very little. I can understand some. I should have learned more, because I lived there for a long time. I am sure that I will at some point take the time to learn to speak it.
KW: Where did you live over there?
ER: Oslo.
KW: And where else did you live growing up?
ER: Let's see. Switzerland. Greenwich, Connecticut. New York. Los Angeles.
London... And we spent a year in France. My mom lived there longer when she
was trying to make the Josephine Baker Story.
KW: So, what prompted you take on another challenging role in Gardens of the Night?
ER: Actually, I loved it from the moment I read the script, because I had just seen a very interesting documentary my mother recommended to me called Streetwise, about how homeless kids survive on the streets. So, when I read Gardens of the Night I thought it was an incredible idea and such a great story.
KW: Your female co-star is white, which had me wondering whether this was a case of colorblind casting?
ER: The role of Donnie wasn't originally written for an African-American, but I kept meeting with them and auditioning because I really wanted to be a part of the film. I kept fighting for the role, and ended up doing it. More than anything, this was a passion project for everybody associated with the film, especially because it was such a tough subject.
KW: I hope that this approach to casting is a sign of things to come.
ER: Damian [director Damian Harris] was really great about that issue. He saw that skin color isn't an issue among kids living on the street. Their worry is survival. So, I think that it was really great how he handled it in the movie. Never once was color talked about or made an issue. No one asked, why was this white girl with me. It never came up, and that's the way I think it should be. It's a non-issue.
KW: How was it working with Gillian Jacobs? You shared so many haunting scenes together.
ER: Really, really great. It ended up just being me and her and the director, not only on the set, but we also spent a lot of time with children in homeless shelters. I had been blind to the fact that there were that many homeless kids. It was very hard for all of us sitting with them and having them talk about their lives and share all the emotions of what they're going through. Gillian and I really bonded after that to keep each other's spirits up because it was such a heavy experience. As a result, we had great chemistry, so working with her was good.
KW: Was this your most emotionally-challenging role to date?
ER: Of the movies released so far, yes, although I have some others that will be coming out, like Black Water Transit, which were equally-challenging, but in a different sort of way... The more I think about it, Gardens of the Night might have been the toughest, since it took so long to shoot, and it was heavy being with the homeless kids and in their environment.
KW: Do you think you're getting typecast as someone who only plays troubled characters?
ER: No, I've been the one kind of choosing to go in that direction. I like showing reality. But I have a more upbeat film coming out that I did with Hilary Duff called Greta. I play a more strong-willed character in that movie. But I like reality, because I think we shy away from showing the truth when we don't need to cover up the truth. So, the way I choose projects is based on what I think is most real and most interesting, not on what's paying the most money or what's most popular.
KW: When did you develop an interest in acting?
ER: I always loved movies, especially watching some of my mom's films when I was younger, like Out of Darkness, where she played a schizophrenic. I always found it interesting that I was still able to see her in each role, even though she was playing these different characters.
KW: Do you enjoy any other forms of artistic expression besides acting?
ER: I have many creative outlets. I sing, I like music, I like art, I paint, I draw. I like buying art. I read a lot, too. I love books. And I'm working on a clothing line, too.
KW: You already made a movie with your sister Tracee, Life Support. Any plans to do one with your mom?
ER: I would love to at some point. I talk to her about it all the time. I ask her when she's going to do another movie herself. She says that because it calls for a serious commitment of time, she'll only do it if it's something special that makes sense and that she's a big part of creating it. It's hard doing these films when you don't have any creative control, and you want it to look a certain way because you believe in it. So, I feel that if it made sense, she would do it. But I would love to do something with her, whether she's playing my mom, or another character. I love her work as an actress.
KW: How about doing music with your mom?
ER: We're doing that now. I've been making music for a long time, but I've been waiting to do it right, because I don't want people to think it's just a stepping stone in my career. A lot of actors go that route as a way of building their careers. I don't want it to be seen as that. Because, like with my acting, my interest is not commercial, but to create something that I really love.
KW: So, who are you in the studio with?
ER: I'm working with Dallas Austin and some others who are not only really talented but who I love as people. Plus I'm on the phone with my mom, Stevie Wonder, and Michael, and getting their input in finding out how I'd like to do it.
KW: By Michael, do you mean Michael Jackson?
ER: Yeah, I talk to him a lot, advice-wise, musically. But I speak to mom the most. We go down to the studio and just kind of be creative and come up with new ideas. We have a lot of great stuff. But I've been singing my whole life, so it's on its way.
KW: How would you describe your sound?
ER: Vocally, it's got an R&B soulful sound, but it's got a lot of guitars, too. Dallas has a great new sound that he's working with, and we're kinda just creating something new. People will like it and it will work, but it's not the same as anything you're hearing now.
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
ER: Yeah.
KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
ER: Am I ever afraid? That's a great question. Yes, a lot.
KW: Is there a question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?
ER: I like both Columbus' and Tasha's questions. Those are personal questions that don't get asked. They might not make sense to a lot of your readers, but those are actually a couple of great questions. What else have some people said they've never been asked?
KW: In a totally different vein, Taraji Henson said no one ever asked her what color panties she's wearing. How about bookworm Troy Johnson's
question: What was the last book you read?
ER: Woman, a novel by Charles Bukowski. I love his work, and I find him interesting as a person. He's quite a character.
KW: Music maven Heather Covington's question: What's music are you listening to nowadays?
ER: A lot of old music, Motown. Marvin Gaye... Rock and Roll. The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. I still listen to the Donny Hathaways, and I'm just discovering some lesser-known songs of my mom that I never heard of.
KW: I still love that album she did with Marvin Gaye with You Are Everything and a lot of other classics. It's one of those perfect albums where every song is great.
ER: Yeah, it's incredible. And so many people have never heard that album. I love those songs.
KW: "Realtor to the Stars" Jimmy Bayan question: Where in L.A. do you live?
ER: I live in the Hills. Not long ago, I bought my first house, which is a big responsibility, but I enjoy it. [Laughs] It's nice, but I didn't realize how big a responsibility it was, especially when I'm moving around so much. But I'm up in the Hills, and close to a lot of friends and people I work with. I enjoy where I'm at, the Sunset Plaza area. I might want to be further away at some point, but I know me, and if I spend too much time by myself, I think way too much. I like being around people.
KW: Does your mom live in Los Angeles, too?
ER: Yes, she does. She lives very close to me. She's back and forth between L.A. and Greenwich. It's more peaceful for her out there. It can be hard for here with the paparazzi around. So, she stays inside a lot or goes down to Malibu.
KW: Are you able to go to the mall or the movie theater without getting mobbed?
ER: Of course. I'm not afraid of people, and I do whatever I want. I think that when you start rolling with an entourage, you attract attention and you tend to create this whole big thing. My mom taught me that when you keep a low profile most people tend to totally miss you because they're not expecting anything. I was just in Atlanta, working with Dallas, and it was interesting to see how many people knew me from ATL.
KW: How close are you to your mom?
ER: Me and my mom are extremely, extremely close. And I'm very close with Tracee and my other siblings. They all look out for me because they think I'm a little crazy. And I do the same for them. I love that we're all very close. And my brother, Ross, who's ten months older is great. He's in college in New York. I go there to spend time with him, and he comes out to visit, too.
KW: How do you want to be remembered?
ER: That's hard to say. I want to be remembered for the good work that I've done, for the positive work, and as somebody who was innovative and who people enjoyed.
KW: Hey, Evan, thanks for the interview, and best of luck with the movies, the music, and all your other endeavors.
ER: Thank you so much. It was a pleasure.
To see a trailer for Gardens of the Night, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM2I6-D2ah8
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: “Other Than That Mrs. Lincoln, How Did You Enjoy the Play?”
*If, as the essayist wrote, ‘irony gives birth to a deeper and less friendly understanding’, then here is a real mother for ya.
In the days following the election of Barack Obama as our nation’s 44th president, my email in box was filled with notes proclaiming "another bold step for black mankind" and asking for my reaction. “Are you not moved?” asked one. “As a Black man with Black sons can you appreciate the historic moment?" queried another.
Our nation was built upon a set of principles, the fruit of which only some enjoyed. A few weeks ago a Black man was elected president of this very same nation. All Americans should feel proud. We have signaled to the world that something about America works, that our ideals are of great worth, that there is something about these ideals that are (dare I say it?) worth “conserving.”
The irony of course is that none of the questioners were really asking if I appreciated the “historical moment.” What they really wanted to know was: "I know you Black conservatives are a bunch of – insert ugly epithet -- with no sense of race pride, but can't you -- even now -- feel proud as a Black man?"
Of course I have always been proud; proud to be an American and proud of my heritage. I am a conservative precisely because I love my country and believe strongly in the principles of its founding. I do not discount our nation’s founding because of the original sin of slavery; I have always celebrated this nations founding. I do not wish to toss away the Declaration of Independence because of white racism; I want to make the principles found in the document real.
It was fascinating to read people describe a sense of finally being able to “unpack their bags,” finally feeling at home. Black conservatives have always felt at home – always believed in the goodness of America and have always been derided with sneering and name calling as a result. That these same newly proud folk would now ask if I recognize the historical moment is great irony indeed. The events of last week are a confirmation of the veracity of the founding; they are a testament to the truth that conservatives have been preaching about America for years. THAT is the historic moment. The issue of race pride completely misses the point.
It also misses the opportunity to truly move to a post racial America.
I disagree with the politics of Barack Obama. To suggest that because we share the same skin color I should be teary-eyed as he takes office is to make the election about racial validation rather than ideas. I feel the same disappointment in this Democratic win as I would have had John Kerry won election four years ago. THAT to me seems the true spirit of a post racial America. The ability of one man to listen to another man and say I disagree with your ideas and for THAT reason cannot give you my vote is the true Promised Land. Truly how much progress can we claim if men are motivated to vote for a candidate because that candidate shares his ethnicity but not his ideology or is condemned as an -- add ugly pejorative -- when/if he does not? How loud can we really cheer if race continues to trump those principles and values one holds dear?
It is thrilling to recognize that I am at the tail end of the not-in-my-lifetime generation. I am proud that America did what this nation has always done specifically that which no other nation on earth has managed to accomplish. This election proved the truth of American exceptionalism. The great and sad irony is that the victors still don’t believe it.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
VERONICA'S VIEW: Black Men Talking – Meet the Men of Brother II Brother
*It seems almost anomalous when Black men speak. If still waters run deep, so do the feelings of Black men. They are painfully and beautifully human. Too often their voices go unheard. And when their voices are heard, it is a rich and luminous moment, revealing the deepest insight of their experience, compassion and faith.
These words prefaced an inaugural piece I wrote entitled “Black Men Talking.” It was a call to Black men to raise their voice within the confines of my column.
Meet the men of Brother II Brother, an extraordinary group of African American men dedicated to changing the lives of disadvantaged, male youth.
Perhaps a better title for this piece would be “Black Men in Action” because their deeds transcended their words during their recent 2nd Annual Youth Empowerment Symposium held on the campus of the University of Southern California (USC).
The organization was founded by Stinson Brown, LAPD Officer and Drill Instructor; and Pernell Clark, a pharmaceutical sales representative. Their mission is to mentor male youth from the ages of 13-21 on a variety of subjects including education, financial literacy, self-respect, and the meaning of manhood, to mention a few. This year’s symposium attracted about 50 youth who were recruited from various middle and high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The alarming number of homicides involving African American youth on the streets of Los Angeles and the staggering increase in their incarceration rates are the two main factors that inspired Brown and Clark to start what they refer to as “BIIB.” Their goal is to intervene in the lives of young males particularly the behaviors that put them at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system, and in helping them make positive choices that could lead to a better life.
“I was tired of holding the heads of young African American males in my hands as they took their last breath,” said Brown, 22-year LAPD veteran, about witnessing first hand the lives of young men extinguished from gang related violence. “I wanted to do more than talk about what was happening, I wanted to do something to help to save our youth.”
“Having positive mentors in my life as a young man was a critical part of my development and later success,” said Clark, a Yale graduate who grew up in South Central. “Joining Officer Brown in creating Brother II Brother was not only a way to provide a positive image to male youth in our community, but it was a way to show them positive alternatives.”
Brown and Clark knew they were not alone in their desire to help male youth. They had many friends and colleges who were equally concerned about what was happening to our young men. When they put out a call for core members to help carry out their mission and objectives, many men and even few women answered the call.
But when they put out the call for men to help mentor young men at the 2nd Annual Youth Empowerment Symposium, the response was overwhelming – over 80 men from various professional occupations and entrepreneurial endeavors responded, including KNBC-4 morning news anchor Chris Schauble who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the day. Others included Lance Triggs, Executive Vice President of Operation Hope who weighed in and addressed the youth about financial literacy. Dr. Brian Nichols, licensed clinical psychologist signed on and dared symposium participants be great; and Dr. Leslie Klien enlisted and gave a presentation about reproductive health.
The mentor-to-student ratio for the day long event was 2-to-1. For many of these young men it was better than winning the lottery for the latest video game release. It was the first time in their lives that they had an opportunity to talk one-on-one with men who took an interest in their lives and their futures. And symposium participants didn’t hold back in asking their mentors a myriad of questions during their personal breakout sessions which mentors said were inquisitive, lively and poignant exchanges.
“I understand the importance of having goals after talking with my mentor,” said 17-year-old Washington High School Student Delante Robinson who attended the symposium. “I was inspired by my mentor and now I have goals I know I can achieve.”
“At the end of the day, that’s what it is all about, reaching the next generation, giving them hope, helping them see the vision for their lives and giving them the tools to make their dreams come true,” said Brown. “We are our brother’s keeper, and Brother II Brother is without a doubt our young brother’s keeper.” For more information about Brother II Brother, visit brothertobrotherla.org. (If you have comments about Veronica’s View, email to vsview@yahoo.com.) ###
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Deborah Cox gives you a sweet promise with latest CD; Grammy Award nominated R&B singer/songwriter Trueful to re-release debut album with bonus tracks
By Eunice Moseley
Deborah Cox gives you a wonderful promise on her first R&B CD release in six years
Before there was Alicia Keys and Mario, there was Deborah Cox, the “discovery” of Clive Davis when he was at his Arista Records label. Cox was a background singer for Celine Dion when Clive took her under his wing. Thirteen years later after her self titled debut in 1995, which included the hit she co-wrote, “Sentimental,” Deborah releases her first R&B CD in six years on DECO Recording/Image Entertainment titled “The Promise.”
“Last year’s album was a tribute to Dinah Washington, it received a Grammy nomination,” powerhouse vocalist/songwriter Deborah Cox said about her tribute CD off the DECCA label when ask about the long period between albums. “I wanted to mix it up a bit…don’t want them bored,” she went on to say about her new CD, “The Promise.”
Bored you will not be on “The Promise,” which can be considered a party album for Cox - who co-wrote the entire album - and enlisted the help of hit makers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, John Legend and of course her childhood sweet heart, business partner and husband Lascelles Stephens (just to name a few).
“I had so much flexibility,” Deborah said about producing an album on a label she owns. “I have to micro-manage…manager every aspect…It is an insult when corporate people get in the way of creativity. People want to be part of the success... (they) can get in the way.”
But Cox says of the hard work of having your own label is all worth it when you have a product you are totally satisfied with and one that she (and husband) will reap most of the benefits from. Deborah is a multi-platinum selling artist whose second album “One Wish” in 1998 achieved platinum status giving her fans the hits “We Can’t Be Friends” and “No Body is Suppose to Be Here,” which was the number one single for 14 consecutive weeks. In 2002 she released “The Morning After” on Clive Davis’ J Records.
Deborah went on to become an actress appearing in the films “Love Come Down” and “A Good Man is Hard to Find” starring Golden Brooks and Darrin Dewitt Henson, as well as an episode of “Nash Bridges.” She went on to tour in musicals such as David Talbert’s “Love on Layaway” and Tim Rice and Elton Johns’ “Aida.”
The beautiful title track, “The Promise,” is written by John Legend and co-produced by Cox.
“That song amplifies where I am right now as a mother, wife, friend, sister…,” Deborah said about the powerful selection. “I heard the song two years ago and kept that song …its special…a song to sing to a loved one.”
Aside from the title track my favorite cuts on “The Promise” CD are “All Over Me,” co-written by Cox and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, a sexy number; “Where Do We Go From Here,” which she co-wrote, has a Pop dance feel to it; “Love is not Made in Words,” a cute Pop/R&B song, and “Beautiful U R,” which is a “hot” Pop dance number.
French Royalty Records’ debut artist Trueful receives Grammy Award nomination and looks to re-release CD with bonus tracks
“I am always singing….I am told I was singing since I was four,” twenty-year-old R&B singer/songwriter Trueful (Dazel French) said about his musical beginnings that brings him to a point where he has garnered a Grammy Award nomination; opened for rapper Lil’ Flip; performs always with an entire show (which includes hot dancers); performed at Carnegie Hall, The House of Blues, and B.B. King Club, and headlines a college tour and is planning another in January.
His self-titled 2008 debut on his parents “indie” label, French Royalty Records, is full of hot club tracks and some sweet ballads like one of the singles from the CD, “Where ever you go,” which the young artist always sings at the end of a concert while he hands out to the ladies red roses.
“Uplifting Minds II was my first performance (at age 15),” Trueful said about performing at my Los Angeles entertainment conference five years ago. “My mom brought it to my attention, she said, ‘You’re not just a singer, you’re an entertainer.”
Entertaining is certainly his goal when performing. The young gentleman, who prides himself on keeping performances and his music clean, dances, sings, raps and is an awesome song writer. When I saw him perform recently in Long Beach, California at the Rhythm Lounge when he performed at the Star Strucc Entertainment concert featuring Lil’ Flip, the audience went wild over his 30 minute concert performance. During wardrobe changes his dancers kept the crowd entertained. This young superstar is also currently attending UCLA with a dual degree in Recording Engineer, and Songwriting and Music Business.
Trueful has also performed as opening act for singer Rome and Mark Woods, Jr. of Lakeside. Rome was so impressed with him he wants Trueful to duet with him on his new CD.
His label, French Royalty Records, is planning his second college tour, “Welcome to my World,” co-hosted by label-mate comedian/actor Peanut (BET ComicView/The Soloist) to start in January, 2009.
For now you can check Trueful out at his MySpace.com/trueful or catch his December 4th performance at 7 p.m. for the city of Compton at the Heritage House.
THE FILM STRIP: ACTOR’S ACTOR JEFFREY WRIGHT WEIGHS IN ON BOND, OBAMA AND MUDDY WATERS: TFS makes blond Bond blush, Edi Gathegi educates irate ‘Twilight’ fans upset over his casting, and his co-stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattison talk about being in one of the most anticipated movies this season.
By Marie Moore
*Fueling up for an unprecedented race to the #1 spot at the box office, Jeffrey Wright and Daniel Craig made a pit stop to New York the day before their film “Quantum of Solace” opened.
Director Marc Forster, who preceded them, told The Film Strip he wanted Wright to have a bigger part than in the