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12-21-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
JENNIFER HUDSON EARNS 'BREAKTHROUGH' HONOR: Actress to receive award next month during Palm Springs Film Festival.
*The awards just keep coming for Jennifer Hudson. On Wednesday, the Palm Springs International Film Festival announced that the "Dreamgirls"
star will be honored with its coveted Breakthrough Performance Award during its 18th annual event next month.
The "American Idol" veteran has already picked up a best supporting actress Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Effie White, and has collected a number of year-end honors from such groups as the African American Film Critics Association, and most recently the Chicago Film Critics organization.
Hudson will be presented the Breakthrough Performance award on Jan. 13 at the estate of festival board members Jim and Jackie Lee Houston.
Academy Award nominee Felicity Huffman was the previous recipient of this award.
TAMIKO NASH SAYS TRUMP MADE THE RIGHT DECISION: But what else could Miss USA runner-up say under the circumstances?
*Coming ever-so-close to assuming the title of Miss USA on Tuesday, first runner-up Tamiko Nash tells People magazine that she supports Donald Trump's decision not to fire the current Miss USA, Tara Conner, for various infractions unbecoming of a young woman representing the nation.
"I can only put myself in Tara's position," Nash said Tuesday after Trump's announcement. "I would, of course, want a second chance, too. I hope she makes the best of this new opportunity."
Conner's crown was in jeopardy after word of her excessive partying, alcohol consumption and alleged cocaine use reached pageant officials, including head honcho, the Donald.
After days of speculation as to whether Nash would take over the title, Trump announced Tuesday that he's a fan of second chances, and therefore, would allow Conner to continue her reign - but with a mandetory trip to rehab.
Nash, 27, is the third African American to hold the Miss California title, and is currently auditioning for roles in TV and film.
"I have moved on with my duties as Miss California USA and am working on my entertainment career," she tells People.
MURPHY, HUDSON GET NODS FROM CHICAGO CRITICS: Group also nominates Whitaker, Smith, Epps and Palmer for year-end film awards.
*Forest Whitaker and Jennifer Hudson can add another nomination to their armful of honors from critics groups this season. The Chicago Film Critics Association on Tuesday announced that it has nominated each for an acting award.
Both Whitaker and Will Smith received Best Actor nods for their roles in "The Last King of Scotland" and "The Pursuit of Happyness"
respectively, while Hudson and her "Dreamgirls" co-star Eddie Murphy were nominated for Best Supporting Actress and Actor.
Battling it out in the Most Promising Performer category are actresses Shareeka Epps for "Half-Nelson" and Keke Palmer for "Akeelah and the Bee."
Winners will be announced on Dec. 28. Here is the entire list of nominees from the Chicago Film Critics:
BEST PICTURE
"Babel"
"The Departed"
"Little Miss Sunshine"
"The Queen"
"United 93"
BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM:
"Apocalypto"
"Letters From Iwo Jima"
"Pan's Labyrinth"
"Tsotsi"
"Volver"
BEST DIRECTOR
Clint Eastwood for "Letters From Iwo Jima"
Stephen Frears for "The Queen"
Paul Greengrass for "United 93"
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu for "Babel"
Martin Scorsese for "The Departed"
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
"Babel" -Guillermo Arriaga
"Letters From Iwo Jima" -Iris Yamashita
"Little Miss Sunshine" -Michael Arndt
"The Queen" -Peter Morgan
"United 93" -Paul Greengrass
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
"The Departed" -William Monahan
"Little Children" -Todd Field & Tom Perrotta "Notes On A Scandal" -Patrick Marber "A Prairie Home Companion" -Garrison Keillor "Thank You for Smoking" -Jason Reitman
BEST ACTOR
Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Departed"
Ryan Gosling for "Half-Nelson"
Peter O'Toole for "Venus"
Will Smith for "The Pursuit of Happyness"
Forest Whitaker for "The Last King of Scotland"
BEST ACTRESS
Penelope Cruz for "Volver"
Judi Dench for "Notes on a Scandal"
Maggie Gyllenhaal for "Sherrybaby"
Helen Mirren for "The Queen"
Meryl Streep for "The Devil Wears Prada"
Kate Winslet for "Little Children"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Ben Affleck for "Hollywoodland"
Jackie Earle Haley for "Little Children"
Eddie Murphy for "Dreamgirls"
Jack Nicholson for "The Departed"
Brad Pitt for "Babel"
Michael Sheen for "The Queen"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Adriana Barraza for "Babel"
Cate Blanchett for "Notes On a Scandal"
Abigail Breslin for "Little Miss Sunshine"
Toni Collette for "Little Miss Sunshine"
Jennifer Hudson for "Dreamgirls"
Rinko Kikuchi for "Babel"
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
"Babel" -Gustavo Santaolalla
"The Fountain" -Clint Mansell
"Letters From Iwo Jima" -Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens "Notes On a Scandal" - Philip Glass "The Queen" -Alexandre Desplat
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
"Babel" - Rodrigo Prieto
"Children of Men" -Emmanuel Lubezki
"The Departed" -Michael Ballhaus
"The Fountain" -Matthew Libatique
"Letters From Iwo Jima" -Tom Stern
BEST DOCUMENTARY
"Deliver Us From Evil"
"An Inconvenient Truth"
"Jesus Camp"
"Shut Up and Sing"
"Wordplay"
MOST PROMISING PERFORMER
Ivana Baquero for "Pan's Labyrinth"
Sacha Baron Cohen for "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" and "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby"
Shareeka Epps for "Half-Nelson"
Rinko Kikuchi for "Babel"
Keke Palmer for "Akeelah and the Bee"
MOST PROMISING DIRECTOR
Rian Johnson for "Brick"
Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris for "Little Miss Sunshine"
Gil Kenan for "Monster House"
Jason Reitman "Thank You for Smoking"
James McTeigue for "V for Vendetta"
STAR JONES COMES CLEAN ABOUT DIVA IMAGE: Plus, plans trip with Oprah to South Africa for school opening.
*Star Jones Reynolds is finally owning up to the "diva" label that has followed her around since becoming a co-host on "The View," and is perhaps taking steps to fight the negative impression with a planned trip to South Africa for the opening of Oprah Winfrey's new school for girls.
The former prosecutor told TV's "Extra" that she's flying there this New Year's with Winfrey and Gayle King to support the school's launch. The nature of the ceremony will prompt celebrities to check their diva behavior at the door.
"I've earned that diva image. It's not something that I can hide from," she told Extra in an interview that aired Tuesday. "I admit sometimes I have enjoyed the celebrity more than I should have. It was well-earned, but it's softened now."
The author of self-help memoir "Shine: A Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Journey to Finding Love," Star says she's learning to put the diva attitude behind her and operate with more humility.
"I am rejoicing in learning from my mistakes and missteps and trips and falls," she tells Extra. "I've learned that sometimes modesty and humility shows the most strength and courage. That's the Star that you see right now."
'KIMINEM' DIVORCE FINAL.AGAIN: Rapper and ex to share custody of 10-year-old Hailie.
*Rapper Eminem and his on again-off again-on again-off again wife Kim Mathers were divorced for the second time Tuesday after a judge rendered it final during a court hearing.
The couple "conducted themselves with dignity and respect," Circuit Judge Antonio P. Viviano told reporters. "All in all, they are a very fine couple to deal with."
Under terms of a private settlement, the childhood sweethearts agreed to divide property and share custody of their 10-year-old daughter, Hailie Jade Scott. Both Kim and Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, did not speak to reporters after the brief hearing.
They were married for the first time in 1999. After divorcing in 2001, the young couple remarried on Jan. 14 of this year. Some three months later, Eminem filed for divorce again.
YOUNG JEEZY TOPS BILLBOARD: Ciara tumbles to No. 11; Fantasia, Tyrese debut in top 25.
*There's a blizzard at the top of The Billboard 200 this week courtesy of Young Jeezy. The self-proclaimed Snowman tops the album chart with his sophomore Def Jam album, "The Inspiration," on sales of 352,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The amount of sold units is more than double the 172,000-unit first week for his 2005 debut, "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation."
Meanwhile, "American Idol" alum Taylor Hicks opens at No. 2 on the chart with his self-titled Arista debut on sales of 298,000 in its first week.
Ciara's "The Evolution" fell from No. 1 last week to No. 11 on a 51.5% drop to 164,000, while last week's No. 2, the compilation "Eminem Presents:
The Re-Up" (Shady/Interscope), slips to No. 13.
Mary J. Blige's "Reflections (A Retrospective)" (Geffen), bows at No.
9 on sales of 171,000 units, which places her behind Young Jeezy's "The Inspiration" at No. 2 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Fantasia's self-titled sophomore album for J debuts at No. 19 on The Billboard 200 and No. 3 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums with 133,000 copies. Her first set, "Free Yourself," started at No. 8 on The Billboard 200 in 2004 with 240,000 on its way to 1.7 million copies sold to date.
Tyrese's new album "Alter Ego" (J) debuted at No. 23 with just shy of 116,000. The double album also charts on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums at No. 4 and on Top Rap Albums at No. 2.
Ghostface Killah debuted at No. 71 on The Billboard 200 with his second Def Jam album of the year, "More Fish," which sold 36,000. In April, "Fishscale" opened at No. 4 on the big chart with 110,000 and at No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
EUR DVD REVIEW: Invincible
Underdog's Unlikely NFL Triumph Available on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*By the summer of '76, Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg) had just about bottomed-out. The 30 year-old, substitute schoolteacher had been laid-off and was working part-time at a neighborhood tavern, when his wife (Lola Glaudini) disappeared without notice. All she left behind was a nasty note in which she told her about to be ex-husband how much of a loser he was.
Then, while crying on the shoulder of his best friend, Max (Michael Rispoli), Vince saw a TV news report that the Philadelphia Eagles would be holding a tryout open to the public. Egged on by his buddy, he decided to give it a shot. If successful, he'd become the oldest rookie ever to enter the NFL, an amazing feat given that he never played a down of football in college. And it is this against-the-odds effort which is the subject of Invincible.
Unfortunately, this film takes too many liberties with the truth, rendering Papale's real-life story all but unrecognizable, reweaving it into a fractured fairy tale of improbable proportions. For instance, the movie makes it appear that Vince had never played organized football before the NFL, when he had, in fact, starred for two seasons with the Philadelphia Bell till the upstart World Football League folded in 1975.
If you are willing to ignore its revisionist history, Invincible is a cleverly-scripted, frequently-funny, feelgood flick, complete with a sweet storybook romance. Vince rebounds nicely from his bitter break-up with his wife when Max's cute cousin, Janet (Elizabeth Banks), conveniently arrives in town.
Mating calls aside, the paint-by-numbers sports side of this picture is only likely to capture the imagination of kids under the age of ten unfamiliar with such formulaic fare. Anybody older has probably seen this tale told several times before, and more artfully executed.
Good (2 stars)
PG for sports action and mild epithets.
Running time: 104 minutes
Studi Buena Vista Home Entertainment
DVD Extras: Five commentaries, plus a Vince Papale documentary.
NEW BLACK EYED PEAS ALBUM IN THE POT: wil.i.am says project is 'almost finished' and due 'this time next year.'
*The Black Eyed Peas are currently working on a new album to follow up their four million-selling 2005 CD, "Monkey Business."
Group member will.i.am tells Billboard.com that the set is "almost finished" and "will come out this time next year."
"We have 12 songs," will.i.am says, "and we'll probably do another 30 or 40 songs."
The album, much of which has been recorded while on tour, will be "a fun record," notes will.i.am, but will also deal with some social and political issues.
"We are not complaining," he says. "It's not, 'Oh, everything messed up! Oh my gosh, we're doomed!' It's a thinking record. It brings up what's happening in the world. 'Monkey Business' didn't do that."
The group is also preparing to throw its third annual pre-Grammy Awards Pea Pod event, which this year will honor Interscope Records chief Jimmy Iovine.
'DAY BREAK' TO CONTINUE ONLINE: ABC to play unaired episodes of Taye Diggs show on its Web site.
*When "Day Break" was yanked off the air by ABC last week, Detective Hopper (Taye Diggs) was closing in on the reason he is reliving the same day over and over again.
Fans of the show will be happy to see this plotline resolved, as ABC has decided to air out the remaining episodes of the season at its Web site http://abc.go.com/.
The network has announced that new episodes will become available online at the same time they would have normally aired -- at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, reports WENN.
According to the Web site TV Series Finale: "ABC recently announced that they're reworking their Wednesday night schedule -- in preparation for the return of 'Lost' on February 7th. During the fall of 2005, 'Lost' scored great numbers at 9 p.m. but took a notable ratings hit once 'American Idol'
returned in January. ABC execs clearly don't want a repeat of that situation. As a result, 'Lost' will move from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. The network has decided to air two hours of comedy shows in the 8-10 p.m. half hours prior to 'Lost.' New episodes of 'George Lopez' and 'According to Jim' will be followed by the new comedies 'Knights of Prosperity' and 'In Case of Emergency.'
GOLDMANS SUE O.J. FOR SCRAPPED BOOK MONEY: Fred Goldman wants whatever advance loot Simpson received for 'If I Did It.'
*Fred Goldman - relentless in his pursuit to collect on a $38 million civil judgment against O.J. Simpson for the murder of his son Ronald Goldman - has filed another lawsuit against the former NFL star seeking any money received from a canceled book and TV interview.
The federal lawsuit filed in California Tuesday accuses Simpson of "fraudulent conveyance" and alleges that he created a shell corporation that received at least $1.1 million as part of the TV interview and book, titled "If I Did It."
Goldman's Indianapolis-based attorney Jonathan Polak said Simpson set up a "sham entity" titled Lorraine Brooke Associates, which is the middle name of his two children. The lawsuit says the fake business was formed to defraud Ron Goldman's relatives by preventing them from claiming any of the money Simpson owes in the wrongful death lawsuit.
Goldman's lawsuit seeks about $1.1 million plus punitive damages, although Polak believes Simpson has already spent the money he received from News Corp., the owner of Fox Broadcasting and publisher HarperCollins.
Polak said the true intent of the lawsuit is to determine how the book and TV interview deals were reached.
"The question in this lawsuit is not about what's in their bank account right now," he said. "The issue is, can we unwind this series of transactions and hold those we believe truly are responsible accountable financially?"
COSTUME DESIGNER BALANCED 'DREAMGIRLS' AND 'HAPPYNESS': Sharen Davis on challenge of working both films at the same time.
*Imagine having to spend half of your day finding the right wardrobe befitting a homeless man, and the other half designing over 100 different dresses for a girl group in the 60s and 70s.
Such was the existence this year of Oscar-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis, who created the eye-popping outfits in "Dreamgirls" as well as the dreary, lackluster suits in "The Pursuit of Happyness" - at the same time, reports AP.
"It actually expanded me," said Davis, 49, of the experience. "I got to do the balance of both worlds, this high-glam world to this very low-end world. It was inspiring to do both at once."
For "Dreamgirls," Davis built 120 dresses from scratch to be worn by the Dreamettes, a singing group played by Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose. She chose the colors, styles, fabric, hair and makeup for their ever-changing looks.
Davis, who earned an Oscar nomination for "Ray," also designed dozens of flashy suits for Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy.
At the other end of the fashion spectrum was "The Pursuit of Happyness," which stars Will Smith as an aspiring stockbroker who battles homelessness while caring for his young son. For this film, set in the early 1980s, Davis had to limit Smith's costumes to "four suits, eight shirts, six ties," she said.
She designed each of Smith's four suits for the film. As for Jaden Smith, Smith's real-life son who plays alongside him in the movie, Davis had his puffy jacket custom made, but she stuck to the dullest color palette she could.
"To underplay the `80s is a real task," she said, adding that she had to fight her natural attraction to fabulous fashions.
A former backup singer who grew up listening to Motown, Davis spent months researching girl groups to outfit the Raylettes in "Ray." She drew on memory and imagination for "Dreamgirls."
"I didn't have to go far for reference. It's all in my head," she said. "It was like this was my opportunity to pay homage to everyone that I ever loved."
MIJAC'S NEVERLAND TO STAR IN REALITY SHOW? Enquirer claims singer wants to sell ranch via Bravo series 'Million Dollar Listing.'
*Is Michael Jackson trying to follow his sister La Toya to reality TV? According to the National Enquirer, the former King of Pop wants to sell his Neverland Ranch and have the entire process - from listing to escrow to closing - featured on the Bravo reality series, "Million Dollar Listings:
Hollywood."
A source explains to the Enquirer: "Michael needs cash -- and fast.
By making the show the exclusive agent for the Neverland sale, he can get some up-front money real quick.
"The show will have exclusive access to Neverland and can do numerous segments about selling one of the most famous residences in the world.
"Michael is in a bad way. He is running out of funds and appears distraught. He showed up at a meeting last week with his pants inside out!
He's a mess."
Jackson hasn't stepped foot on Neverland since July 2005, when he was cleared of child molestation charges and jetted to Bahrain. The property in Santa Barbara County includes an abandoned amusement park and petting zoo.
As previously reported, La Toya is currently shooting the upcoming CBS reality show "Armed and Famous," which features celebrities as reserve officers in the Muncie, Indiana police department.
GRAMMYS TO HONOR BOOKER T. & THE MG'S, COLEMAN: Acts among music greats to receive Lifetime Achievement awards.
*Booker T. & The MG's and saxophone great Ornette Coleman are among the recipients of the 2007 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award presented by The Recording Academy.
Other artists receiving the prestigious honor include Joan Baez, Maria Callas, the Doors, the Grateful Dead and Bob Wills. Estelle Axton, Cosimo Matassa and Stephen Sondheim will be honored with The Academy's Trustees Award, while David M. Smith and Yamaha Corporation have been named recipients of the Technical Grammy Award.
"This year's group of accomplished honorees are as diverse as they are influential as creators of the most renowned and prominent recordings in the world," said Recording Academy President Neil Portnow. "Their contributions exemplify the highest artistic and technical standards that have positively affected the music industry and music fans."
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors lifelong artistic contributions to the recording medium while the Trustees Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry in a non-performing capacity. Both awards are decided by vote of The Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees.
As the house band at Stax Records in Memphis, Booker T. & The MG's (Steve Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Al Jackson, Booker T. Jones, and Lewie
Steinberg) had tight, impeccable grooves that can be heard on classic hits by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Carla Thomas, to name a few. They also were one of the top instrumental outfits of the rock era, recording classics including "Green Onions," "Time Is Tight," and "Hang 'Em High." As a band that featured two blacks and two whites playing as a cohesive group in the highly-charged south of the '60s, they set an example of how music can transcend social ills.
One of the most notable figures in jazz history, American jazz saxophonist and composer Ornette Coleman is considered one of the major innovators of the free jazz movement of the '60s. He has influenced virtually every saxophonist of a modern disposition and nearly every jazz musician of the following generation. Coleman's timbre is one of the most easily recognized in jazz: his keening, crying sound draws heavily on the blues. From the beginning, his music and playing were unorthodox, and his sense of harmony and chord were not as rigid as most swing music or bebop performers and were easily changed and often implied. His growing reputation placed him at the forefront of jazz innovation, and free jazz was soon considered a new genre.
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: The Power of Words
*There is a short story I have heard of. Rather than protest the displaying of the confederate battle flag with marches and boycotts, Black folks decide to fly the flag at their homes, wear it on clothing and put it on their automobiles. Once Black people claimed it as their own, White folks wouldn’t want anything else to do with it or so the theory goes. Taking ownership of it would deny the symbol of its power.
As intrigued as I am by the story, I do not recall the author’s name nor do I imagine such a strategy would result in triumph. In fact, I am fairly certain such a tactic would backfire horribly resulting in the display of more confederate flags than any of us could stomach. Moreover, I can not imagine why on earth I would want to claim ownership of a symbol that represents my dehumanization?
The story bears some similarities to the ongoing debate about the Black community’s ownership of the word Nigger or what we now refer to as the “N-word.” Our claim to the word has expanded its use and even taken it international.
A friend of mine tells of being in Bosnia and being greeted on the street by a young Slavic boy with a hearty, “what up my nigger!” Baggy pants and Coca Cola are not the only things imported from America .
There is of course the claim that the Black use of the word is different – We say Nigg a instead of Nigg er . Admittedly, there is a difference between the word as used by the likes of Richard Pryor and what we heard pour forth from Michael Richards during his Laugh Factory break down a few weeks ago. However, words have meaning. Richards gave us a taste of the word’s true gruesomeness. The actor didn’t just use the word he breathed life into it. Understand that Richards’ tirade would have been as foul without the word. A description of lynching and pitch forks in various parts of the human anatomy is offensive and, as it happens, exactly what the word itself represents. Thanks to modern technology the word showed itself in the stark light of morning and we were repulsed. That is as it should be. We are fooling ourselves if we believe the artistry of Pryor or the inanities of the new minstrels (or the addition of an “a” rather than an “er”) somehow transform the word’s meaning.
Another tape making the internet rounds features two Black boys brawling in their backyard as their families egg them on. The use of the word on that tape reeks with contempt and subjection. It is as vulgar as Richards Laugh Factory rant. More so.
So, why we would claim a word that’s sole purpose was to tell black people that we weren’t fit to walk the earth? And then use it as a term of affection for one another no less?
There is method to paintings that hang on our walls that comment on the history of racism in America . I understand the public and private collections of Jim Crow memorabilia. Sitting on the board of a museum I have held such objects in my hand and voted for their accession into the museum’s collection. These items provide a record of the African journey in America . But unlike the sheet music, comic books and other relics that come through the museum, ownership of “Nigger” does not move us forward. It is not simply a reminder of the past it is an anchor to the past.
Those things we keep in our cultural bank accounts pay dividends and eventually define us. Let us consider seriously if we want to store up cultural capital that declares our self contempt to the world and then gives them permission to agree.
Joseph C. Phillips is an actor/writer based in Los Angeles. His column appears regularly in newspapers and and he is a regular commentator on News and Notes with Ed Gordon on NPR. Phillips is the author of "He Talk Like A White Boy" now available wherever books are sold; it can also be purchased online here: http://subnorks.notlong.com. Contact him at: Joseph@josephcphillips.com
ASK ADVICE CHICK: Answers to YOUR Dating, Sex, Life, & Love Questions!
© Kimberly Williams - AdviceChick@ameritech.net
MORE Advice Chick’s Holiday Gift Suggestions!
*Happy Holidays everyone! Last week I gave you some holiday gift suggestions. This week, I’ll give you a couple more, including holiday gifts on a budget!
-- For you and him
Ladies, sexy lingerie is a dual gift. You look super sexy, and he can’t keep his eyes or hands off you. Get the good stuff at VictoriasSecret.com and Fredericks.com. I know from experience, Fredericks.com has plus-size stuff.
-- Buy a gift, GET a gift
Chilis.com
Chili's is offering $5 bonus when you purchase a $25 gift card. Use coupon code HOLIDAY when purchasing the $25 card to get an additional $5 bonus. Give the $25.00 gift card as a gift and keep the $5.00 gift card for yourself. You get one FREE $5.00 bonus for each $25.00 gift card you purchase.
Buca Dibeppo Italian Restaurant
http://www.bucadibeppo.com/giftcards/
Now through Dec. 31st, order $100 in gift cards and receive a free $25 Reward Card valid Jan. 1 – March 25, 2007. Their food is SO good, y’all!
-- Popular gifts for kids
Nintendo DS Lite
The odds are against you on this one. The Nintendo DS Lite is pretty high on the list of requested gifts for kids.
TMX Elmo
This laughing machine is so cute! The 10th anniversary edition of Elmo will make kids and adults laugh right along with him. Well, you’ll be laughing if you can find him. I heard there are some available at Costco, so hurrup!
Send YOUR questions to Advice Chick right NOW! advicechick@ameritech.net . Buy Advice Chick’s Dating Book at http://www.thebasicsbook.com
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Media inquiries? Call 312-893-0538.
Ask Advice Chick about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING related to dating, sex, love, and life! Kimberly Williams (THE resident dating expert at EURweb.com) calls on over 11 years of dating and relationship industry experience.
MADISON CHASE FITNESS: New You in 2007
By Madison Chase
*2007 is quickly approaching. December is quickly flying by and 2006 will be a fleeting memory. If your accomplishments in 2006 were not all you planned then there is room for improvement. There is light at the end of the tunnel and a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
On December 31, 2006 the emotion of the final minutes of the last days and seconds of 2006 seem to be magical. As you count down the last seconds of 2006, memories of 2006 flash in your head. A list is made of all the things you plan on accomplishing in 2007. The list can be in your head or written or typed on paper. But the last 10 seconds you visualize this mental or physical list, you close your eyes like its Christmas, and in the last 10 seconds you vow that this year will be different. This year you will finally, for once and for all, reach every new 2007 New Year’s resolution you have planned.
For the next couple of weeks you are determined to transform your 2006 to a better year. More money, more time with your loved ones, more time with your friends, more time with significant others, more time with your dogs, travel more, lose weight, bunji jump, and did I say lose weight.
The first two weeks start off amazing. You go to your local store and think if I just have the right workout gear I am unstoppable. So you spend your Christmas money on new running shoes, the new Nike Shocks, because, Jerry told you that these are the best cross training shoes ever. You even invest in the dry-weave Nike outfit work out clothes because you are preparing to WORK IT OUT. You get the New Year resolution special at the local gym. You make plans to meet your new trainer that comes with your new membership. You even stop super sizing your meals at Mickey D’s and limit your fast food trips. You start eating better and then “IT” happens. “IT” the majestic coach that Cinderella rode to the ball then becomes the pumpkin.
If this sounds familiar it is A- OK because we have all been there, including me. The trick is how to apply the same emotion felt in the last 10 seconds of 2006 to every single day of 2007. First, decide if you are truly tired of your life in 2006. You have to be ready for change in order for change to happen. If you want something that you have never had before in your life then YOU have to do something that you have never done in your life. So let’s stop and ask ourselves what can be done to remember the feelings you felt on December 31, 2006?
After you evaluate how you felt make a list of all the positive things that worked for you in 2006 and then add them to the list below.
1. If your list was a mental list put it on paper.
Take a moment to reflect on what your goals were in 2006 and what steps did you take to meet those goals. What worked and what didn’t work. Put pictures up to help you stay motivated. Put pictures up of the car you want, the slimmer you pictures up in your car, refrigerator, and bathroom.
2. Start every day by making of list of things you are thankful for. Think of the small things that we often take for granted.
3. After giving thanks begin to visualize meeting and exceeding your fitness goals, your career goals, and financial goals. Do this every day.
4. Find a positive accountability partner. If you don’t have any positive friends, find a relative that is positive.
5. Make a weekly realistic plan. 2 pounds per week is a realistic weight loss goal. Don’t set unrealistic goals because the minute you don’t see quick results you are more likely to quit.
6. Start small and then work your way up. If you have never worked out a day in your life working out 4 times a week is unrealistic. Start by walking 2 times per week.
7. Find a program that will teach you how to improve your eating habits. Eating weight watchers or lean cuisine meals is a great alternative if you don’t have time or money to invest in a program.
8. In addition to working out add fun physical activity like roller skating, bowling, hiking to your program. This will keep you from getting bored.
9. Give yourself weekly rewards like celebrating by buying yourself
the digital camera you want or the cute new shoes you had your eyes on.
10.Last but not least. GET STARTED. Don’t wait, get started today so your 2007 is completely different from your 2006.
Madison Chase is a certified personal lifestyle fitness and health coach. Her background in fitness began with classical ballet at Julliard, School of American Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Fort Worth Ballet. She has a marketing degree from the University of Oklahoma and many personal training certifications, and is currently working on her Masters in Kinesiology with a focus on Sports Psychology. This former NBC Fitness Expert and 3- Time ESPN fitness champion has worked with some of the best in the business. Her clients include celebrities from Jada and Will Smith hit show “All of US,” and professional athletes with many NFL teams including the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. She currently resides in Los Angeles and believes that everyday you should strive to be your best. For additional information on Madison, you may visit:
www.madisonchasefitness.com
www.myspace.com/madchasefitness
BE YOUR BEST EVERYDAY!!!!!
PAUL PORTER: Bling, Bling Barbie
*We are defined in American culture by the images that are seen, heard and read in the media. From Flava Flav, Ms New York and the cast of shopping mall characters on Viacom's VH1 to the continued commercialization of hip hop. Images and content are drilled into the heads of millions daily on stock holder friendly television and radio.
This past year brought much more of the same. Twelve months more of Natalee Holloway, five days of murdered Sean Bell. The media's overwhelming coverage of the Duke rape case and its never ending OJ watch that showed public outcry does mean something. You witnessed countless hip hop arrests filled with another year of meaning-less lyrics. You watched it and eventually you believe it.
Hopefully this holiday you will be blessed with outrage, new perceptions, critical thought and a heart that cares about kids. Hip hop's commercialization continues to pound kids full of materialism, sex and hate.
While radio and record's pay-for-play relationship has firmly taken away any thought provoking content we all have selfishly allowed it. The movie Dreamgirls hits the big screen on Xmas day and sheds light on payola, the system that now effectively dictates hip hop - hand picked hits on radio, MTV and BET fueled by corporate cash not by listener's choice.
The corporate suits who continue to profit by culture corruption are laughing their way to the bank. Next time you see Jay Z, Russell or Puffy ask them who signs their check. They sell it we buy it, we continue to listen to it and watch it. Viacom's BET recently premiered "American Gangster" a ratings smash geared for its young audience highlighting drug kingpins and criminals. Just as Ronald McDonald targeted millions of children to unhealthy "Happy Meals," commercial hip hop continues to target kids. Now legendary toy maker Mattel is cashing in on hip hop imagery.
Bling, Bling Barbie has hit stores everywhere. In a recent trip to Toy's R Us, I was amazed to see an aisle full of big lipped dolls ... Some white, some black but all scantily clad with a ghetto bling accessories kit to match. Bling, Bling Barbie targets six year olds and you might ask will it ever end?
If you're old enough to read this you should be smart enough to understand today's post civil rights slavery. Yes you're free to choose from a pool full of companies that have a profit-only DNA. In America it has never been more true: what you see is what you get. Continue to stand for nothing and that's what kids will continue to get.
Paul Porter
www.IndustryEars.com
www.PaulPorter.voice123.com
www.zoominfo.com/PaulPorter
FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY: Year-End Tax Countdown/Week 4
By Shannon King Nash, Esq., CPA
* In continuing with my step-by-step guide on those last-minute tax tips, this last week we need to forget the old habits of tax years gone by and focus on starting "So Fresh and So Clean," (Outkast, 2000). Resolve today that you can and will take control of your taxes!
Week 4, December 24-30
The Outro - Last Minute Tax Deductions
During week two, I gave you several last-minute deductions to capitalize on before the end of the year: Medical Deductions, Charitable Contributions, Mortgage and Property Taxes and Unreimbursed Employee Expenses (see http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur30188.cfm ).
In addition to those listed above: If you are certain you will owe state taxes in 2007, you can pre-pay them now in 2007. By paying them before December 31, 2006 you can actually deduct them on your 2006 taxes.
Finally, if you've suffered casualty or theft losses in 2006, start gathering your receipts, police reports and other documents to support the amount of your losses.
The Sound Check - Pro Forma Tax Returns
Take this last week to truly focus on knowing your tax situation. There's no need to be "surprised" by April 15th. Don't know where to start? Check out my previous article on how to calculate your pro forma tax return (see http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur30048.cfm ).
The Compilation - Get Organized
Thou shalt organize those receipts. Thou shalt not be a pack-rat this year. Take one of your lazy days this week and start gathering all those receipts. Some people file them away or enter them diligently on the computer...but for everyone else, pull out that shoebox (or accordion folder) of receipts and dedicate an hour or two this week to putting them all in one place. By doing this early, without the deadline hovering over you, you just may uncover deductions you didn't realize you had.
According to the IRS free publication "Recordkeeping for Individuals," below is a basic list of records you should keep and organize in order to breeze through your 2006 filing:
--Income
Forms(s) W-2
Forms(s) 1099
Bank Statements
Brokerage statements
Form(s) K-1
--Expenses
Sales slips
Invoices
Receipts
Canceled checks and/or other proof of payment
--Home
Closing statements
Purchase and sales invoices
Proof of payment
Insurance records
--Investments
Brokerage statements
Mutual fund statements
Form(s) 1099
Form(s)
The Final Mix - Getting Help
Sometimes you have more money than time. In those cases, it just makes more sense to hire a bookkeeper to enter your receipts into a program like QuickBooks or Quicken (after all you still have to work, take care of your kids, volunteer or all of the above). A bookkeeper can often do in 10 hours what it might take you 20 or more to complete. Ask your accountant or friends for referrals. Many companies offer bookkeeping specials at this time of year. In fact (shameless plug beginning here), the Nash Management Group is currently offering 10 hours of bookkeeping for $275. Wouldn't it feel great to turn over those receipts and bank statements to someone else and let them do the tedious work of sorting them all out? Even if you choose to do your own taxes, having the information clearly stated in front of you will allow you to maximize your deductions and avoid making filing mistakes.
Taking It to The Bridge - 2007
By February of 2007, you should be ready to file your taxes. We will tackle your step-by-step schedule for filing tax returns then. So, "Come on Everybody," (Run DMC, 1993), stop sticking your head in the sand and waiting until the very last minute to deal with your taxes. An hour a week during the month of December will have you feeling "So Good," (Kirk Franklin, 1997).
Credits - Helpful Last Minute Links:
1. 2006 IRS Tax Rate Schedule (Helps you compute your estimated taxes)
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=150856,00.html
2. E-File (Allows you to file your taxes online directly with the IRS beginning January 12, 2007)
http://www.irs.gov/efile/index .html
3. Old Tax Returns - misplaced your copy of a past tax return? You can purchase them at this IRS site on Form 4506.
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc156.html
Shannon King Nash is the author of the award-winning book entitled, "For the Love of Money: The 411 to Taking Control of Your Taxes and Building Your Net Worth." She uses song lyrics and entertaining stories ripped from the headlines to teach readers how to manage their finances and taxes. Shannon is a CPA, Tax Attorney, and regular expert commentator on KJLH FM Radio in Los Angeles, and has appeared on national television. Do you have past tax debts? Need to make an installment payment plan with the IRS or an offer in compromise? Contact the Nash Management Group at 818-986-2665 or visit www.nashgroup-usa.com .
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