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07-10-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
EDDIE MURPHY SKIPS MOVIE PREMIERE: Actor supposedly shooting another movie and couldn't make it.
*The big red carpet premiere for "Meet Dave" was without its "Dave" on Tuesday. Star Eddie Murphy missed the event, according to People.com, because he was busy on the set of his next film, "A Thousand Words."
"He's not here because he's doing a movie and shooting – he goes back-to-back-to-back," producer David T. Friendly told People on the premiere's red carpet. "Eddie, he'll never admit it, but he loves to work. And I think work keeps him happy."
Murphy's co-star Gabrielle Union did show up, and said the actor is "at peace" after recent activity that included a sudden split from his fiancée Tracey Edmonds last winter.
"He's a really cool guy," says Union. "His kids were always on set. He's just really cool and at peace with himself."
KRAVITZ FIRES MANAGER ACCUSED OF DRAMA: Trainer who travelled to Paris with Cynthia blames Kravitz's ex-manager for A-Rod/Madonna/Lenny/Cynthia rumors.
*The fitness trainer who traveled to the Paris home of Lenny Kravitz with Alex Rodriguez's wife Cynthia says the rocker's former manager is behind recent rumors that Kravitz and C-Rod were having an affair.
A source told the New York Post's Page Six that trainer Dodd Romero called Kravitz two weeks ago to tip him off about Oseary, whom Dodd said boasted he was going to "pimp out Madonna and A-Rod."
Kravitz reportedly disapproved of the supposed publicity stunt. He told Romero, "I'll take care of this," and fired Oseary. Kravitz was shocked when he was then accused of having a fling with the slugger's wife, said the source. Romero believes Oseary planted the story in retaliation for being axed.
Romero told The Post that he was with Kravitz and Cynthia Rodriguez on Kravitz's tour bus when the reports broke in Paris.
"Lenny looked like he was going to throw up," Romero told the Post. "Lenny said, 'I worked so hard to clean up my image and now I'm gonna get dragged into this.'"
The trio planned to fly to Spain to meet up with Denzel Washington, whom Romero also trains, but canceled when Kravitz's alleged affair made headlines. The group agreed it was best for Cynthia to instead head back to Miami to "sort out the mess."
CHOREOGRAPHER GIBSON BACKS FRIEND IN CLUB FIGHT: Boom Kat says venue was at fault for not protecting patrons.
*Laurie Ann Gibson spoke to Allhiphop.com about her role in a fight that took place recently at Missy Elliot's birthday party inside of a New York night club.
As previously reported, a waitress at Club Marquee sparked the brawl by allegedly shoving Gibson's makeup artist Deborah Padilla in an attempt to get to rapper Busta Rhymes. The alleged fight resulted in the waitress filing charges and Padilla being arrested for assault.
“She (the waitress) pushed her and Deborah’s reaction was ‘I’m from Brooklyn, you’re not going to just be pressing up on me and disrespecting me’,” Gibson explained. “It was an unfortunate situation but I don’t roll with people who start trouble. She’s an amazing makeup artist and more importantly a strong black woman. It was just a case of someone feeling themselves at a nightclub and getting extra which happens all the time to a lot of us in entertainment.
Gibson blames Marquee nightclub for the brawl, claiming they failed to provide a safe environment for clubgoers to party.
“I really find it offensive that they are [allegedly] always doing something to my black sisters and brothers,” Gibson said. “That club is a little extra in my opinion and it’s disappointing.”
USHER AND HIS SON COVER NEW ESSENCE: Baby Ursh with pops in August issue.
*Usher and his 9-month son, Usher Raymond V, appear together on the cover of Essence magazine's new August issue.
In the cover story, the 29-year-old singer says he takes the responsibility of raising a son very seriously.
"Now I represent what he is to become," Usher says of Usher V. "He's gonna admire me, he's gonna look up to me. He's gonna say, 'I wanna be' – or he should say – 'I wanna be like my father. I wanna be a man of valor. I wanna possess what my father has as a man.'"
Though the singer's relationship with his own father, Usher Raymond III, was troubled, he says, "I don't judge my father because I forgave him for anything he'd ever done to hurt me unintentionally."
However, the absence of his dad in early childhood has shaped his views on being a father. "You should never abandon that responsibility, which is to be there, reading with your child, being supportive of your child's growth," he says when asked what advice he'd give to young parents.
MARIAH CAREY OPENS UP TO 'ELLE' MAG: Singer talks of being 'kidnapped' by Nick Cannon; wanted quickie marriage to thwart naysayers.
*In the latest issue of Elle magazine, Mariah Carey says her life was at such a poor state that she once had dreams of being abducted.
"When I was in an unhappy place in my life, I always wanted to be kidnapped," she says in the magazine's August issue. "I just wanted a way out, but I didn't have one."
That is, until she met Nick Cannon.
"He sort of kidnapped me and took me on a helicopter ride. Then he re-proposed," she says, referring to his initial proposal a few days earlier that she let slide by.
"We really kept the whole relationship aspect of it quiet," she says. "I think we didn't want to give people a chance to be like, 'What are you doing? What are you talking about? This is so quick...are you sure?'"
COMMON IN LONDON BEFORE SERENA'S MATCH: But both stayed in separate digs, according to E!
*Common flew to London last week and hung out with the family of his rumored girlfriend Serena Williams before she faced her sister Venus in the ladies finals of Wimbledon.
Both the rapper and the tennis tar have been coy about the exact nature of their relationship, but according to E! Online, the two were spotted leaving a group dinner together on Thursday night.
The next morning, Common flew to Germany for a scheduled concert.
A rep for the rapper would only say: "I know he's over there for some tour dates, so he could have gone to Wimbledon."
2ND MAN DETAINED IN JAVON WALKER CASE: Abduction charges face 40-year-old arrested Monday in Vegas.
*A second suspect has been arrested on charges of abducting, beating and robbing Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker Monday.
According to the Associated Press, Deshawn L. Thomas, 40, was taken into custody and held without bail at the Clark County jail. He's due in Las Vegas Justice Court to face felony kidnapping, robbery and conspiracy charges, police said in a statement..
Walker was found beaten and unresponsive on a side street near the Las Vegas Strip in the wee hours of June 16. He was hospitalized for two days with facial injuries and a concussion. He told authorities that about $3,000 in cash and $100,000 worth of jewelry were taken.
As previously reported, police have also arrested 30-year-old Arfat Fadel, who remains jailed pending a preliminary hearing July 16. His lawyer has said he will plead not guilty to kidnapping, robbery and conspiracy charges.
Investigators have said Fadel and a second man were caught on surveillance tapes at some of the same casinos and clubs where Walker partied and gambled the night of June 15. Early on June 16, police say Walker willingly got into the front passenger seat of a black Range Rover in the valet parking area at the Bellagio hotel-casino.
Walker later told police he was grabbed by the neck from behind, and did not recall much more. He said he did not know who the men were.
LIL WAYNE RETURNS TO BILLBOARD 200 SUMMIT: 'Carter III' scoots up despite 25% drop in sales.
*Sales of Lil Wayne's new platinum CD "Tha Carter III" dipped 25% this week, but it still managed to climb back onto the top of Billboard's album chart, moving 156,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The Cash Money/Universal project has now sold 1.68 million in its four weeks on the street.
Meanwhile, G-Unit's sophomore set, "T.O.S. (Terminate on Sight)" (G-Unit/Interscope) debuts at No. 4 with 102,000, following No. 2 "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" from Coldplay and Disney's "Camp Rock" at No. 3.
John Mayer's "Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles" debuts this week at No. 5 with 75,000.
Elsewhere on the Billboard 200, rapper Tech N9ne scores his highest charting album and best sales week ever as "Killer" (Strange Music/Fontana) debuts at No. 12 with 36,000.
SOULCHILD, COLE; DEVAUGHN TOUR FOR HEINEKEN: Red Star trek kicks off Aug. 6 in Los Angeles.
*R&B stars Ashanti, Keyshia Cole and Raheem DeVaughn are set as headliners of the third annual Heineken Red Star Soul concert series, which begins Aug. 6 at Boulevard3 in Los Angeles.
The tour will travel through eight more major markets with additional acts Chrisette Michelle, Musiq Soulchild and Grammy-winning songwriter producer Bryan-Michael Cox, who is recording his own album as an artist.
Kenny Burns, emcee of the popular BET show "Black Poker Stars Invitational," returns as host of the Heineken Red Star Soul concert series for the third year.
A Heineken Independent Achiever Award will be presented at each of the nine Red Star Soul concerts. Previous recipients include the late J. Dilla and Gerald Levert, Raheem DeVaughn and Chicago producer No. I.D.
Following its Los Angeles kickoff, the 2008 Heineken Red Star Soul concert series is scheduled for the following cities (artist lineup subject to change):
Aug. 13: Dallas (Gilley's, Raheem DeVaughn and Bryan-Michael Cox)
Aug. 20: Atlanta (Opera, Lyfe Jennings and Bryan-Michael Cox)
Aug. 27: Chicago (House of Blues, Dwele and Chrisette Michelle)
Sept. 4: Detroit (Fillmore, Dwele and Estelle)
Sept. 10: Cleveland (House of Blues, Lyfe Jennings and Bilal)
Sept. 17: Washington, D.C. (Ibiza, Raheem DeVaughn and Chrisette Michelle)
Sept. 24: Philadelphia (World Cafe Live, Musiq Soulchild and Estelle)
Oct. 1: New York (Mansion, Keyshia Cole and Raheem DeVaughn)
OBAMA RETHINKS TV INTERVIEW WITH DAUGHTERS: Presidential hopeful didn't know media coverage would be so out of control.
*Sen. Barack Obama says he will not allow his two daughters, Malia, 10 and Sasha 7, to be interviewed on television again after a recent family appearance on "Access Hollywood" received more media attention than he expected.
"You know, we had a unique situation in Montana where it was Malia's birthday, and all of us, I think, got caught up in the festivities," Obama said in an interview with CBS. "They had a chance to be their adorable selves on TV, but generally, we've been very protective of them.
"You know, in retrospect I think, you know, if you'd asked me we probably wouldn't have done it then, we wouldn't do it again."
Obama, who has kept media exposure of his daughters to a bare minimum, told ABC that the family got "carried away a little bit" as everybody was having a good time.
"Generally, what makes them so charming is the fact that they're not spending a lot of time worrying about TV cameras or politics, and we want to keep it that way."
In the three-part interview, which began airing July 8th and 9th and will end tonight, Malia revealed that her Dad once embarrassed her by formally shaking the hand of one her friends the first time he met her.
“You really don’t shake kids’ hands that much…You just wave or say hi,” Malia said she told her dad.
Sasha, meanwhile, said Obama prefers mint-flavored gum to bubble gum.
ASHANTI, COMMON, JANET JOIN FOR LOVECHARITY: Campaign features eight artists in total repping respective charities.
*Ashanti, Janet Jackson and Common are among a team of eight ambassadors chosen by French jewelry company Cartier for its Lovecharity bracelet campaign.
The artists, including Fergie and Eve, each represent a charity and a corresponding bracelet for the initiative.
The bracelet features interlocking miniature Love bracelets in 18K white gold and 18K rose gold, both graced with the word "Love" and set into a knotted silk cord available in various colors, with each cord designating support of a unique cause.
The price tags for the bracelets were not revealed, but in previous campaigns, they sold for $475. Cartier says they will donate $200 from the sale of each Lovecharity bracelet to the corresponding charity of each artists' choice.
The gunmetal bracelet, for example, will benefit the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance for Janet Jackson. The orange bracelet benefits The Peapod Foundation for Fergie, and the royal blue bracelet benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for Ashanti.
In addition to these bracelets, each artist has contributed a song for free download at Cartier Charity playlist at love.cartier.com. Some of the songs include Janet's "Luv," Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry," Eve's "Gangsta Lovin'," and Ashanti's "The Way That I Love You," among others..
LAWSUIT PLANNED IN WAITING ROOM DEATH CASE: Family of woman who died on hospital floor wants $25 million from city and facility.
*Relatives of the woman who died on the waiting room floor of a New York hospital are planning to file a $25 million lawsuit against the city and the facility where her death occurred.
The family of Esmin Green – who was captured on surveillance tape collapsing onto the floor and dying in the waiting area of Kings County Hospital without assistance for over a half hour – is also calling for criminal charges against hospital workers, who they say failed to help her and then attempted to cover up the circumstances of her death.
The New York Civil Liberties Union said last week that the hospital falsified medical records for the timeframe covering Green's visit, describing her as awake and going to the bathroom when she is seen on the video.
"My sister was killed twice," said Brenda James, Green's sister. "First, by those who neglected to offer her the needed health care. Secondly, she was killed by those who tried to cover up this criminal action."
Seven workers, including doctors, nurses and security guards, have been fired or suspended since Green's death, the city's Health and Hospitals Corporation said.
"We failed Esmin Green and believe her family deserves fair and just compensation," it said in a statement.
SHARPTON PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN BELL ARREST: Activist is charged with disorderly conduct.
*Al Sharpton pleaded not guilty to a disorderly conduct charge Tuesday stemming from his arrest while protesting acquittals of three New York police officers in the death of Sean Bell.
According to Newsday, the civil rights activist is due back in court July 28, along with at least 30 others charged with disorderly conduct in the peaceful protests, which took place May 7th and blocked major streets and river crossings in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The civil rights activist was planning to protest next week's Major League Baseball All-Star Game in the Bronx, but has called it off because he felt "reasonably confident" state and national police reform bills will be passed.
"We are not jail freaks. We don't love handcuffs," Sharpton said after his hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court. "We are trying to move toward some kind of permanent change."
Bell's fiance, Nicole Paultre Bell, 23, her mother and a cousin were among those arrested. They appeared in court yesterday, where Judge Melissa Jackson said in six months their cases would be dismissed if they avoid future arrests.
Sharpton sought the creation of a special prosecutor to probe officer misconduct and federal charges against detectives Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora and Marc Cooper after they were cleared in April. The New York Police Department filed internal disciplinary charges against the three officers.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Holyfield pays up; Russell & Porschla split?; Hendrix sex tape update; Zuma's Black Lesbian conference.
*Evander Holyfield is reportedly paid up on his child support. According to TMZ.com, the boxer handed his baby mama Toi Jenese Irvin $9,000 in back support owed for their 10-year-old son Evan.The former heavyweight champ also agreed to reinstate the boy's health insurance, pay for his private school expenses, make sure a college trust is in place and pay for some of Irvin's attorney's fees.
*Russell Simmons and his girlfriend, "Star Search" model Porshcla Coleman, have reportedly called it quits, according to the New York Post's Page Six. The two began dating last December, just as Simmons' ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons filed for divorce. Page Six is quoting sources close to both Russell and Porshcla who say the model has already "moved out of Russell's apartment." Another insider said Russell has made his moves, too, and is "back to playing the field."
*Adult entertainment company Vivid Video released a statement this week claiming a victory over the family of Jimi Hendrix who were seeking to prove that film footage obtained by Vivid purporting to show the guitar legend in a ménage a trois is fake. The company offered Experience Hendrix, LLC a $100,000 "good faith offer" if it could establish within 60 days that the film was bogus. "We always knew it was real and were confident that the Hendrix heirs would be unable to substantiate their claims," says Steven Hirsch, Vivid co-chairman.
*This week Zuna Institute’s National Black Lesbian Conference (NBLC) kicks off its fourth gathering of over four hundred activists, educators, community organizers, and professionals from today, July 10 through July 13 at the red rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas (1011 W. Charleston Blvd.) The conference’s theme, “Time to Be Renewed,” emphasizes Zuna’s desire to renew a commitment to community, participation in activism and a dedication to fighting health disparities like breast cancer. The NBLC provides attendees with opportunities for leadership skill-building, spiritual growth, and professional networking. For more information visit: http://www.zunainstitute.org.
EUR DVD REVIEW: Stop-Loss
Drama about Iraq War's Emotional Toll Released on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*After serving in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Brandon King (Ryan Phillippe) returned to Texas a decorated war hero.
However, all the accolades did next to nothing to ameliorate the deep emotional toll taken on his psyche by the months on end spent engaged in deadly battle.
So, now that the patriotic hoopla has died down, King finds himself plagued by flashbacks.
And while his well-meaning parents (Ciaran Hinds and Linda Emond) might be happy to have their son back, they simply aren't equipped to recognize the signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Fortunately, the about to be honorably discharged soldier does have several sympathetic shoulders to lean on in his best friend, Sergeant Steve Shriver (Channing Tatum), and others from their squad also trying to make the challenging adjustment back to civilian life.
Whether designed with a pacifist agenda or simply intended to make the case for a return of the draft, Stop-Loss is a compelling saga which compassionately establishes that veterans of the Iraq conflict shouldn't have to be wounded physically to be considered damaged goods. And as we find ourselves empathizing with the GIs plight because of the absence of treatment for their psychological trauma, the drama ups the ante by having Brandon informed that he's just been stop-lossed, and must return overseas.
But instead of reporting back to the base, he impulsively goes AWOL, knowing full well he's risking jail and a bad conduct discharge. Will the once-admirable patriot really abandon the US, ostensibly forever, or will he bite the bullet and re-up for another tour of duty in the name of God, mom
and apple pie?
Well-scripted and convincingly executed, this raw, super-realistic thriller is made all the more riveting by the sense you get that very similar scenarios are likely currently unfolding all across America.
Excellent (3.5 stars)
Rated R for graphic violence and pervasive profanity.
Running time: 111 minute
Studi Paramount Home Entertainment
DVD Extras: Commentary by director Kimberly Peirce and co-writer Mark Richard, 11 deleted scenes with optional commentary, and "A Day in Boot Camp" and "The Making of" featurettes.
To see a trailer of Stop-Loss, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmePzcsegk4
EUR DVD REVIEW: The Tracey Fragments
DVD Features Ellen Page as Another Troubled Teen
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*When we last saw Ellen Page, she was delivering her Oscar-nominated performance as Juno, a terminally-hip smart aleck who frustrated her parents by making light of her pregnancy after being knocked-up by a boy she barely knew.
Now the talented young actress is back in another title role as another troubled teen from another dysfunctional nuclear family, except she's not cracking any jokes.
As Tracey Berkowitz, she plays a clinically-depressed 15 year-old in crisis who hates herself, wants to be raped and murdered, and suspects that she might be going insane to boot.
The source of her despair starts with her emotionally-distant mother (Erin McMurtry), a chain-smoking, substance-abusing couch potato and her failure of a father (Ari Cohen) who takes his daughter to a drag queen psychiatrist (Julian Richings).
Life is just as bad for Tracey at school where her cruel classmates call her everything from "Geek Girl" to "Slutty Pants." Given all of the above, it's not much of a surprise that at the point of departure we'd find her wrapped naked in a shower curtain and riding around Toronto on the back seat of a bus, claiming to be looking for the little brother (Zie Souwand) she's hypnotized into believing he's a dog.
But because The Tracey Fragments is a flashback flick, most of the movie is devoted to showing exactly why the waifish Ms. Berkowitz went berserk as she meanders about the metropolis mumbling to herself in a rage. Director Bruce McDonald deserves high praise for the chance he takes, here, departing from convention by experimenting with split screens for the duration of his claustrophobic psychodrama. The dizzying cinematic technique works, making for a viewing experience that is as convincing as it is unsettling.
Juno's crazy twin sister!
Excellent (3.5 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 77 minutes
Studi THINKfilm Company
DVD Extras: "The Making of" featurette.
To see a trailer of The Tracey Fragments, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-TbdIKhvn4
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: Who Would Jesus Vote For
*My son saw the caption on the magazine cover. I did not. I was late for work and headed towards the door. “Daddy,” he asked. “Who would Jesus vote for?” He then pointed in the direction of a magazine rack and repeated his question. Apparently one of the news weeklies had asked the question on its cover.
“I think none of the above.” I answered.
“Well,” he pondered. “If Jesus wouldn’t vote for any of the candidates why would you?”
Good question. Clearly my son got his good looks from my side of the family and his brains from his mother's. I took a deep breath before answering him. Children often say the darndest things and I didn’t want to dampen his intellectual curiosity by patronizing him with my answer.
Though I am a Christian, I always cringe a bit when some political party or organization pretends some proprietary relationship with God. The Lord is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. In fact I am not convinced that God cares a great deal for politics (and even less for politicians).
In the New Testament the apostle Matthew recounts the time the Pharisees attempted to trap God with a query about taxes paid to Caesar. Jesus takes a coin from his questioners and says, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to the Lord what is the Lord's.”
I have always understood this scripture to say to us that God recognizes that men are imperfect and social creatures and must therefore somehow organize and govern their associations. Governments – that is moral governments -- exist to protect the liberty, lives, and property of those it governs in order that men may live together in their imperfectness. So we become political. We vote, we campaign and often feel a sense of divine appointment in our political institutions though such sentiments are often misplaced. The message of this story in scripture is that leaders as well as citizens must remember that ultimate authority rests with the creator. And he is not concerned with our political institutions. His primary concern is with the hearts and souls of the individuals that make up the institutions.
I do not claim to know the mind of God. I suspect anyone making such claims is engaged in pretense. However, as it happens we do have a moral and ethical roadmap of sorts that clues us in to the direction the Lord would like us to walk. I am of the opinion that God is always on the side of Liberty and Justice and if we as individuals keep that in mind, trust in his benevolence and mercy, follow his commandments and offer ourselves as sacrifices to our fellow man as he did for us, all will go well with us.
This was the message of Moses. The Israelites had wandered 40 years in the desert and when they were at long last set to enter the Promised Land-- their leader cautioned them to have faith and let that faith guide their behavior and all will go well.
This message was repeated again by the Prophet Samuel when the people of Israel pleaded with Samuel to name a king over them in order that they might be protected and nurtured. Samuel reminds them of the words of Moses -- that if they but trusted in God and behaved according to his law all would go well with them.
I concluded my answer to my son by reminding him that we are blessed to live in a country where we have a say in who will govern us. Our participation is therefore in my book mandatory. When he comes of age he must involve himself in the political life. He should weigh the issues and the candidates against the moral and ethical lessons provided by God’s roadmap and he must vote. He must also keep in mind that the men and women we vote for are imperfect and faith placed in men is faith misplaced.
And, in his daily life it will go better for him if he always casts a write-in vote for Jesus as his candidate of choice.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
REGGAE UPDATES FROM JAMAICA: shaggy's 'Rush' up German charts; Da'ville and Demarco collabo; Courtney John opens for Beres Hammond; Beenie Man and Busta collabo; Keys gives props to Reggae and Old School; Reggae Gold and Strong One make Billboard debut; Leftside Vibe feature
By Kevin Jackson
*Shaggy soars to number one on the German pop music charts with Feel the Rush
He hasn’t had a hit in the US in a while but Jamaican dancehall/pop star Shaggy is sitting pretty at the top of the pop music charts in Germany with his UEFA theme song Feel the Rush. Feel the Rush soared to number one knocking Love Is You by Thomas Godos from the top spot.
Shaggy recently picked up a plaque in Germany for the success of the single. And still on Shaggy, Feel the Rush is currently showing up on several major pop music charts across Europe. It has hit the top ten in Switzerland, Austria, and Sweden.
And more Shaggy news, his most recent album Intoxication which debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae Album chart last year, has re-entered the chart this week at number fifteen.
Here’s a quick glance at some of the hits from Shaggy which have dented the European music charts over the past fifteen years. Angel, Oh Carolina, Bombastic, It Wasn’t Me, Freaky Girl, Dance and Shout, Luv Me Luv Me, Hey Sexy Lady, Strength of a Woman, Get My Party On (featuring Chaka Khan) and Me Julie (featuring Ali G).
Reggae singer Da’Ville collaborates with dancehall newcomer Demarco
While on the set of the video shoot for the song Blessings a Multiply, singer Daville disclosed that he has been pleased with recent developments as far as his career is concerned.
‘I am happy the way things are progressing and I just want to say thanks to all of the fans and the media for their continuous support’, Da’Ville confided. The singer revealed that he is in the process of working on two albums, one for a Japanese label and the other for New York’s VP Records.
Commenting on the song Blessings a Multiply which features hook singer of the moment, Demarco, Da’Ville said ‘I chose to work with Demarco on this song because of the vibes and the chemistry’.
The video for Blessings a Multiply was directed by Ras Tingle. The song is on the Fashozy label.
And speaking of Demarco, he told this column that he presently finishing up work on his forthcoming album for Koch Records. Among the completed tracks is a collaboration with US hip hop artiste Missy Elliott.
Courtney John set to open for Beres Hammond’s US tour
Singer Courtney John aka Yogie will be the opening act for Beres Hammond’s upcoming North American tour. The tour which is set to kick off next month, will run until early September.
In the meantime, Courtney John has released a new single titled Save Us All. The song was produced by Stephen Lenky Marsden. It’s the follow up to Courtney John’s most recent hit Baby Tonight on the Taxi label.
Courtney John can next be seen in action at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay.
Sizzla, Coco Tea, Elephant Man and Tarrus Riley confirmed for New York’s Irie Jamboree
America’s top reggae festival Irie Jamboree will take place this year on Sunday August 31 in Queen’s New York at Roy Wilkins Park.
Among the artistes confirmed to perform so far are Sizzla, Coco Tea, Tarrus Riley, and Elephant Man.
Irie Jamboree has over the years won awards for its consistency in providing quality entertainment to the Jamaican and Caribbean communities in New York and the tri state area.
Beenie Man and Busta Rhymes collaborate on Woman
Beenie Man recently teamed up with US rapper Busta Rhymes for the song Woman. The song was produced by Sean Doo for Good Time Entertainment.
According to reports, the track Woman is to be included on Busta’s eighth studio album Blessed which is due for release in mid August on Interscope Records.
Over the years, Beenie Man has teamed up with some of hip hop and R&B’s biggest names for collaborative efforts. One time radio jock-turned-rapper Angie Martinez was featured on the remix of Tell Me, while rapper TI’s first single 2001’s I’m Serious featured an appearance from Beenie Man.
Beenie Man’s other collaborative efforts included songs with Wyclef Jean, Janet Jackson, Akon, rapper Shawna, Lil Kim, Mya, Doug E Fresh, Brooke Hogan, Guerilla Blacks and UK R&B singer Jamelia.
He has also collaborated with soca artistes KMC and Machel Montano.
To date Beenie Man’s biggest collaborative effort has been Feel it Boy featuring Janet Jackson, a Top 30 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2002.
Alicia Keys gives props to reggae and old school performers
Alicia Keys performed with reggae and dancehall artistes Chaka Demus and Pliers, Junior Reid and Beenie Man on the American Music Awards last year. Earlier this week, Keys included a guest spot in her performance from old school R&B girl groups TLC, SWV and En Vogue.
Backstage at the BET Awards, Keys told this writer her reasons for incorporating the reggae and dancehall acts as well as the old school R&B girl groups into her performances.
‘Its very exciting for me to combine all the people that I admire and doing a great show. Being able to bring out Junior Reid and so many incredible reggae artistes when I performed No One (at the American Music Awards) was unbelievable. The energy was just crazy. Tonight to be able to feature three of the most incredible female groups SWV, TLC and En Vogue, its exciting for me to do that. I’m a fan of theirs and everybody had a great time’, Keys explained.
Reggae Gold and The Strong One debut on the Billboard Reggae Album chart
The various artistes compilation Reggae Gold 2008 and Etana’s The Strong One disc both debuted on the Billboard Reggae Album chart recently.
Reggae Gold which contains hits including Calabria 2008 by Enur and Natasja; The Mission by Damian and Stephen Marley; Doh by Serani and Bugle; Money Changer by Mavado; Wine Gal by Beenie Man; and the Plane Land by Richie Spice, debuted at number one on the Billboard listing.
Etana’s The Strong One buoyed by the hits Wrong Address, Warrior Love, I Am Not Afraid and Roots, debuted at number thirteen.
Leftside featured in July 2008 issue of Vibe Magazine
Lefside is featured in the July 2008 issue of Vibe Magazine in the Boom Shots section which was written by Editor at Large, Rob Kenner. Leftside who is currently signed to New York’s Sequence Records, is in the studios hammering out the finishing touches to his forthcoming album.
Leftside recently topped the video charts with the song Back It Up which features Sean Paul.
GLENN'S STRATEGIES FOR WELL-BEING: Update on Cervical Cancer Vaccine
*In an effort to provide an updatre on the “vaccine for cervical cancer”, I want to share some recent information that could be useful for parents faced with the decision as to whether or not to allow their daughters to receive the vaccination. With all of the ads promting the Vaccine for Cervical Cancer, I think it is important to hear another “voice”.
Gardasil is being marketed as a means to protect against cervical cancer by vaccinating against HPV.
On June 8, 2006, the FDA licensed Gardasil, as the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer caused by certain kinds of human papillomavirus (HPV). Since then, more than 12 million doses of Gardasil vaccine have been distributed. However, CDC also received 7,802 reports on side effects of Gardasil.
There are over 100 different types (strains) of HPV, and about 40 of these cause genital infections. Of those 40, about half can cause cancer, and some can cause genital warts. The four types of the virus that the vaccine prevents cause 90 percent of genital warts (types 6 and 11) and 70 percent of cervical cancer (types 16 and 18). So, even though the vaccine only targets a few strains of the virus, those few strains are responsible for causing most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Some mistakenly believe that the vaccine prevents 70 percent of HPV. This is not true. Others mistakenly believe that the vaccine is only 70 percent effective. This, also, is not true. The vaccine is extremely effective, but only as it relates to preventing those four types of the virus. While the vaccine may stop two cancer-causing strains of HPV, an article in The New England Journal of Medicine pointed out that blocking these strains of the virus may allow other cancerous HPV strains to fill the void. If this happens, the overall decrease in cervical cancer would be minimal.
It should be stressed that only a very small percentage of women who have HPV will develop cervical cancer; so simply having HPV doesn't mean that you will get sick. However, almost all cervical cancers have evidence of HPV virus in them, so infection is a major risk factor for developing it.
Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, released a report based on new documents obtained from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), detailing reports of adverse reactions to the vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV). The adverse reactions include 10 deaths since September, 2007. The total number of death reports is at least 18 and as many as 20. The FDA also produced 140 “serious” reports, 27 of which were categorized as “life threatening”, 10 spontaneous abortions and six cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome ( a condition in which the immune system attacks the neurological system) – all since January 2008.
According to a recent article in The Washington Post, Merck plans to lobby the FDA to approve the vaccination for young boys as well. (Right now, the vaccination is approved for girls/young women from ages 9 to 26. Just last week, the FDA rejected Merck's attempt to expand the use of the vaccination for women 27 and older. Merck plans to reapply.)
To add some perspective on this topic, the most common type of cancer on the list is nonmelanoma skin cancer, with more than 1,000,000 new cases expected in the United States in 2008. Nonmelanoma skin cancers represent about half of all cancers diagnosed in this country. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, 11,070 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S., and 4100 women will die of cervical cancer in 2002. This puts cervical cancer as the 12th most common cancer that women develop, and the 14th most common cause of cancer death for women in the U.S.
Cervical cancer is considered a preventable disease. It usually takes a very long time for pre-cancerous lesions to progress to invasive cancers and we have effective screening methods that can detect pre-cancerous lesions that can generally be cured without serious side effects. Effective screening programs in the United States have led to the drastic decline in the numbers of cervical cancer deaths in the last 50 years. For women who do end up with cervical cancer in developed nations, 60% of them either have never been screened or haven't been screened in the last five years. The importance of regular cervical cancer screening cannot be overstated.
Cervical cancer can be prevented with routine cervical cancer screening and follow-up of abnormal results. The Pap test can identify abnormal or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix so that they can be removed before cancer develops.
I want to be clear; I am not suggesting that parent not vaccinate their daughters. As always, I am a strong advocate of “Informed Consent”.
I do, however, agree with Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton, who sums it up perfectly, “Given all the questions about Gardasil, the best public health policy would be to reevaluate its safety... In the least, the government should rethink any efforts to mandate or allow the promotion of this vaccine for children.”
Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one.
Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended, nor implied, to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Glenn Ellis, author of Which Doctor?, is a health columnist and radio commentator who lectures, and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics
For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Shirley Caesar release 40 years of her music ministry with new CD/DVD, and Deborah Gregory, author of 'The Cheetah Girls,' releases new book, 'Catwalk'
By Eunice Moseley
Pastor Shirley Caesar releases 40 years of music ministry on Light Records
*“It dawned on me, you don’t know the old Shirley,” legendary Gospel singing sensation Pastor Shirley Caesar said about why she released the Light Records CD/DVD, “After 40 Years: Still Sweeping through the City.”
Shirley said that her recent albums consist of some contemporary sound, in fact her 2005 release, “I Know the Truth,” even had a featured Gospel rapper Tonex.
“One Sunday morning I was singing old hymns….at the pulpit teaching…and the audience loved it (old hymns) and the choir joined in. I was asked to do the old songs over again,” Caesar added.
That the pastor did, on her new label Light Records. The project became a CD/DVD set of 40 years of her of music ministry. It includes such selections as “Peace in the Midst of the Storm” and “He’s Got it All Under Control.”
Shirley Caesar started singing professionally at a very young age with the Caravans (who were much older than her). She was so young that they had to get her mother’s permission, group founder Albertina Walker told me.
The native North Carolinian began her solo career in 1966 and rapidly became the First Lady of Gospel. Her achievements in the Gospel music ministry garnered her an Honorable Doctorate from Shaw and Southeastern Universities. She earned a Bachelors degree in business administration in 1984 and is a minister at a North Carolina church.
“Gospel music is big business,” the pastor said. “It’s bigger than classical, blues and country. There are so many facets of it…even Blue Grass Gospel.”
Shirley Caesar has won six Grammy Awards and seven Dove Awards for her projects and she has also performed on Broadway.
The “After 40 Years: Still Sweeping the City,” CD/DVD includes soul stirring performances and moving testimonies.
Caesar is finishing up a tour to promote the CD/DVD. It started in Miami in May and ends July 12th at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest in Ottawa, ON. Shirley will also be performing with Yolanda Adams and Evangelist Juanita Bynum on September 19th’. The performance will be at the Gospel Extravaganza in the WaMu Theater in Madison Square Gardens, NY.
Her album credits are so long that my research online only starts in the year 1995 and from that point on Caesar has released on the average two albums a year, in fact, in 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005 she released three albums each year. Shirley has been signed to major labels like Sony and even “indie” labels such as Frank Music and Liquid 8.
The entire album is a must to hear. With each selection you can transport your mind to a time in the past where the selection played a big part in your life and the building and revitalization of the spirit. If you are young the old hymns will give you a little history on Gospel and the music industry as a world.
Learn more about Pastor Shirley Caesar and her newest release at www.shirleycaesar.com or www.lightrecords.com.
The Cheetah Girls author releases new book series, ‘Catwalk’
“I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology…it was fun,” author Deborah Gregory said about why she wrote, “Catwalk,” on Random House, a book about the experiences of students at an elite fashion high school, written through the mind and eyes of the lead character Pashmina.
The book kept me turning the pages and I guess that is all an author wants, well Gregory got that in me. I couldn’t wait to go back to the book, when I had to leave it, to find out the next achievements, “did her ‘house’ make it,” “who will be her love interest,” “will she fail or success” and the most important one that will keep the book series coming “will her house win the fashion competition.”
Deborah, who use to write for Essence Magazine, first book was “The Cheetah Girls,” which became a television series, movie and musical tour.
“I had interviewed a ‘tweens’ girl group,” the writer said about where the concept for “The Cheetah Girls” came from.
That interview so intrigue her that she write the first draft of “The Cheetah Girls.” It was published by Random House and since then she has written 16 series of the book. She also served as co-producer oo the movie.
“They (Hollywood) came out the wood-work before the book every came out,” Gregory points out.
“In the book world I own everything,” Deborah explains.
She goes onto to tell me that the movie world purchased the “dramatic rights,” for the sake of copyrights, Warner Brothers, had to own it. To date it is reported that Warner Brothers has made a billion dollars from the dramatic rights to “The Cheetah Girls.” Deborah says that Warner Brothers has the rights to television and movies, but not theatrical
Gregory plans a series of books for this latest project, “Catwalk,” a very modern and realistic look at what high school life in a fashion world would be like when you have students from all over the world coming together for one purpose, to conquer the fashion world.
Get more information on the “Catwalk” book at www.radomhouse.com/teens.
Veronica’s View: A Manliness Crisis - Fact or Fiction?
Veronica Hendrix
*It’s an interesting theory - a manliness crisis in America.
Harvard professor Harvey Mansfield asserts that premise in his book entitled “Manliness.”
He defines manliness as “confidence in the face of risk.” And he believes that manliness is losing its place in a society that has moved away from placing emphasis on gender roles in favor of gender neutrality.
Mansfield points to feminism as the reason. He believes feminism and our gender neutral society has essentially “hijacked” manliness. And in the words of the late comedian Rodney Danger, he believes that men “don’t get no respect” for being manly because women don’t appreciate manliness, and they don’t know what to do with it.
In my conversations with men throughout the years, they have echoed these same sentiments, more or less though never as clearly and pointedly as the author.
While I believe Mansfield’s assertions are a bit extreme and a little stagy, I have found that many of the men of today are a distinct departure from the men who shaped my early beliefs about the value of men in our society and the whole concept of manliness.
Today it seems men are much more homogenized, pasteurized and even sanitized than those that have predated them who were less urbane and more rough around the edges. The age of Aquarius has ebbed into the age of the metro sexual. Now many men revel in their strong aesthetic sense and appreciation of finery. It’s not unusual to find a man who spends an inordinate amount of time and money on their appearance and in embellishing their lifestyle, from fine food to fine furnishings.
Call me a troglodyte if you’d like, but I still twitch when I hear men speak “matter-a- factly” about their manicures, pedicures and spa treatments. Some are just as pampered as I am.
I don’t think you can blame their evolution on the Women’s Movement. I just won’t give it that much power. But I do think that what it has done is given men permission to be more “self centric” since women have become less reliant on them. The role of men has evolved from “life support” to “life supporter.” I believe women are more inclined to align themselves with a man who supports their efforts rather than one who directs them because they feel empowered to direct themselves.
There’s no doubt that it’s a tough balancing act for men, one layered with mixed messages and double entendre about the role women want men to play in their lives. Women say they want a man who is sensitive, yet strong. Understanding, yet decisive. Fearless, yet acquiescent. It can all be so very confusing for men since all of these attributes are opposed to each other. And maybe, just maybe the confusion has eclipsed their mainlines, just a little. I might buy that. But it certainly has not high jacked it.
In all the brouhaha about this alleged manliness crisis in America – and that’s what I believe it to be – the bottom line is women want men who have a secure sense of themselves. And it’s important because women look to men to be a safe harbor in their lives, someone they can seek refuge and respite in at the end of the day, whether literally of figuratively. They’re just old-fashioned that way and that will never change.
While women yearn for a life’s partner who can fulfill the traditional role of provider, they also need someone who respects and understands their needs and ambitions. When they find this, that’s manly. (If you have comments about Veronica’s View, email them to vsview@yahoo.com)###
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"The first step to becoming is to will it." — Mother Teresa
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
July 10: Singer Mavis Staples is 69. Actor Ron Glass ("Barney
Miller") is 63. Actress Sue Lyon is 62.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Need your Eric Benet fix? Well then www.TrueEBfans.com is the official fan club of Eric Benet and the BEST place to get Eric Benet news.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
July 10, 1891: A black jockey, "Monk" Overton, won six straight horse races at the Washington Park race track in Chicago. In 1907, another black jockey, Jimmy Lee, also won six straight races at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Prior to 1907, only two other jockeys had equaled the achievements of Overton and Lee, the Englishmen Fred Archer and George Fordham. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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