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05-19-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
'CURIOUS GEORGE' MAY SUE OVER OBAMA T-SHIRT: Publishers of book series considering legal action against Georgia bar owner.
*The publisher of children's book series "Curious George" has announced it will consider taking legal action against a Georgia bar owner for selling T-shirts that show the monkey peeling a banana with "Obama in '08" printed beneath the image.
"Houghton Mifflin Harcourt did not nor would we ever authorize or approve this use of the Curious George character, which we find offensive and utterly out of keeping with the values Curious George represents," said Richard Blake, the company's spokesman.
Bar owner Mike Norman, who began selling the shirts in late April, has said he sees nothing racist about the t-shirts. He said he thinks the Illinois senator and the character "look so much alike."
Bill Nigut, southeast regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, said Norman is being disingenuous.
"He can pretend he doesn't understand what the message of that T-shirt is, but he knows full well that's an offensive and demeaning stereotype used to insult African-Americans," Nigut told the Associated Press.
FOXY BROWN HATES HER OWN ALBUM?: Rapper reportedly fires manager days after release of 'Brooklyn Don Diva.'
*Allhiphop.com is reporting that Foxy Brown has fired her manager Chaz Williams over his handling of her newly-released album "Brooklyn's Don Diva."
Brown said the project was "compiled without her approval" while she was on lockdown in Rikers Island for violating her probation.
"I heard this CD in its entirety for the first time just days ago and was devastated," Brown told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "Riddled with grief over an album that was seemingly so carelessly orchestrated, I sat down with the president of Koch to come to a decision on how to make the best of this situation.
"In another phase of my life and career, I would have dealt with this situation with litigation, but for the benefit of my fans and in the wake of the profound spiritual cleansing I recently underwent in prison, I made the decision to settle our creative differences amicably. My fans have waited seven years for an in-store release and deserve my very best."
Williams, meanwhile, has confirmed that he is no longer Foxy's manager. During an interview on RockMeTV.com’s The Roundtable, the Black Hand Entertainment CEO said: "I no longer represent Foxy Brown. …I stayed with her throughout the prison situation. I was there through her whole incarceration. It was time for both of us to split and move on."
Brown says she intends to re-release "Brooklyn’s Don Diva" next month on Koch with "five new records, videos, publicity, mass marketing and promotion." She says it will serve as a "mixtape street album" that will precede her long-awaited fourth studio album "Black Roses."
"I am of a certain pedigree, and, I have an obligation to my fans to deliver the level of product my brand is accustomed to," continued Foxy. "In order to preserve my artistic integrity, the new release will have my stamp of approval and fingerprints all over it. Going independent was a great business decision and I believe Koch and I will deliver the biggest street album in female rap history."
DMX ACCUSED OF TRYING TO DODGE HOSPITAL BILL: Plus, rapper pleads not guilty to drug/animal cruelty; MD judge overturns defamation judgment.
*Doctors in Arizona have accused DMX of trying to use a fake name to get out of paying for a hospital visit in April – the latest in a string of legal activity relating to the rapper just this weekend alone.
According to court documents obtained Friday by The Arizona Republic, DMX went to the Mayo Clinic's emergency room under the name Troy Jones complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains. The rapper, born Earl Simmons, was diagnosed with pneumonia and released eight hours later.
He could be charged with "theft of services" and providing the hospital with "false information including name and address for billing purposes." His lawyer, according to TMZ.com, called the investigation "petty" and suggested that Sheriff Joe Arpaio had no sympathy for the sick.
Meanwhile, the rapper pleaded not guilty Thursday in Arizona to animal cruelty charges and three felony drug charges - including two counts of marijuana possession and one for drug paraphernalia - stemming from a raid of his home last week.
He arrived one hour late for his appearance in front of Maricopa County Superior Court Commissioner Lisa VandenBerg. The charges are in connection with a May 9 raid of his Cave Creek home following a seven-month investigation into animal cruelty charges.
On Friday, a $1.5 million defamation judgment against DMX was overturned in Maryland by Judge Thomas P. Smith, who found that the rapper was not at fault for missing a scheduled court hearing in January.
Monique Wayne filed the lawsuit against DMX after he accused her of raping him at a hotel in Baltimore in 2003. The artist made the allegations in an interview with Sister 2 Sister magazine.
In the original lawsuit, filed in Prince George's County Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro, Md. in October 2006, Wayne asked for $6 million in damages. The rapper, however, was ordered to pay her $518,400 in compensation and $1 million in punitive penalties when he missed a scheduled hearing.
According to reports, the entertainer was unaware that a hearing was scheduled to take place. DMX hired Baltimore-based The Murphy Firm to contest the ruling.
"Today a very large judgment was vacated by Judge Smith," said Hassan Murphy, a managing partner of The Murphy Firm. "The judge clearly agreed with us that Mr. Simmons was never properly notified and therefore he threw out the judgment."
'MAJOR' DEVELOPMENT FOR T.I. AND TINY: Couple welcomes second son, Major Harris.
*Rapper T.I. and his girlfriend Tameka "Tiny" Cottle welcomed their second son together just after midnight Friday morning, the rapper's rep told People magazine.
The little one, named Major Harris, weighed in at 5 pounds, 15 ounces. The superior-sounding name follows a theme that began with his older brother, King Harris.
"God has blessed us with another miracle," T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, said of his fifth child overall.
The artist is also preparing to welcome another arrival – his new album "Paper Trail" on August 12. He's currently facing prison time after pleading guilty in March to federal weapons charges.
MEDIA STILL BANNED FROM SEALED KELLY DOCS: Judge denies motion from news outlets seeking immediate access.
*A judge refused Friday to allow media outlets immediate access to sealed court records and transcripts in the R. Kelly child pornography trial, reports the Associated Press.
In denying the motion from news organizations, Judge Vincent Gaughan said he's not trying to block the press. But he says the time isn't right to release the information and keeping it secret is the only way to guarantee a fair trial.
Opening arguments are scheduled to begin tomorrow in the case that has languished in the courts for six years. Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges he videotaped himself having sex with an underage girl.
Jury selection in the R&B singer's trial finished last week.
RODMAN CHARGED WITH SPOUSAL BATTERY: Former NBA star accused of attacking girlfriend and leaving bruises.
*Dennis Rodman is facing charges of spousal battery after he was arrested at a Century City hotel last month for allegedly beating up his girlfriend, according to reports.
The former NBA star was taken into custody on April 30 after police said he attacked his girlfriend of four years, leaving her with arm injuries.
On Friday, he was charged with three misdemeanors, including one count of brandishing a deadly weapon and dissuading a witness, City Attorney's Office spokesman Nick Velasquez said. He's due back in court on Thursday (May 22).
The 47-year-old former member of five NBA Championship winning teams now faces up to 36 months in jail, one year of probation, domestic violence counseling and a protective order if found guilty.
ALICIA KEYS SCORES WITH WNBA: Singer featured in promo spots to air before games shown on either ABC or ESPN2.
*To help bring attention to the WNBA's new season, Alicia Keys is appearing in promotional spots that are scheduled to air before each of the
22 regular season games carried by either ABC or ESPN2.
Shot live at a concert in Anaheim, Calif. earlier this month, the promo features Keys performing "Superwoman" from her current album "As I Am."
The spot's first airing took place Saturday on ABC before the season's tip-off game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles Sparks. L.A. beat the defending WNBA champs 99-94.
The game marked Lisa Leslie's return to the Sparks after sitting out last season on maternity leave, as well as the professional debut of recent Tennessee grad Candace Parker, whose 34 points for the Sparks set a WNBA record for the most points scored in a rookie's first game.
"As I Am" is currently at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 and has sold 3.4 million units according to Nielsen SoundScan.
MIJAC MOVING TO UPSTATE NEW YORK?: Fox411 columnist says he just bought a house in Poughkeepsie.
*Fox.com columnist Roger Friedman is reporting that Michael Jackson has purchased (or has had someone purchase) a new home in or around Poughkeepsie, N.Y. for a price said to be in the $1 million to $2 million range.
The purchase comes in the wake of a deal that allowed Jackson to save his Neverland Ranch from a scheduled foreclosure auction. Colony Capital LLC ended up purchasing the loan from Fortress Investment Group.
It appears now that Jackson is looking to leave his West coast drama behind. The new house, according to Freidman, is said to be "a gated property with several bedrooms and a large backyard where his three kids can frolic."
Friedman is also reporting that Jackson will make a guest appearance on a new album by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
"Sources say the new duet is payback for all the work will.i.am did on Jackson’s updated 'Thriller' album," Freidman writes. "The 25th anniversary special has passed the 3 million mark worldwide, which is quite an achievement. The single may be the first step in Jackson’s plan to record a whole new album. It would be his first in seven years."
AL REYNOLDS SHOPPING DEAL FOR 1ST INTERVIEW?: Star's soon-to-be ex-husband reportedly wants payday for dishing dirt.
*The New York Daily News is reporting that Al Reynolds is looking for a news outlet or talk show to pay him lots of money for rights to his first interview about his failed marriage to Star Jones.
"He has got to make a buck somehow," one television producer told the paper's Full Disclosure column. "He's been looking for a six-figure deal for an interview where he dishes about being married to Star."
According to the column, some shows are interested in featuring Reynolds, "but only if he is really willing to part with some dirt. No one wants to pay for it, though."
Reynolds and Jones are divorcing after three-and-a-half years of marriage. Jones, a former co-host of "The View," filed the papers on March 26 in New York Supreme Court in Manhattan.
MIKE TYSON HITS THE RED CARPET IN CANNES: Boxer was there to promote director James Toback's documentary about his life.
*An audience at the Cannes Film Festival gave Mike Tyson an extended standing ovation following a screening of "Tyson," a documentary directed by his old friend James Toback.
The film blends old video footage, TV interviews and reflections from the former heavyweight boxer himself in chronicling his climb from an impoverished childhood to the pinnacle of his sport and his dramatic fall.
"I lived a wild and extreme life," the one-time champion told reporters Saturday. "I used drugs. I had altercations with dangerous people. I slept with guys' wives that wanted to kill me. I'm just happy to be here, you know. It's just a miracle."
In the movie, Tyson talks about being humiliated and beaten up by bullies as a child growing up in Brooklyn. Constantly ridiculed for his distinctive high lisp, he suffered from repeated attacks – until he was discovered by veteran boxing trainer Cus D'Amato.
Tyson, 41 gets emotional in the film when reminiscing about his late trainer, who helped to channel his unchecked aggression and transformed the troubled teenager into a world-class champion.
In the movie, Tyson goes into detail about his sex life, and covers his career's low points, like biting Evander Holyfield's ear in 1997. He admits to many, many bad decisions, but continues to proclaim that he did not commit the 1991 rape of an 18-year-old beauty queen for which he served three years in prison.
"I've been abusive to women before in my life," he acknowledged. But in this case, "I thought (the conviction) was wrong, I thought it was unfair."
BROADWAY ACTOR FILES PETITION AGAINST DISNEY: Man accuses company of downplaying his injuries suffered during stage fall.
*An actor in a Disney stage production on Broadway filed a petition against his employers accusing them of trying to gloss over injuries he suffered during one of the performances.
According to TMZ.com, Adrian Bailey says Disney told the press that he suffered two broken wrists after falling 20 feet from a fake sailing ship last Saturday while performing in Broadway's "The Little Mermaid."
Bailey, however, says he actually fell 30 to 40 feet, and that his injuries include "a broken back, shattered pelvis, fractured sternum, multiple fractured ribs and a fractured foot, in addition to fractured wrists."
In his petition filed in New York, Bailey requests that Disney leave the ship prop as is, so it can be "inspected."
Disney Theatrical Productions released this statement to TMZ: "Out of respect to Adrian and his family and their request for privacy, we have refrained from making any additional comments in the media regarding his condition. We continue to respect those wishes and our hearts go out to Adrian as he recovers from this serious and unfortunate accident. We have launched a thorough investigation of the circumstances related to this incident and will continue making the safety of our company members our top priority."
KELLY ROWLAND PENNING CHILDREN'S BOOK: Singer says it's early, but several publishers are already showing interest.
*Singer Kelly Rowland says she's pursuing some projects in her spare time that have nothing to do with her lucrative day job.
"I'm getting into different ventures. I'm in the process of writing a children's book," the Destiny's Child singer told People magazine backstage after performing at the VIP room in Cannes Friday night.
"Everything is confidential right now, but I'm really excited because I've talked to some different publishing companies and got some people interested," she added.
Rowland says she was inspired to write the book by the mere presence of her five godchildren. "I love my god-kids," she says. "I love kids!"
The singer, who has been in Europe for the last month promoting her album "Miss Kelly: Diva Deluxe," says she misses all of her relatives back home.
"I miss my family, my god-kids, my dog and a good meal," she said, while also admitting that the lure of the Cannes Film Festival in France was just too hard to turn down. "When you are able to come to the film festival, there's always an extra boost of energy," she said.
BOW WOW ANNOUNCES SUMMER TOUR: Rapper headlines run of shows in clubs and theaters across U.S.
*Bow Wow will take his music on the road this summer for a tour of headlining shows that will hit clubs and theaters across the United States, reports Live Daily.
The outing is due to begin July 14 in New York City and make its way to the West Coast, wrapping Aug. 17 in West Hollywood, CA. The 25-city jaunt includes stops at 10 House of Blues venues.
The rapper is supporting both his 2006 solo set, "Price of Fame," and last December's top-selling duet album "Face Off," which pairs Bow Wow with R&B singer and best friend Omarion.
Bow Wow is also preparing for his next film project. According to reports, he has been cast in the upcoming basketball drama "Patriots,"
currently shooting in Louisiana.
Below are Bow Wow's tour dates:
July 2008
14 - New York, NY - Nokia Theatre
15 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues
16 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head
18 - Washington, DC - Constitution Hall
19 - Norfolk, VA - Prism Theatre
20 - Columbia, SC - Township Auditorium
22 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
23 - Sterling Heights, MI - Freedom Hill
24 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
25 - Columbus, OH - Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
26 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre 30 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
31 - Philadelphia, PA -The Trocadero
August 2008
1 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues
2 - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues Orlando
3 - Miami, FL - Fillmore
5 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle
6 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
8 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theatre
9 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
13 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
14 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove
15 - San Francisco, CA - Fillmore
16 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
17 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
TINA TURNER ADDS DATES TO N.A. TOUR: Jaunt now includes second nights in several cities, and new dates in Minneapolis and Hartford.
*Tickets go on sale today (May 19) for newly-added stops on Tina Turner's upcoming return to the concert stage.
The initial round of North American dates went on sale May 10 and the first gig--Oct. 1 in Kansas City, MO--sold out in two minutes, according to a press release. Because of the overwhelming response, promoters have decided to tack on extra performances – taking the number of shows to 24.
Second nights were added in Kansas City, Boston and Toronto; a third night is now set in the Chicago area and new dates were added in Minneapolis and Hartford, CT.
Updated details are listed below:
October 2008
1 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
3 - Chicago, IL - United Center
6 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
8 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
9 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
10 - Chicago, IL - United Center
13 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
14 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center
19 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion
22 - Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena
24 - Phoenix, AZ - Jobing.com Arena
30 - Miami, FL - American Airlines Arena
November 2008
2 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - BankAtlantic Center
5 - Orlando, FL - Amway Arena
9 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
13 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre 16, 17 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Garden
23 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
26 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center
December 2008
3 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum
6 - Hartford, CT - XL Center
8 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre
12 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre
GOLDSBERRY TO START GETTING 'RENT' CHECKS: 'One Life to Live' vet joins Broadway company next month.
*Renée Elise Goldsberry, a two-time Emmy and NAACP Image Award nominee for playing Evangeline Williamson on ABC's "One Life To Live," will join the Broadway company of Rent on June 16 as Mimi Marquez.
The role is currently occupied by "American Idol" veteran Tamyra Gray. Her last performance at the Nederlander Theatre will take place on June 15.
Goldsberry created the role of Nettie in the Broadway production of The Color Purple, and won rave reviews for her performance as Silvia in the 2005 Shakespeare in the Park production of Two Gentlemen of Verona. On Broadway, she also starred as adult Nala in The Lion King.
Rent, which opened on April 29, 1996, is currently the seventh longest running show in Broadway history. It is scheduled to close on Sept.
7.
DANNY GLOVER TO 'MASTER' NEW FILM PROJECT: Actor to reprise his stage role in big screen adaptation of apartheid-era play.
*Danny Glover is already familiar with his upcoming film role in "Master Harold…and the Boys," as the veteran actor starred in the movie's original stage production 20 years ago, as well as a recent Broadway revival.
Based on playwright Athol Fugard's early life in South Africa, "Master Harold…and the Boys" follows the complicated relationship between Harold, a white teenager, and his family's black servants, Willie and Sam. Their camaraderie suddenly explodes to reveal racism born of a lifetime under apartheid.
Glover will reprise his role as Willie in the U.K./South Africa co-production, reports Variety.
Shooting begins July 10 in Durban, South Africa under director Lonny Price, who directed Glover in the recent Broadway revival and played opposite him in the 1988 stage production. Thomas Sangster will play the title role.
BARBER WHO KNOCKED OUT SUGE IN HOT DEMAND: Vegas promoters want 'rematch'; Game wants him signed to his label.
*Several Las Vegas promoters are reportedly pursuing Suge Knight and the Los Angeles barber who knocked him out for a rematch of their brief fight to be held New Year's Eve on Pay-Per-View.
The bare-knuckled cage match, according to TMZ.com, would come with a purse of $1 million. The offers came flooding in after the Web site posted pictures of Suge flat on his back and unconscious after being hit by 5'10", 173-pound barbershop owner "Greg" outside of a Hollywood nightspot.
Meanwhile, The Game has jumped into the drama by announcing his intention to sign the barber to his label. "He's the Knockout Kid. We was looking for him, we found him, and trying to sign him," The Game said during Funkmaster Flex's radio show on Hot 97.
According to Allhiphop.com, The Game and Suge Knight had their own beef going, but settled it a mere two days before the 6'3", 315-pound Death Row mogul was knocked out. It appears as if Game sees the whole incident as a metaphor of the older hip hop generation succumbing to younger talent.
"Suge, back in the day, he had it locked in LA. But now, your time comes and goes, and you have to respect the new breed, and now that's me. I got L.A. locked, and 10 years from now there will be a new dude," he explained. "Ten years from now, when I'm 40, there's gonna be a new kid and I gotta respect that dude. Hopefully, the Knockout Kid's little brother don't hit me or something ... or step to me. I don't want no problems with the Knockout Kid."
The Game is preparing to release his third album, "L.A.X." (Los Angeles Times), on July 8. In the meantime, Greg the barber has posted a little clip on YouTube to prove that he is still alive and working in the barber shop, despite rumors to the contrary.
Man Who Knocked Out Suge Releases YouTube Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NmnYLVC2LQ
ZSA ZSA'S MAN CALLS OBAMA'S WIFE 'WASHERWOMAN': Al Sharpton is furious.
*Prince Fredric Von Anhalt, a constant target of ridicule at TMZ.com for his racism and bizarre behavior, told the Web site in a recent interview that he dislikes Barack Obama and that his wife, Michelle, will "look like a washerwoman" compared to other first ladies.
The German socialite and husband of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor also called Michelle Obama a racist who hates white people, and referred to her – in his thick German accent – as either a "whore" or "horror."
TMZ took the footage straight to Al Sharpton, who criticized Von Anhalt's racist tirade on his radio show and issued the following statement to the Web site: "Prince Von Anhalt should be denounced for his insensitive and racist attack on Michelle Obama, a proud, well-educated, and refined mother and wife."
• Prince Von Anhalt's original remarks:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid353549946/bctid1557830532
• Sharpton's response on his radio show:
http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_audio/051508_al_sharpton_ahole.mp3
ITTY BITTY BITS: Charles Barkley sued; Dave Chappelle back 'Inside'; Miles Davis/Carlos Santana exhibition; Dickinson vs. Tyra.
*Charles Barkley has been sued by Wynn Las Vegas over claims that he owes the casino $400,000 in gambling markers. According to TMZ.com, the hotel is getting the Clark County district attorney's bad check unit to investigate. According to court papers, the casino fronted Barkley four different $100,000 markers -- two each on Oct, 18 and 19. Clark County DA David Roger says the former NBA star could be charged with a felony if the debt isn't paid. While playing in a golf tournament in Alabama, Barkley came clean, telling the AP: "My mistake. I'm not broke, and I'm going to take care of it."
*Dave Chappelle heads back to Bravo's "Inside the Actors Studio" for a live interview with host James Lipton tomorrow (May 20), at Pace University in New York City. The comedian's previous appearance included his first public discussion of his sudden 2005 decision to leave his own Comedy Central show and head to Africa to rethink his career and priorities. Tomorrow's appearance is planned for a two-hour special. The show begins at 7 p.m. in its new, larger facility at Pace. A limited number of single tickets priced at $50-$65 have been quietly placed on sale through SmartTix at (212) 868-4444.
*The special fine art and memorabilia exhibition "A Tribute To Miles Davis and Carlos Santana" opened May 15, at San Francisco's Lush Life Gallery (1320 Fillmore St.). The collection runs through July 30 and features multi-media works including limited edition photographs and sculptures and original paintings. Rare artifacts and memorabilia will also be on display. The gallery is partnering with Legacy Recordings for a one-of-a-kind show coinciding with Davis' birthday month (May), and Santana's forthcoming Legacy release "Multi Dimensional Warrior." Santana will also perform two rare club dates at The Fillmore on May 20-21 in celebration of the album, a career-spanning 2-CD set. For more information, visit www.Jazzheritagecenter.org.
*Janice Dickinson, who refers to herself as "the world's first supermodel," said she recently "flipped out" when she saw a copy of her autobiography, "No Lifeguard on Duty," (about her drug use, incest, sexual encounters and celebrity affairs) being carried by her former boss Tyra Banks in a paparazzi photo. The caption said Banks was on her way to speak with young girls and offer her advice. "And she's using my book," Dickinson fumed to the New York Daily News. "I mean, the thing looks so worn it's like she's been reading it on the toilet. It's pathetic. Where's her originality?
Does she have no shame?"
BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS HEAD TO HAITI: Kilpatrick will lead delegation for a one day visit to call attention to starvation.
*A Congressional Black Caucus delegation, led by CBC Chairwoman Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI), will travel to Haiti Friday for a one-day visit as part of the group's ongoing effort to bring attention to the plight of starving Haitians.
During their visit, lawmakers are hoping to see firsthand the effects of rising food prices in Haiti, and whether aid is reaching those who need it the most, reports MiamiHerald.com.
Last month, frustrated Haitians took to the streets in deadly protests over rising food prices. In response, Haiti's Senate fired Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis, accusing him of mismanaging the economy.
Lawmakers also plan to meet with President Réne Préval, who is still struggling to replace Alexis and put a functioning government in place after the lower house of parliament rejected his first nominee, Inter-American Development Bank official and agronomist Ericq Pierre.
The CBC visit comes just two days after the House passed a bill to help Haiti. Along with $40 billion in farm subsidies, the legislation provides a boost to Haiti's textile industry by extending the current Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE) to 10 years, and allowing Haiti to use more fabrics from China and Asia in its exports to the United States.
EUR PBS-TV REVIEW: The Pact
Black Doctors’ Overcome the Odds Story Set to Air on PBS
PBS-TV Review by Kam Williams
*Rameck Hunt, Sampson Davis and George Jenkins grew up in a Newark ghetto where only about 3% of the kids went on to college.
And their own prospects probably weren’t any better, given that they were each raised by a single mom in a broken home in a neighborhood blighted by gang violence, drugs, poverty, unemployment and crime.
Yet, this enterprising trio of best friends had the wherewithal to sense that a ticket out of their bleak surroundings might only be an education away.
So, before the streets could gobble up their future, they made a mutual pact, promising to support each other in their shared dream of becoming doctors.
Against the odds, all three succeeded in that quest, Sampson and Rameck, as MDs, and George, as a dentist, and this uplifting bio-pic highlights the considerable hurdles they had to overcome on the road to success. For both of Rameck’s parents were crackheads, and he recounts how he’d pray to God everyday asking that just one of them be able to kick the habit.
Sampson, we learn, did a stint in juvenile prison for armed robbery, and had a sister who was HIV+. And George talks about how the absence of a male role model meant he never learned how to do many things most boys take for granted, such as how to shave or tie a tie.
But ultimately, all three came through with flying colors and, despite their busy medical practices, remain very committed to creating academic opportunities for kids still stuck in the slums. In this regard, the film frequently focuses on the fortunes of Malique, their 12 year-old protégé who also serves as narrator.
Overall, an inspiring affirmation of the power of friendship, courage, determination, hard work and faith to sustain even those seemingly trapped in the most dire of circumstances.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 84 minutes
Studi Spark Media
The Pact will be airing on PBS stations across the country during May and June. Check the attached Excel chart to determine when it will air in your market.
EUR FILM REVIEW: What Happens in Vegas ...
Kutcher and Diaz Match Wits in Battle-of-the-Sexes Comedy
Film Review by Kam Williams
*New Yorker Joy McNally (Cameron Diaz) has just been unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé at a surprise birthday party she threw for him.
Meanwhile, somewhere across town, slacker Jack Fuller (Ashton Kutcher) is being fired from the family business by his bitterly disappointed father (Treat Williams).
Both of these sad sacks venture to Vegas to lick their wounds, Joy accompanied by her best friend, Tipper (Lake Bell), Jack by his buddy, Hater (Rob Coddry).
Fate conspires to have the four cross paths when their hotel accidentally assigns them to the same room.
And although misogynistic Hater and man-hating Tipper instantly dislike each other, Joy and Jack hit it off so well that they impulsively decide to get married after a night of imbibing and debauchery. However, by the time their hangovers wear off the next morning, they realize they have nothing in common. So, saner heads prevail and the newlyweds agree to get a quickie divorce.
But as they are about to go their separate ways, Jack deposits one of his bride’s quarters in a slot machine, and wouldn’t you know he hits a $3,000,000 jackpot. Because they can’t agree on how to divvy up the cash amicably, the greedy couple ends up in divorce court where the judge (Dennis Miller) sentences them to live together for six months before he’ll render a decision.
Joy reluctantly moves into Jack’s apartment and the two proceed to drive each other crazy in a standoff with nothing new to offer to anyone already familiar with The Break-Up, The War of the Roses and the rest of the battle-of-the-sexes genre. He gets under her skin with such alpha-male antics as urinating in the sink, leaving the toilet sink up and taking popcorn from a bowl after scratching his genitals.
She’s no angel either, and gets advice on how to torture her hubby from the shrewish Tipper. Hater serves the same function for Jack, with Dr. Twitchell (Queen Latifah) being left to referee intermittently during the troubled couple’s court-appointed marriage counseling sessions.
The colorful second bananas’ bawdy badinage turns out to be a lot funnier than that of the co-stars who have little more to offer than their looks and sexual chemistry going for them. A recycled romantic comedy best left in Vegas.
Fair (1.5 stars)
Rated PG-13 for sexuality, profanity, crude humor and a drug reference Running time: 99 minutes
Studi 20th Century Fox
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"You grow up the day you have your first real laugh--at yourself." — Ethel Barrymore
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
May 19: Singer-actress-model Grace Jones is 56.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
The NMA Diabetes Education Program Web site (www.NMAdiabetesnet.org) is a resource for physicians and diabetic patients. It contains information on how to control and prevent this disease.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
May 19, 1925: Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik El Shabazz) is born in Omaha, Nebraska. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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