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05-29-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
T.I.'S COMMUNITY SERVICE WILL AIR ON MTV: Network is turning rapper's run up to prison into a documentary series.
*MTV viewers will get a chance to follow T.I. as he performs more than 1,000 hours of community service before starting his one-year prison sentence next spring.
The as-yet-untitled series from Ish Entertainment is comprised of eight episodes and will begin shooting this summer. Production will last until his return to jail in early 2009, reports Variety. MTV plans to air the show some time soon after that.
T.I., born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., had already done time for selling crack in the late 1990s when he was charged in October with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
He was originally facing more than four years in jail when he managed to secure a plea deal that included a one-year sentence, the community service and a $100,000 fine. The idea for a TV series hatched around the same time.
"We began the conversations in the middle of deliberations over what would happen to him," said Ish's Michael Hirschorn, who's executive producing with partner Stella Stolper. "The original idea for the show had him staging a series of interventions in each episode with people in danger.
But when we visited him under house arrest, it felt much bigger and more powerful than we anticipated."
Cameras have already chronicled T.I.'s release from house arrest. The series will follow him as he speaks to various groups about his troubles. The show will also document the release this fall of the rapper's new album, "Paper Trail," much of which was inspired by his legal issues over the past year, and the birth of his child.
Producers said the show didn't require the blessing of the Atlanta courts but will accommodate the parameters of T.I.'s probation. He has a curfew of 1 a.m. when he's working on a project and 11 p.m. at all other times.
GARY DOURDAN TAKES PLEA DEAL: Actor avoids lockdown on felony drug possession charges stemming from Palm Springs arrest.
*Gary Dourdan managed to stay out of jail yesterday by pleading guilty to two of his three counts of felony drug possession stemming from an arrest last month in Palm Springs.
The actor accepted one count each of cocaine and Ecstasy possession during Wednesday's arraignment in Indio, Calif; a third charge of heroin possession was dismissed.
Under the plea deal, the "CSI" star avoided a possible three years and eight months behind bars. Instead, he must complete a series of drug-education courses by Nov. 20, 2009 as part of the court's diversion program.
"As a result of today's proceedings, Gary has been given diversion,"
his attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, said outside the courthouse. "He very much regrets what happened, and he's very embarrassed by what occurred, but he's looking forward to moving on and getting back to work. He is very grateful to the court for being understanding and giving him an opportunity to resolve the issue and move forward."
Both of Dourdan's charges will be dismissed "as soon as he completes 30 hours of classes," Holley told E! News. Riverside District Attorney spokeswoman Ingrid Wyatt also told E! News that the actor will be required to pay a small fee as part of his restitution.
Dourdan, 41, was arrested on April 28, when cops discovered him asleep at the wheel of his car, which was parked on the wrong side of the street. The drugs were found during a search of his vehicle.
BASKETBALL COACHES MAKE IDS IN KELLY CASE: Plus, court ends abruptly Wednesday due to surprise defense witness.
*R. Kelly's child pornography trial was adjourned earlier than usual Wednesday due to the 11th hour emergence of a defense witness.
Defense attorney Sam Adam Sr. said he got a call yesterday morning from a man who claims to have information that will undermine the testimony of the prosecution's star witness.
"We never knew about the witness until 9 a.m. this morning," Adam said, according to reports. "The witness called us."
Kelly, 41, has pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with an underage girl. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. His lawyers maintain he is not on the tape, and the alleged victim, now 23, has denied she is on the tape.
The prosecution's star witness, according to the Chicago Tribune, is a Georgia woman who is expected to testify that she engaged in a three-way sexual encounter with Kelly and the alleged victim.
On Wednesday, a high school basketball coach testified that one of his former players is the young female who appears on the tape. Jacques Conway said he recognized his former player, in part, by a distinctive cross worn by the female participant on the graphic 27-minute videotape. He said he had seen his former player wear the necklace.
Joel Rhea, an assistant principal at Havlicek Elementary in Berwyn, was formerly a teacher and girls basketball coach at Percy Julian Middle School in Oak Park. He testified Wednesday that he met the alleged victim in the fall of 1997 when she was a player on an opposing team. The teams would play each other three or four times a season. Rhea said he would also see her at social events because she was best friends with one of his players.
Rhea testified that he recognized the girl in the sex tape from her distinctive forehead.
"Everyone gave her a hard time because she had a big forehead," Rhea said. "We would joke about her forehead."
Late Tuesday, Kelly's former personal assistant Lindsey Perryman, who worked for the crooner and his family off and on from around 2000 to 2007, identified the artist and the alleged victim in the 27-minute videotape.
"I didn't want to think it was them," said Perryman, 41, from the stand. She told jurors she saw the tape for the first time in December 2007, after prosecutors approached her. That first time she wasn't sure it was Kelly and the alleged victim, but she became "110 percent" certain after viewing it again, she said.
"The image I saw looked exactly like Mr. Kelly," she said, adding she was "shocked" and "disturbed" by the video.
Perryman said she saw the alleged victim numerous times, including when she would come to Kelly's Chicago music studio. She recognized the girl as the one in the video by her cheekbones, as well as by the "distinctive"
way she moved her mouth, smiled and talked, she told jurors.
YANNICK NOAH BRUSHES OFF SON'S DRUG ARREST: Tennis legend says Joakim's bust was 'a mistake, but not serious.'
*French tennis veteran Yannick Noah has come out in support of his son Joakim after the young Chicago Bulls star was arrested Sunday for possession of marijuana.
"In the newspapers, there's a lot of talk about my son who is 23 and has a drink with his friends and who is caught with a joint in his pocket," said Yannick of his son, who was taken into custody in Gainesville, Florida on charges of marijuana possession and having an open alcohol container.
"He called me. He said: 'Dad, I think I've blundered'. I said: 'Yes, it's a mistake but it's not serious. Don't change. Make me happy, don't let it happen again'," said Yannick, according to the AFP.
As previously reported, Joakim was stopped in the early hours of May
25 when a cop caught him walking with a plastic cup containing an "amber-colored" liquid, which was later found to be cognac. He faces a possible fine, noted Yannick, the last Frenchman to win the men's singles at Roland Garros in 1983.
"I told him that I have fooled around for 20 years and I'm still popular because people think I'm a good bloke. So you can do the same thing," he said. "When you do something well, it's extraordinary and when you make a blunder, it's a catastrophe. It's all part of the game. After all, you are called Joakim Noah."
NE-YO PLUGS HIS LINDSAY LOHAN TRACK: Singer-songwriter says 'I think the world is gonna be surprised.' Also touts Ursh and J-Hud projects.
*Ne-Yo says he was a little taken aback when first approached by Lindsay Lohan's camp to write and produce a song for her upcoming third album.
"I mean, I've written for Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Celine Dion and ... Lindsay Lohan?" Ne-Yo told Billboard.com. "But I will say this; we gave her a quality record and she did a ridiculously fabulous job. I was so shocked I had to call her and apologize for what I was thinking because she did so good. I think the world is gonna be surprised."
The uptempo track, called "Bossy," is a collaboration with producer Stargate. (Click here to listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHaDMTakrMU&feature=related)
Meanwhile, Ne-Yo is currently on tour with Alicia Keys and also preparing for the Aug. 15 release of his third Def Jam album, "Year of the Gentleman." Additionally, he penned "Spotlight," the first single from Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut, due in September. (Click here to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw50xPhFtd4)
Ne-Yo says "they're still putting the (album) together right now" but that he's "really, really proud" that his song was chosen to represent her new direction.
"They were really trying to figure out where to take her," he explains. "The main issue with Jennifer Hudson is her voice is so huge, so how do you take that and radio-ize it, make it radio-friendly. She can't do ('And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going') every song 'cause you'll eventually be tired of it. So ('Spotlight') is kind of a classy midtempo, and I hope and pray it does well 'cause Jennifer is an amazing talent."
Ne-Yo also wrote for Leona Lewis' "Spirit" album, and co-wrote the track "His Mistakes" for Usher's new album, "Here I Stand." (Click here to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD1jFA0GrJA)
"I actually got to sit down wtih Usher and talk to him and see where his head is at now so I could write the right record," said Ne-Yo.
As for the forthcoming Michael Jackson project he's been linked to, Ne-Yo says "there's nothing new. I'm submitting songs and I... still don't know anything about a release date or any of that."
EDDIE GRIFFIN SUED FOR ASSAULT: Production manager claims comic beat him for booking his mother into a cheap hotel.
*A production manager on the set of an Eddie Griffin pilot has filed a lawsuit claiming the comedian beat him up for booking a cheap hotel for the star and his mother.
According to the filing in L.A. County Superior Court, Vince Beane says the attack took place on March 10 after production shingle The Leslie Greif Company plied Griffin "with more than six bottles of Veuve Clicquot Chapaign (sic)," failing to inform Beane of "the violent propensity of the
inebriated Eddie Griffin..."
Beane, who's seeking unspecified damages, says Griffin accused him of treating his mother like a "slave ni**a."
The Leslie Greif Company asked Beane to make lodging arrangements "at any cheap 3 star hotel" for Griffin and his mom, his lawsuit stated. Griffin felt slighted, according to the suit, telling Beane: "You are that mutha fu**a who got my momma that f**ked-up ass hotel room" -- then Griffin allegedly clocked Beane. After the alleged assault, Griffin said, "that was for my Momma...she ain't no nappy headed ho....boy," the lawsuit stated.
Griffin's rep tells TMZ: "We cannot comment on the details of on-going litigation, except to say that this claim is completely absurd and that it will be shown in time to be without merit."
PBS FLIES WITH MARLEY'S 'THREE LITTLE BIRDS': Network's digital cable channel uses song for new campaign; Ziggy Marley weighs in.
*PBS Kids Sprout, the network's digital cable channel targeted toward children, this week began running a campaign featuring a cover of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds," reports Billboard Biz.
The song is performed by Elizabeth Mitchell and various little children from her album "You Are My Little Bird." The plan is to make the song a rallying cry akin to MTV's "I want my MTV" during the eighties. [Scroll down to listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBeNx5qiTL8]
Made by independent ad agency Red Tettemer in Philadelphia, the campaign includes three spots, as well as print and outdoor advertisements. PBS Kids Sprout, which launched in 2005 and is part owned by Comcast, is currently seen in 38 million homes.
Other Marley projects aimed at children have included books, and kid-friendly films and TV shows such as "Shark's Tales" and "Dora the Explorer," as well charities such as Little Kids Rock and Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment.
"It's less about the regular marketing of things and more about the philosophy that kids have an open mind," said Ziggy Marley, one of Bob's children, and head of the Marley estate. "From the marketing point of view, my father's music is kid friendly music."
Ziggy Marley is currently working on an album with Grammy-winning children's musician Dan Zanes and an animated series about growing up in Kingston, Jamaica that focuses on lessons such as charity, unity and loving one another, according to Billboard.
"We've kind of realized we've been singing for all the older folks and maybe we should focus on the kids. Our brand is kid friendly and parents who love the Marley ideal teach their kids that philosophy," said Marley.
"We've been doing this stuff for a while but we wanted to step it up a little. Our mission in life is to make a change in the world, we're not just here to grab some cash."
BOOTSY COLLINS STEPS INTO THE 'PRIZEFIGHTER' RING: Funkateer produces original theme song for 2K Sports' videogame.
*Bootsy Collins is bringing his brand of slap-bass funk to the world of videogames as the producer of an original theme song for 2K Sports' "Don King Presents: Prizefighter," due in stores June 10.
"Doing the game track was very exciting," Collins tells Billboard.com. "It's for Don King, a hero of mine from way back, so I took it very personal when asked to get involved. I felt musically and vocally that this song would place you right in the middle of the game, in a front row seat. I told Mr. King, 'We gonna punch um! Just to make their hair stand straight. Then punch um again, to see the look on their face!'"
The videogame soundtrack features more than 70 songs culled from various years – either in their entirety or in truncated ring walk versions – to capture the different eras of the boxing atmosphere. Classic rock, rap, metal, soul and funk cuts are included, from Survivor's iconic "Eye of the Tiger" to Run-D.M.C.'s "It's Tricky," as well as James Brown's "Turn Me Loose, I'm Doctor Feelgood" and Parliament's "Give Up the Funk."
"The game has a lot of old school funk, so what better way to marry the past with the future by tapping an icon like Collins to create something fresh like our theme song?," says Denby Grace, producer, 2K Sports.
In the meantime, Bootsy has a James Brown tribute tour in the works, he just released "The-Official-Boot-Legged-Bootsy-CD" and is working on another album with Buckethead and Brain called "Science-Faxtion," due in August. He also has a song, "Funkin' Like My Father," featuring some of his artists, on the new Brian Culbertson CD, "Bringing Back the Funk."
Opening in October in his Cincinnati home base is a new restaurant, Bootsy's. The first floor will include a Hall of Fame exhibit for King Records, where legendary artists including James Brown, Hank Ballard, Bill Dogget and the Isley Brothers got their start.
50 CENT EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT: Incident took place at rapper's home in Connecticut.
*An employee of rapper 50 Cent was arrested and charged with assault, strangulation, breach of peace and unlawful restraint for attacking a woman at the rapper's Farmington, Connecticut mansion.
Dwayne McKenzie, 27, is accused of choking and striking a 22-year-old New Britain woman with a belt during the altercation, according to the Associated Press. McKenzie posted $10,000 bail and is due back in court July 15.
In October 2007, Farmington police arrested McKenzie for allegedly pistol whipping a Connecticut promoter with a 9MM after he reportedly refused to announce an afterparty at 50 house. He was hit with assault and gun charges for his role in the incident.
In August of 2007, McKenzie was arrested for firing a .40 caliber glock at a man who attempted to snatch his $100,000 dollar platinum and diamond necklace. He was charged with one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm and one count of reckless endangerment.
NAS TO RELEASE 'NI**ER' AS A MIXTAPE: Rapper sidesteps label politics and teams with DJ Green Lantern for underground project.
*Nas has figured out a way to release his upcoming album under the title he had originally chosen before it was scrapped due to public pressure.
According to rhapsody.com, the rapper will team with DJ Green Lantern to release "The Ni**er Mixtape."
“We only really kicked it a couple times over the two-way [pager] and email like, "Let’s do the mixtape," the DJ told rhapsody.com. “He’s a real cool dude. He’ll hit you out of the blue…’”
Green also said he hoped to feature Nas on a song called “Black President” for his forthcoming Barack Obama mixtape. Nas decided instead to hold the track for his next album, but Green said he hoped to feature it on "The Ni**er Mixtape."
As for Nas's May 19th announcement that his album would no longer have the N-word as a title, Green feels the name change had more to do with corporate forces than community outrage.
“I guess it shows you the power of Wal-Mart and Target. If that was the case, it’s definitely scary because it kind of f**ks with your artistic vision,” Green said.
"The N****r Mixape" will feature producer Salaam Remi, David Banner and other exclusive mixes. The CD is expected to be about 10 tracks long. A release date has yet to be announced.
NAOMI CAMPBELL TO FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES?: Newspaper claims model will be hauled back in court.
*The Independent is reporting that supermodel Naomi Campbell will face criminal charges over the British Airways incident in which she spat on a police officer over her missing luggage.
The runway queen was arrested at London's Heathrow airport last month, after throwing a fit about her missing bags, which were lost in the airport's recent Terminal 5 baggage handling fiasco.
Campbell allegedly spat at an officer as she was handcuffed and escorted off the jet bound for Los Angeles.
The 38-year-old was released on bail on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and is now expected to face charges over the outburst. Details of the charges are expected to be released next week, the Independent reported.
WHOOPI'S TONY GOWN TO BE SIRIANO 'FIERCE': 'Project Runway' winner will design host's dress for June 15 ceremony.
*Folks who caught the May 27th broadcast of ABC's "The View" have already seen the sketches of possible gowns for co-host Whoopi Goldberg when she hosts the 2008 Tony Awards.
"Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano, who has already designed for Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham, model and "Project Runway" host Heidi Klum and "Extra" host Dayna Devon, has been tapped to create gowns for Whoopi for the June 15 telecast live from Radio City Music Hall.
Siriano, as famous for his flamboyant personality as his designs, sat at the "View's" Hot Topics table to show Whoopi his various ideas.
"You're not boring or dull and neither am I," Goldberg declared to Siriano during his on-camera appearance. In turn, he praised Goldberg's sometimes flamboyant fashion choices on awards shows such as the Oscars:
"[It's] dramatic and fabulous, and that's me. I love the drama."
The 21-year-old, whose favorite words appear to be "fierce" and "gorj" (short for gorgeous), also designed rapper Eve's dress for the MTV International Music Awards. He developed an interest in designing while dancing with the Ballet Theater of Maryland in his hometown of Annapolis.
FMR BUSH PRESS SECRETARY PUTS BUSH ON BLAST: Scott McClellan's new book calls president out regarding Katrina, Iraq, Valerie Plame and more.
*The blogosphere and cable news channels have been foaming at the mouth over a new book from George W. Bush's former Press Secretary Scott McClellan that blasts the President on a number of issues, including the
handling of Hurricane Katrina.
Due next week, the 341-page book, titled “What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington’s Culture of Deception,” suggests that Bush relied on “propaganda” to sell the Iraq war; and that top aides Karl Rove and I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby — “had at best misled” him about their role in the disclosure of former CIA operative Valerie Plame’s identity.
McClellan, who turned 40 in February, also provided details about the Bush administration's disastrous handling of Hurricane Katrina. He writes, for example, that after the storm, the White House “spent most of the first week in a state of denial,” and he blames Rove for suggesting the photo of the president comfortably observing the disaster during an Air Force One flyover.
McClellan says he and counselor to the president Dan Bartlett had opposed the idea and thought it had been scrapped. But he writes that he later was told that “Karl was convinced we needed to do it — and the president agreed.”
“One of the worst disasters in our nation’s history became one of the biggest disasters in Bush’s presidency. Katrina and the botched federal response to it would largely come to define Bush’s second term,” he writes.
“And the perception of this catastrophe was made worse by previous decisions President Bush had made, including, first and foremost, the failure to be open and forthright on Iraq and rushing to war with inadequate planning and preparation for its aftermath.”
OBAMA BITS: Hollywood money; defaced mural; Auschwitz mistake; Darfur statement; Eddie Griffin's take.
*Sen. Barack Obama has the most Hollywood donations of any presidential candidate, according to the latest figures from the Center for Responsive Politics. His campaign raised $4,022,006 from movie, TV and music sources through the end of April, compared with $3,413,024 for his Democratic opponent Sen. Hillary Clinton. Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain is a distant third with $636,046.
*A mural of Barack Obama was defaced with racist images in Atlanta's Little Five Points neighborhood on Monday, reports cbs46.com. "The eyes were blacked out and there was a swastika on his forehead," said artist Cameron Wilthshire, who helped to create the mural. "There are those who aren't ready for an African-American president and just can't wrap their head around that thought." Wilthshire said if the mural is defaced again, he'll just paint over it.
*Obama's camp Tuesday admitted that he made a mistake, after a campaign flap blew up over his claim that an uncle helped liberate the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. Obama's campaign spokesman Bill Burton issued a statement saying that Obama's great uncle was in fact part of a unit that freed inmates at a subcamp of the concentration camp at Buchenwald in Germany, and not Auschwitz. Obama's gaffe, however, sparked a torrent of attacks Monday by the Republican Party and conservative bloggers, who tried to portray the Illinois senator as naive and prone to exaggerations.
*Sen. Obama joined Sen. Clinton and Sen. McCain in a rare joint statement Wednesday, accusing the Sudanese government of “atrocities against civilians in Darfur.” The statement was provided by the Save Darfur Coalition, which also took out an ad in Wednesday’s edition of the New York Times. The ad shows the statement signed by all three candidates. “We stand united and demand that the genocide and violence in Darfur be brought to an end,” the ad says. The statement is meant to pressure the government of Sudanese President Omar Hassan el-Bashir.
*While on stage at Caroline's on Broadway, comedian Eddie Griffin told the crowd: "Barack Obama is about to get the Democratic nomination. It'll be the first time in history that a black man beat a white woman and didn't go to jail for it."
ITTY BITTY BITS: Left Eye’s Summer Star Search Showcase; Flavor Flav's proposal; David Banda is officially Madonna's child.
*Left Eye’s UNI Studios and Emancipated Talent announce their “Summer Star Search Showcase for Unsigned Artists Only.” Auditions are open from June 21 - August 9. All groups, solo artists and bands in all genres of music can enter via YouTube or live at Left Eye’s UNI Studios in Atlanta (587 Ralph McGill Blvd., NE). Participants must be 16 years or older. The final 12 “live” entries, along with the top 10 YouTube entries, will be chosen by a panel of celebrity and industry judges. Contestants must pre-register online at www.summerstarsearch.com. The winner will appear on Left Eye's 2008 "Collectors Album," receive artist development by TLC's T-Boz and a one year management contract with Emancipated Talent. The prize package also includes a three-to-five song demo package professionally recorded at UNI Studios and a professional media kit by TLAPR Agency, LLC.
*On Monday's (May 26) reunion show for the third season of "Flavor of Love," Flavor Flav proposed to Liz, the mother of his youngest son Karma, despite having picked Thing 2 on the finale the week prior. The former Public Enemy hype man said feelings for Liz blossomed while spending time with her and their son during the six months after the finale taping, when he was not allowed to see Thing 2. At the end of the reunion special, Liz and Karma joined Flav on stage, where he dropped to one knee and proposed. "By me doing these shows, everything that I've been looking for in a woman, it's been right here within you all the time," he said. "Let me ask you this: Will you marry me?" Liz accepted the proposal. Thing 2 took the news surprisingly well, stating she was just happy to be friends with Flav.
*Madonna's adoption of David Banda from Malawi is at last finalized. The High Court in the Malawi capital Lilongwe granted the singer, 49, permanent adoption Wednesday for the 2-year-old toddler. Justice Andrew Nyirenda said he is satisfied that Madonna and her British filmmaker husband Guy Ritchie "are perfect parents" for David. Nyirenda said by his ruling, David's biological father, Yohane Banda, forfeits all rights to the boy. "I am glad this is over now. I am happy for David," his father said Wednesday. Banda, 33, who ekes out a living growing maize, tomato and onions, said his family will meet and plan a celebration.
JENNIFER HUDSON: The Sex and the City Interview with Kam Williams
Jennifer in the City
*Jennifer Kate Hudson was born in Chicago on September 12, 1981 to Darnell Hudson and Samuel Simpson.
At the age of seven, she started singing in her Baptist church's gospel choir where she honed her vocal skills with the help of her late maternal grandmother, Julia.
After graduating from Dunbar Vocational Career Academy in 1999, the 5'9" beauty began in show business in community theater and then on a Disney cruise liner before unveiling her four-octave range in front of a national TV audience on American Idol during the show's third season.
Though Jennifer only finished seventh, many still consider her to be the most talented person ever to enter the competition. So, it was no surprise when she brought down the house delivering a spirited rendition of "And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going" as Effie White in the screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls.
Based on the strength of that Oscar-winning performance, she was signed to play Carrie's (Sarah Jessica Parker) assistant, Louise, in Sex and the City, a character writer/director Michael Patrick King created with Jennifer specifically in mind.
On the musical front, her yet to be titled debut CD is set to be released by Arista Records in the Fall, although her first single, "Spotlight," was leaked on May 16th, and can be found online. (Visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw50xPhFtd4)
As for her love life, Jennifer is back with her high school sweetheart, James Peyton, though the couple is in no rush to tie the knot just yet.
Kam Williams: Hey, Jennifer, thanks for the time.
Jennifer Hudson: How are you doing?
KW: Fine, thanks. Have things calmed down for you since winning an Academy Award?
JH: I have had a break. That was crazy with the whole Dreamgirls thing and the Oscars and all that. I was glad to get to come down a bit because it was like riding a roller coaster.
KW: How do you feel about following up Dreamgirls with Sex in the City?
JH: I love it! Dreamgirls and Sex and the City. That's hot! I like the idea.
KW: Would you have preferred doing another musical?
JH: No, I've been looking for a role in which I didn't have to sing. I don't want every role to involve singing. I don't mind singing in a film, but I want to act, too.
KW: Do you have any songs on the soundtrack?
JH: Yes, "All Dressed in Love." Cee-Lo [Green of Gnarls Barkley] wrote it, and then I got to sing it. And I think it's the perfect song, because they took fashion and love and tied them together and made a Sex and the City song.
KW: Were you a fan of Sex in the City when it was on HBO?
JH: I had never watched the show, but once I read the script and then started watching the DVDs for the audition, that's when I fell in love with it.
KW: Was it hard fitting into an established cast as a newcomer?
JH: I was a little nervous during my audition, of course. After that, everybody made me feel very welcome and right at home. It was like one, huge happy family. I felt like the baby of the family.
KW: Did you ever have a job as a personal assistant in real life, like your character Louise?
JH: [Laughs] Oh no. I think it was fun playing a personal assistant, but I can't work no computer and I'm not that organized at all.
KW: Did you find the role challenging?
JH: It was quite hard, although I switched roles with my assistant, answering the phone etcetera, so I could get the feel of being an assistant. I would assist him, which I don't think I did too good of a job of.
KW: Did working on this movie give you a better appreciation of fashion?
JH: Definitely! I'm more into fashion now, because their level of it is exciting and more interesting, and made me want to experiment with my style.
KW: Which of the film's four lead characters could you relate to the most?
JH: I'd say Charlotte [played by Kristin Davis], because she's the wholesome, traditional girl, and that's more like me.
KW: There's been a lot of secrecy surrounding the picture's plot. Did friends pester you to find out what's going to happen?
JH: Everyone did. I had to duck and dodge everybody. So, I would just tell them, "If you're a fan of the series, you'll be a fan of the movie, because it's true to the series. Wait on it. It's coming."
KW: Were you a guest at the wedding of your Dreamgirls co-star, Beyonce', to Jay-Z?
JH: Is that true? Did she really get married? If so, I'm going to have to send her a gift. Beyonce's an extremely private person, and I respect that.
KW: Do you have any plans to get married?
JH: No, I'm too young to get married.
KW: There seems to be a lot of it going around lately.
JH: And having babies, too. I'm going to wait on that.
KW: What happened to that guy, your childhood sweetheart, James?
JH: What happened to him? [Laughs] He's at home. He has to work.
KW: What other movies are you working on?
JH: I just finished The Secret Life of Bees in the past two months. That'll be out on October 17th. And Winged Creatures, which I'm not sure when it's going to be released. I don't have any other roles lined up right now, but we're working on that. Meanwhile, I'm trying to focus on finishing the album which comes out September 30th.
KW: Why has it taken you so long to release your debut CD? Is the process of making an album different from what you expected?
JH: I didn't know what to expect. Everything is so new to me. Alicia Keys talked to me about it and told me not to worry because it took her at least a year to record her first album.
KW: Who did you like on American Idol this season?
JH: [Runner-up] David Archuleta was my favorite.
KW: when you were on the show, judge Simon Cowell once said to you, "I think you're out of your depth in this competition." Have you heard from him?
JH: I haven't heard from Simon since he apologized to me on Oprah.
KW: Well, he had to eat his words in the end, so you definitely got the last laugh. Thanks again, Jennifer.
JH: Thank you.
Jennifer's MySpace homepage: http://www.myspace.com/jenniferhudson
To hear her new single, "Spotlight," visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw50xPhFtd4
EUR DVD REVIEW: The Three Stooges Collection (Volume Two, 1937-1939)
DVD Features 24 Classic Adventures All with Moe, Larry and Curly
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*Generally speaking, I've found that The Three Stooges are a guy thing that most females just don't get. And that's okay, since men tend to have the same trouble understanding the appeal of TV soap operas.
So, permit me to say at the outset that I understand if my lifelong love of these consummate comedians might be lost on members of the opposite sex.
I just hope that my boundless enthusiasm for the slap-happy trio doesn't diminish my stature in anyone's eyes, since the pleasure derived from watching them pummel each other probably derives from something primordial in male DNA which simply cannot be helped.
Yes, these clowns manage to make me double over at the sight of a grown man having his pants set on fire, getting hit in the head with a hammer, having a pie thrown in his face or having his eyes poked out.
Loyal fans of the Stooges brand of comedy are apt to appreciate this hilarious collection of shorts because all 24 feature Moe, Larry and Curly, with no substitutions of Shemp, Joe Besser, Curly Joe or Joe Palma as a poor man's replacement for Curly. Furthermore, the digitally-remastered prints offer better quality viewing than any reception I can remember being broadcast over the airwaves when I was a child.
Among the more memorable episodes included are "Dizzy Doctors,"
"Playing the Ponies," "Healthy, Wealthy and Dumb," "We Want Our Mommy," "Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise" and "Yes, We Have No Bonanza." But none of the wafer-thin plots matter as much as the well-orchestrated comic violence designed to build in intensity to a grand finale while the proceedings are being peppered with such trademark exclamations as "Nyu, nyuk, nyuk,"
"Certainly!" and "I'm warning you!"
With Father's Day just around the corner, consider this DVD the perfect gift guaranteed to keep Dad in stitches for days on end.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated.
Black & White
Running time: 412 minutes
Studi Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: The Birds and the Bees
*The reality of how brief childhood is recently hit me with the force of a hammer. My wife and I received a permission slip for our fifth grader son to attend his elementary school’s sex education program. The curriculum consisted of a film followed by discussion with a nurse and a faculty member – male for the boys, female for the girls.
Prior to receiving our permission, the school invited parents to view the film and thumb through the material. I took them up on their offer. This is California after all.
In fifth grade, students are being introduced to puberty and hygiene. Piece of cake! I can talk about deodorant and acne all day. It’s all the other stuff that gets me stuttering between too much information and not enough.
A few years ago while watching the Super Bowl halftime show, my sons commented that the musician Prince looked like a girl. The adults snickered. I then offered that when I was a boy, my mother never allowed me and my sisters to watch Little Richard on television. My eldest asked, “Why?” That’s when I began to stutter. I looked to the other adults in the room for help. My friends were more than willing to scarf down my food, but suddenly they didn’t know my name. Even my wife pretended to be busy as I tap danced through my answer.
I noticed a similar tap dance when the nurse began to answer questions the parents asked following the film: “What about homosexuality? What about premarital sex?” These are sensitive issues and the nurse’s answers were political to say the least. I couldn’t fault her. She is really between a rock and a hard place. As an employee of the school district, she is not allowed to mention God. Outside of encouraging kids to use protection, she can’t suggest any behavior is right or wrong. She is not allowed to offer any moral judgment. And to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t want her to. (This is California after all.) The school should teach biology. Putting it in a moral context is the job of parents.
As I listened to the discussions of the parents, it became clear that as awkward as I may find such conversations, I need to do my job and have the conversation -- the sooner the better. He will have questions. I know I did. And I have to do a better job at answering them than my father did with me.
Following my sixth grade sex education class, I came home eager to share this new knowledge with my father. Unfortunately in the time between the class and my father getting home, I had forgotten half of what I learned, and mixed up the rest. My father, the pediatrician, grew impatient as I fumbled trying to relay all that I had learned. “That’s incorrect,” he barked. “You have it backwards,” he sighed. What I remember most from that talk is a lot of exasperation on his part. It isn’t surprising then that as I got older, I never went to him again.
As all of my sons mature, if I want them to come to me with their questions, if I want them to trust that their father will give them the straight scoop on life, love and relationships, it is essential that I make certain they know that I am available, willing – even eager to sit down at any time and answer questions with love, humor and patience.
I have heard that children need to be exposed to a concept three times in order for it to really sink in. I have had some introductory talks with my eldest. I will count that as one. His viewing of this film will count as two. When he gets home, I had better schedule number three.
Immediately prior to viewing the film, I had been going through a stack of baby pictures, remembering fondly our very first family portrait and how my son spit up on my black shirt immediately after the photographer finished. Now here I was preparing to have the first of what will no doubt be many talks about the birds and the bees. It happened so fast.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
ASK ADVICE CHICK: Answers to YOUR Dating, Sex, Life, & Love Questions!
By - AdviceChick@ameritech.net
Send YOUR questions to AdviceChick@ameritech.net !
Dear Advice Chick,
*I've been dating a gentleman for a couple months now and we've taken it to the next level and gotten physical. He has yet to have an orgasm and blames this on our use of condoms. He never suggests we stop using condoms, and I wouldn't consider that suggestion even if he did, but it does leave me wondering what could be going on. He says our sessions are good for him, but I can't honestly see how he can be satisfied with the action, but no conclusion. What should I do?
Advice Chick replies,
Be careful with this guy. He never actually said the two of you should stop using the condoms, but he gently hinted at it - “Shoot. If I didn’t have to wear this tight ass condom I could bust one off.” His comment leaves me to believe that he may be used to (or prefer) hitt’in it raw. Not good.
If you’re feeling dude, try this. Squeeze a small amount (2 or 3 drops) of lubricant into the condom before he puts it on; this way he will get a familiar sensation. Men like to get their pee pees wet and this lil trick can be a “raw” sex simulator.
Dear Advice Chick,
I'm currently dating a guy who has 6 children by three different women. He really takes care of me emotionally, etc. but I’m hesitant about dating a man with so many children and failed relationships. Am I right to be concerned? His reasons about failed past relationships were that the women were not his equal intellectually or otherwise. He's 38 and realizes the mistakes he has made. What should I do?
Advice Chick replies,
Yes you’re right to be concerned. First of all, he’s not taking responsibility for his part in all of this drama. The women may not have been his equal intellectually, (whatever) but that didn’t stop him from distributing hot beef injections all over town, now did it?
What do you want from this relationship, marriage? He didn’t marry them, why would he marry you? With six children, does his occupation afford him a large enough salary to take care of his kids and contribute to a household with you? Does he even take care of lil ray-ray and ‘nem?
If you’re just dating for fun, do the damn thing. Obviously ole boy got a great big piece of meat between his legs ‘cause he’s got you open. However, if you are looking for a serious relationship, a life partner, or a husband, you might want to keep looking.
Send YOUR questions and comments to Advice Chick right NOW! Please put “Dear Advice Chick” in the subject line so your email isn’t deleted as spam. Thanks! Send your emails t advicechick @ ameritech.net
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Ask Advice Chick about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING related to dating, sex, love, and life! She is THE resident dating expert at EURweb.com, and calls on over 11 years of dating and relationship industry experience.
AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: Arthur Ashe 2008 Sportsball embraces "One Team; One World; One Cause" theme
Over 400 Avid Sports Fans Attend Fourteenth Annual Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health Sportsball 2008 at Chelsea Piers Sports Center
By Audrey J. Bernard, Lifestyles/Society Editor
*On December 3, 1992, two months before his untimely death at the age of 49 as a result of AIDS related pneumonia after acquiring the HIV virus during a blood transfusion, Arthur Ashe announced the creation of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH) in response to concerns about health care delivery in urban America.
He knew that the disproportionate amount of illness and death from preventable diseases in our nation's multiethnic communities was not only caused by inadequate health care delivery, but also by late detection as a result of limited and, too often, culturally inappropriate health education information.
More than fifteen years later, the Institute which is a national tax-exempt charity headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, remains true to Arthur's vision by developing and implementing effective programs that encourage people to take a proactive approach to their health.
In 1995, AAIUH established the Sportsball, a major fundraiser event to raise support and awareness about the Institute’s health education and research programs and to put the spotlight on heroes and sheroes in the corporate, entertainment and sports communities. Since then, the annual sneakers and black tie gala dinner has become a premier sports event themed “One Team; One World; One Cause.”
Now in its fourteenth season, Sportsball 2008, hosted by HBO Sports commentator Mary Carillo and sports anchor Otis Livingston, Today in New York, WNBC-TV, took place on Thursday, April 24 at Pier Sixty/Chelsea Piers, and featured a cocktail reception, silent auction, entertainment, awards presentations, dinner, dancing and dessert.
The stellar sports affair opened with superior vocalist Bonnie Gatling’s remarkable performance of the national anthem followed by a delicious dinner with remarks from Edgar O. Mandeville, M.D., chairman of the board, AAIU, and Dennis A. Suskind, president of the board, AAIU.
Messrs. Mandeville and Suskind jointly thanked their guests for keeping Arthur’s dreams alive with special thanks to the evening’s honorees. They also thanked all of their sponsors, especially the Sports Ball 2008 Wimbledon and U.S. Open corporate sponsors for their generosity; and American Express, Omnicom, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, GlaxoSmithKline, Time Warner, AstraZeneca, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Macy’s and Run Athletics. “They help us achieve Arthur’s vision, and we thank them for their support.”
Ruth C. Browne, Sc.D., chief executive officer, AAIUH, brought greetings and spoke about the Institute’s successes while also thanking its supporters. “Over these 15 years, we have accomplished a great deal thanks to your generous support.”
The event’s popular staple -- the celebrity roll call -- followed and many of the usual suspects were in attendance including Joyce and David N. Dinkins, Sheila & John Atchinson, Bonnie & Luther Gatling, Jonelle & Fred Terrell and Cal Ramsey.
During the awards program 2008 leadership awards were presented to Bryant Gumbel, host, HBO Real Sports; tennis champion and pioneer Billie Jean King, commentator, HBO Sports; Terry McDonell, editor, Sports Illustrated Group; Dr. Dawn Morton-Rias, dean, College of Health Related Professions, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Medical Center; and the corporate award to Time Warner Inc. accepted by Richard D. Parsons, chairman of the board.
The evening ended on James Brown’s good foot as guests donned expensive dress shoes for Run Athletics sneakers taken from individual deluxe gift bags to dance to the pulsating rhythms of Dave Brown & The Versatiles.
Kudos to excellent event planner Wanda Mann, Mann About Town, who produced the flawless evening with co-producer Tim Mann and corporate affairs manager LeeAnn Hicks; and expert town crier, Rubenstein Public Relations, who got the word out. And an ace of a time was had by all! (Photos by Marc Rasbury)
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
THE MO'KELLY REPORT: Mo'Kelly Wins...Down Goes Nas
*Yes, Mo’Kelly can admit it. Mo’Kelly took exceptional delight in the announcement that Nas would not be releasing his upcoming CD with the title Nigger attached.
Mo’Kelly was/is VERY happy…if not giddy even.
It’s bigger than simply victory over “the title” of the CD. In truth, that’s small potatoes. The real joy comes from the subsequent opportunity to better explain how and why Nas failed in his efforts. This is a meaningful, teachable moment for others in our communities.
And yes…Nas failed and Mo’Kelly delights in it.
For those who haven’t been following the travails of hip-hop artist Nas, he strove to provide his “fans” with a new CD with the controversial, unedited “N-Word” serving as its title.
Nas’ supporters postulated that the rapper with the 8th grade education was going to make some profound statement on the word and in turn loose African-Americans from its power.
Detractors (such as Mo’Kelly) argued much more simply and far more directly in nature.
“It’s a dumb ass and disrespectful idea that serves no higher purpose other than selling CDs for Nas.”
In other words, we saw it as profiteering at the expense of African-Americans under the guise of “enlightened/conscious rap.” But thank the Lord that sanity won out.
Well, maybe not entirely “sanity”…more like fiscal common sense. Either way, Mo’Kelly will take it.
Nas as an artist and "owner" of an imprint/vanity record label has the autonomy to create his musical product as he wishes, with little input from the parent record company. The same parent company is charged with the responsibility of promoting and distributing Nas’ finished musical product, whatever it might be.
The flipside to that reality was that Nas did not have any control over the means of mass distribution. He did not have the final say in how the CD would be promoted, beyond wearing ill-advised T-shirts to award ceremonies on his own. He did not have any control over which retail outlets would be willing to carry the product and thus make it available to his fans across the country. Remember, Nas was the one arguing that “the streets” wanted this CD. If so, he needed a way to actually get it to them in the first place.
Of course he could’ve opted to go the independent route and release it only for internet purchase on his website…but his website is also owned/controlled by the parent record company.
Nas' "Official" Website - Courtesy of Def Jam
So again, Nas is at the mercy of those who truly control the means of production, promotion and distribution of his music.
Translation: Nas wasn’t runnin’ ISH!
Conceivably he could have created his own website and released it there. But “conceivably” isn’t the same as “reality.” Most if not all artists are legally prohibited from releasing any product without the consent of the parent company. You see, they still have a vested interest in how an artist directly or even indirectly represents them. And as long as Nas is signed to Def Jam, everything he does, especially within the realm of music reflects on Def Jam. You see, that’s why their lawyers went to school all those years, so they could draw up these airtight contracts which not only protect the image and identity of Def Jam, but preclude artists on their roster from freelancing on a whim.
And again, that’s having nothing to do with Nas’ assertion that “the streets” were waiting for this CD. Even if it were true…a high percentage of “the streets” still don’t have an internet service provider. Even in 2008, it’s still not the most reliable way to sell to “the streets.”
"It's important to me that this album gets to the fans. It’s been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that, creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. It's that important. The streets have been waiting for this for a long time."
- Nas
This may be an intellectual leap on Mo’Kelly’s part, but methinks Nas’ 8th grade education didn’t adequately prepare him to strategize for economic models such as these.
But since Nas would have you believe this isn’t about “money”…that shouldn’t matter, right?
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