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07-17-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
NATE DOGG POSTS BAIL: Crooner in wheelchair during entire court appearance Wednesday afternoon.
*TMZ.com reported that Nate Dogg sat in a wheelchair during his court appearance in Compton Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to several felony charges related to his stalking case.
As previously reported, the one-time gangsta crooner, born Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, was accused of making death threats against his ex, Latoya, and "dangerously" following her on the 405 freeway in L.A. last month.
The judge yesterday ordered him to stay 100 yards away from Latoya. He also set bail at $100,000. Nate Dogg posted the bond later Wednesday and left jail through an underground exit.
NATALIE COLE DIAGNOSED WITH HEPATITIS C: Singer says disease was revealed through routine examination.
*A rep for Natalie Cole announced Wednesday that the veteran R&B singer has been diagnosed with hepatitis C.
The liver disease, spread through contact with infected blood, was revealed during a routine physical examination and may have been caused by her past drug use.
"I've been so fortunate to have learned so much from my past experiences," said Cole, 58. "I am embraced by the love and support of my family and friends; I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism and determination. This is how I intend to deal with this current challenge in my life."
Her physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Graham Woolf, said Cole has had a "terrific response to her medication and is now virus negative. This gives her an increased chance of cure."
Cole is currently recovering from side effects of the medicine she's taking, including fatigue, muscle aches and dehydration.
BURNT HENDRIX GUITAR TO BE AUCTIONED: Jimi's 1965 Fender Stratocaster from performance in London to be sold.
*A 1965 Fender Stratocaster that was famously set afire by Jimi Hendrix during a performance in London will be up for bid by auction house Fame Bureau along with a number of vintage rock memorabilia on Sept. 4.
The guitar was doused with lighter fuel and set on fire by the rock icon during a one-off performance at London's Finsbury Astoria in March 1967.
Hendrix was hospitalized with minor burns to his hands after the stunt, and the guitar, slightly damaged along the neck and pickboard, was recovered by his staff. It landed in the hands of his press officer, Tony Garland, who stored it in his parents' garage, where it remained until it was found last year by Garland's nephew, according to Reuters.
"When Hendrix set this guitar alight it marked a watershed in live performance," said Ted Owen, director of acquisitions at Fame Bureau. "He raised the bar of what could be expected and paved the way for a series of imitations and pastiche that exist to this day."
The instrument is expected to fetch just under $1 million. A previous auction of a Hendrix guitar, known as the Woodstock Stratocaster, earned $1.8 million.
Hendrix, who died in 1970, burnt two guitars on stage -- he repeated the stunt at a festival later in 1967 -- but the one to be auctioned is the only example that survives intact.
MARIAH, NELLY, NAS TO SING FOR SAMSUNG: Artists to perform at second annual free concert series.
*Mariah Carey, Nelly and Nas are among the artists tapped to perform as part of the second annual Samsung AT&T Summer Krush, a free summer concert series designed to highlight Samsung's music-centric BlackJack II mobile phone.
The concert series kicks off July 31 in Los Angeles with an approximately 35-minute performance by Carey at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Portions of the concert will broadcast later that evening on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Rapper Nelly is scheduled to perform Aug. 19 at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, while Nas will perform at Webster Hall in New York on Aug. 27.
Other artists on the bill include Gavin Rossdale and LeAnn Rimes. A limited number of free tickets will be available through radio promotions, artist fan clubs, street teams and online registration at www.samsungsummerkrush.com.
RIHANNA IS THE FACE OF GUCCI'S UNICEF CAMPAIGN: Singer will appear in ads for luxury items that benefit charity.
*Rihanna has been hired to front Gucci's new "Tattoo Heart" campaign, which benefits the charity, UNICEF.
AHN is reporting that the 20-year-old was sought out for the campaign by Gucci's creative director Frida Gianinni after she saw the artist at a UNICEF fundraiser earlier this year.
The campaign includes a special limited edition of selected Gucci items. A quarter of the sales would be donated to the charity.
TERRENCE & ROCSI TENSION IS YOUTUBE HIT: 106 & Park hosts get testy on air; Rocsi walks off, refuses to close show.
*Things have gone awry between BET's "106 & Park" hosts Terrence and Rocsi, and it all came to a head during Friday's episode - which resulted in Rocsi walking off the set and refusing to return for the show's close.
Video of their awkward exchanges ended up on the Internet over the weekend and reportedly caused a stir with BET, who tried hard to have the various clips removed.
During taping before a live audience, Terrence went out of his way to clown Rocsi hard. He poked fun at her various cue card mistakes, told her that her breath stunk and she needed a mint, and asked her why she doesn't have a body more like Ciara's.
During the second video of the countdown, Rocsi had finally had enough and left the stage. She hasn't been seen since.
According to blogger Illseed, who first broke the story, "Rocsi went on vacation out of the country to get her head right and will be back next week. In the meantime, her job may be in jeopardy."
Illseed also reported: "Terrence broke Rocsi off (slept with her) and things started going down hill from there. To make matters worse, Terrence went out of his way to flirt with his co-host for the day, Keri Hilson, [Thursday] on the set as a jealous Rocsi probably sat home and watched. Even though him feeding Keri strawberries, setting up a dinner for two, etc., on the show was staged, he was definitely crushing on Keri when the cameras were off and the two (Keri and Terrence) ended up exchanging numbers."
BILLIE JEAN VOTED TOP DANCE SONG IN UK: Michael Jackson classic tops BBC poll.
*Michael Jackson's song "Billie Jean" has been voted the greatest dance record of all time by BBC Radio 2 listeners.
Written by Jackson and co-produced by Quincy Jones, the track earned two Grammy awards and went to the top of the UK charts in 1983.
Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," which topped the UK charts in 1977, took second place in the music poll, revealed in a three-part series presented by Zoe Ball, was part of a Radio 2 dance music season. James Brown placed third with "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine."
"I'm delighted that Billie Jean has been voted the greatest dance record ever made," said Ball. "This is Jackson at his best. This track is way up there for me - Jacko's rendition of it at the Motown 25th anniversary show has got to be one of the great live performances of all time. The bassline is awesome, the production is killer. It's just perfect."
A panel of music experts, including DJs Trevor Nelson and Danny Rampling, drew up a shortlist of 20 records, which were then voted for by listeners online. The songs, dated from 1966 to 2001, were selected for their "musical merit, and importance in the narrative of UK dance music."
NAS RELEASES TOUR DATES: Rapper to offer fans free preview for MySpace friends in NY.
*Nas has released the schedule for his Jones Experience tour across the U.S. and Canada in support of his newly released untitled album, which at one time was named "N**er."
Featuring special guests Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica and DJ Green Lantern, the Jones Experience tour will mesh with his 10 previously announced dates on the Rock The Bells hip-hop fest. Combined, the two outings cover more than 30 cities starting Saturday (7/19) in the Chicago area and wrapping Sept. 6 in George, WA. Details are listed below.
Nas plans to preview his show Friday (7/18) with a free concert for his MySpace friends at The Roxy in West Hollywood, CA. His headlining run will stick to clubs and theaters. The rapper, born Nasir Jones, called the trek "a big show in an intimate venue."
"I felt this experience was important because I wanted to touch my fans in an intimate setting with this new album," Nas said in a statement. "All the fans that have supported me over the years, I truly appreciate it and this is my way of giving back."
Here are the tour dates for the "Jones Experience":
July 2008
19 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre* 20 - Toronto, Ontario - Arrow Hall*
22 - Montreal, Quebec - Metropolis
24 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
25 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
26 - Mansfield, MA - Comcast Center*
27 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion*
29 - Charlotte, NC - Amos' Southend
30 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm
31 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage
August 2008
1 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
2 - Miami, FL - Bicentennial Park*
3 - Wantagh, NY - Jones Beach Amphitheatre*
8 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
9 - Devore, CA - Glen Helen Pavilion*
10 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
14 - Sparks, NV - New Oasis
15 - Chico, CA - Senator Theatre
16 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre*
22 - Park City, UT - Harry O's
23 - Englewood, CO - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre*
24 - Austin, TX - Emo's
25 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
26 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
28 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
29 - Detroit, MI - Chene Park
30 - Champaign, IL - Canopy Club
September 2008
3 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
4 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
5 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
6 - George, WA - The Gorge Amphitheatre*
MCCAIN GIVES OBAMA PROPS AT NAACP EVENT: Senator says his success should make 'all Americans proud.'
*After skipping last year's NAACP convention along with every Republican candidate except Mike Huckabee, Sen. John McCain spoke Wednesday at this year's annual gathering and began by apologizing for his absence last year.
McCain then went on to praise his Democratic rival for president, Sen. Barack Obama.
"Don't tell him I said this, but he is an impressive fellow in many ways. He has inspired a great many Americans, some of whom had wrongly believed that a political campaign could hold no purpose or meaning for them," McCain said in Cincinnati, Ohio.
"His success should make Americans, all Americans, proud. Of course, I would prefer his success not continue quite as long as he hopes. .Whatever the outcome in November, Sen. Obama has achieved a great thing -- for himself and for his country -- and I thank him for it."
McCain's speech was well-received by the pro-Obama crowd. The Arizona senator's words were met laughter and applause.
He expressed having "fundamental differences" with Obama with relation to the economy, and "honest differences" about the growth of government, but refrained from criticizing his rival before the largely pro-Obama audience. The senator from Arizona told those at the convention that he seeks their vote and hopes to earn it, but even without their support, he needs their "goodwill and counsel."
At the conclusion of his address, McCain received a standing ovation and held a question-and-answer session with the audience.
McCain's relationship with the black community has not been smooth. He initially voted against the Martin Luther King holiday and he was booed in Memphis last spring when he tried to apologize. But he was the first Republican candidate to visit the site of the famous civil rights march in Selma, Alabama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqYel4sUA1E
ITTY BITTY BITS: Halle to raise ovarian cancer awareness; Lil Wayne No. 1 again; BET's 'Black Panther'; Chris Brown & Rihanna; Coolio goes green.
*Actress and new mom Halle Berry will be seen in a series of public service announcements to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, reports USA Today. The Oscar winner, 41, is joining forces with the Callaway Golf Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to help launch an ad campaign that is expected to begin in August.
*Rapper Lil Wayne continues his chart domination with "Tha Carter III" at No. 1 again for a third non-consecutive week. The set moved 125,000 copies last week, according to Nielsen SoundScan, a 20% drop in sales from the week previous.
*BET Networks and Marvel Animation are teaming up to produce an animated series based on the legendary superhero, The Black Panther. Casting is already underway and the premiere is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009. A special sneak preview will premiere at Comic-Con in July during BET's panel on Saturday, July 26. The series will be adapted directly from the first six issues of the Marvel Comic written by Reginald Hudlin.
*R&B star Chris Brown says he refuses to answer media questions about his relationship with Rihanna because he hates discussing his personal life with strangers. "Nobody wants to focus on what's positive, they want to know about my personal life," he tells WENN. "Every interview I do, they're like, 'So, how are you and such and such doing?' And I'm like, I don't know you, why you all in my business? So that's my take on it personally."
*Rapper/reality star Coolio and jazz saxophonist, Jarez are among artists recently enlisted as spokespersons for the Environmental Justice and Climate Change's (EJCC) campaign to educate students at Historically Black College and University's (HBCU) about the global warming crisis. The campaign kicked off July 11, 2008 on "Just Environment," an EJCC sponsored urban talk radio program that will integrate diverse perspectives on environmental issues and underscore EJCC's campaign efforts. Broadcasting weekly at noon on WCLK 91.9, "The Jazz of the City," and live online at www.wclk.com, the radio show will feature informative discussions of problems and solutions for healthy, sustainable lifestyles. The jazz stylings of Jarez, from his CD release "To the Top" will provide the musical signature for the show.
EUR FILM REVIEW: Full Battle Rattle
GIs Play Simulated War Games in Mojave Desert Documentary
Film Review by Kam Williams
*The final stop American soldiers make before being deployed to Iraq is at a top-secret, billion-dollar, 1,000 square-mile facility situated in the middle of the Mojave Desert.
There, the Army has constructed a virtual version of Iraq on a small scale, a place comprised of 13 villages where GIs to prepare for service overseas.
The Department of Defense employs hundreds of Iraqi immigrants full-time to inhabit the fake towns and to play a variety of civilian roles in simulated war games.
Full Battle Rattle, directed by Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss, follows a battalion from Texas, the 4th Brigade of the 1st Cavalry, for the duration of its three-week training regimen in Medina Wasl, a mock city slipping suffering from a simmering insurgency which is threatening to explode into all-out civil war. Superficially, the task at hand is to quell the rebellion while trying to win the hearts and minds of the locals. The challenge the soldiers face is familiarizing themselves with a strange culture and a strange language in a strange environment while trying to discern which of the smiling faces might be a terrorist with an IED or a suicide bomb.
Why the U.S. Government ever agreed to let anyone film these maneuvers on location at Fort Irwin is beyond me, but the directors ended up fashioning a fascinating film from the 350 hours of footage they shot. The simulations seem more like acting on a movie set than confrontations at an actual theater of war, since no one gets hurt here, and everyone knows on some level that these situations are not real.
Consequently, far more interesting than the staged standoffs are the heartfelt reflections of the participants during downtime. There's an irony about the contrast of hearing Iraqi-Americans talking about life in this country and watching the military-industrial complex putting the finishing touches on young emlistees about to ship out to a godforsaken land to kill or be killed.
Full Battle Rattle's closing credits include a sobering postscript noting that five members of the battalion starring you've just watched play war have already died over in Iraq, thereby turning the surreal grim in an
instant.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 85 minutes
Studi Mile End Films
Distributor: The Film Sales Company
To see a trailer for Full Battle Rattle, visit: http://youtube.com/watch?v=niFXXEFmc0o
KELLE STEWART: The My Boys Interview with Kam Williams
Kellee's Close-Up
*Kellee Stewart was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on April 15, 1976 where she developed a love for the stage at an early age, appearing in school productions and studying drama at Philly's famed Freedom Theater.
She later attended SUNY Purchase where she would earn a bachelor's degree in acting. After graduation, she appeared in Off-Broadway plays and worked as a modeling agent in NYC, before heading west to try to make it in L.A.
In Hollywood, she landed recurring roles on several TV series, including the WB's "Living with Fran," Comedy Central's "Wanda Does It" and the UPN's "Sex, Love, & Secrets."
But Kellee is probably best known for her breakout performance as Bernie Mac's daughter Keisha in the feature film Guess Who? On the big screen, she has since appeared in the blockbuster comedy Monster-in-Law and in the recently-released indie flick I'm Through with White Girls.
Here, she talks about her career and about new TV show, TBS' "My Boys," a sitcom set in Chicago where she co-stars opposite Jordana Spiro.
Kam Williams: Hi Kellee, thanks so much for the time.
Kelle Stewart: Oh, thanks for having me.
KW: Congrats on My Boys being renewed for a second season.
KS: Thank you.
KW: How do you like the evolution of your character, Stephanie?
KS: Oh, I love it. Stephanie actually writes a book about dating.
KW: I know. I watched the season premiere and the next episode, and saw how you and boyfriend had problems while vacationing in Italy. Is he written off the show now?
KS: Yes, he's gone. Lance [played by Schuyler Yancey] and I broke up. On the heels of that, Stephanie wrote a book and becomes famous, so some fun things start to happen.
KW: I like that your character isn't the stereotypical African-American sidekick. Not that very limited best friend we usually see, but a much more complex and well-rounded individual.
KS: The role wasn't written that way.
KW: So, was this a case of colorblind casting?
KS: When I went for my audition, I saw every ethnicity there. Caucasian women, black women, Asian women.
KW: How did they settle on you?
KS: It was really about finding the right chemistry for the entire ensemble. After I read with Jordana Spiro for [show creator and executive producer] Betsy Thomas during a call back, they decided to screen test me with her. And after we finished, as I was getting into my car to drive home, my phone rang, and they said, "Don't leave, you got the job. Come back for the table read." And when I sat down for the table read I had not yet been introduced to any of the other actors. My first line was "Hi Mike. hi Kenny." I delivered "Hi Mike" in a nice way, but I decided spontaneously that I didn't like Kenny. So, I said, "Hi Kenny" in a very nasty, sarcastic manner, and he looked back at me and grunted and shot me this disapproving look which made the audience crack-up. And instantly the chemistry of our characters not liking each other was found. I believe that happens when the right actors organically just go with the flow and go with the moment. I hadn't even shaken his hand at that time. Now, here we are starting season two and we still can't stand each other and we don't even know why, but it works.
KW: Do you think your experience as a modeling agent has helped you in landing roles?
KS: I think being on the other side of the desk helped me in terms of gaining a perspective on the business. I learned not to take everything personally or so seriously, because sometimes you're just not right for a particular job. You have to be able to take rejection quickly and honestly, know what you need to work on, and move on, all kind of in the same instant.
KW: Why is it I sense that you're a bit of a perfectionist.
KS: [Laughs] A little bit. I think that what makes my job so much fun is that I continue to try to grow. I still take acting classes and go to improv shows.
KW: Why is that?
KS: There are a lot of great actors and actresses out there who are trying to get the same jobs that you are. So, you've got to give it your best shot and think "I'm going to go for it and not look back."
KW: That reminds me of the documentary Confessions of a Superhero, which follows four struggling actors who panhandle on Hollywood Boulevard to survive in between auditions while they're waiting to make it.
KS: The things that dreams will make you do. Giving up is not an option if you want to succeed. That's how I feel about it. If you really want to be in this business, and it's something you can't live without, you just have to keep going. And one day that shot will be given to you.
KW: I think there's an "It" factor which some people have and some don't. After seeing you on this show, in Guess Who and I'm Through with White Girls, I'd definitely say you have that certain something. Despite playing the second banana, there's something magnetic about you which enables you to shine and almost upstage the lead.
KS: Oh, thank you. I appreciate that. I try.
KW: I'm guessing that it's a combination of attractiveness, intelligence, persistence and the "It" factor. So, when are going to land your feature lead role?
KS: [Laughs] I don't know. Hopefully, soon. I still feel like I'm getting my feet wet.
KW: What did you think of I'm Through with White Girls? I thought it was a charming little romantic comedy.
KS: I actually haven't seen it. Lamman Rucker, who plays my love interest in it, recommended me for the role. He's a friend of mine from way back.
KW: He's an excellent up-and-coming actor who's been in a lot of movies lately, including Meet the Browns and Why Did I Get Married? Tell him I want to interview him, and that I'm friends with a friends of his, Al Flowers.
KS: I will. I'll pass that message along to him.
KW: Are you anything like your character Stephanie in real life?
KS: I'm like her in the sense that she lives her life by a set of rules that work for her. I'm pretty much the same way, although I'm not as girly as she is. She's also this smart, on top of her game woman, and that's where I identify with her.
KW: Troy Johnson, the bookworm, wants to know, what was the last book you read?
KS: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.
KW: Columbus Short told me nobody ever asks him, are you happy? Are you happy?
KS: I am very happy, and I'm content with living each day and just being grateful first that I woke up and have another opportunity to have a good time. So, yes, I'm very happy. I love that he suggested that question, because nobody does ever ask that. When I come home, the parents of some of my friends ask me things like, "When are you going to get married? When are you going to have kids? What are you going to do with your life?" But they never ask me if I'm happy. I've actually had this conversation with my mom, because nobody asks you that. They think you need to fit into a certain mold to be happy. Bu I'm ecstatic about the way my life is going.
KW: Great.The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
KS: Hmm. interesting. Am I ever Afraid? Yes, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. But somewhere, faith creeps in, and fear goes away.
KW: How do you want to be remembered?
KS: As being honest, and as going about my life with integrity.
KW: The "Realtor to the Stars" Jimmy Bayan question, Where in L.A. do you live?
KS: I live in the Carthay Circle, Beverly Hills area.
KW: Can you still go to the movies and the supermarket without being bothered by fans?
KS: Absolutely! This is my job. And my job is no more important or special than anybody else's. So, I don't find myself thinking, "Oh, I'm going to get recognized, today." That is not a part of my psyche at all. On the occasions that I am recognized, I say, "Thank you," but you can't place yourself in a bubble.
KW: Is there a question nobody ever asks you that you wished somebody would?
KS: Yeah, what advice would you give young women today?
KW: Okay, what advice would you give young women today?
KS: Don't believe the hype of the things that you are reading and seeing on TV and in movies. The reason that I say that is because when I was growing up, we didn't have this super-skinny, flawless image to compete with. Far too often, I see it now that actresses are displayed in a way that seems very airbrushed and hard to attain. I find it unfortunate that young women may look at those images and think that is the ideal of beauty. It can cause a lot of problems and self-esteem issues if we don't remind girls that being healthy and exactly who you are is the main thing. I'm grateful I didn't grow up with those images. If I were growing up today, and I thought that was the ideal standard, I think I might be in a little trouble. I'm a black girl with curves and a butt, and I'm going to continue to embrace my femininity and to be comfortable in my body, even on TV. That doesn't mean that I'm not insecure at times, but it does mean that at least I know who I am and that I'm not trying to fit into somebody else's pants. I'm just going
to fit in my own.
KW: I think that naturalness is part of your beauty that comes through in your work. How do you feel about all the murders in your hometown, Philly?
KS: How do I feel about it? It's just insane! It leaves you speechless, because I don't understand what's going on in our communities that we have left out the option of talking. People are resolving problems in the absolutely wrong way, and innocent bystanders are losing their lives. I feel that we all need to take responsibility by turning your neighbors or starting a program at your community center or a school that will help young people have a purpose. If we as a community don't take responsibility for every crime that happens, then we are just onlookers. Enough is enough. Kids should be able to go to their high school graduations without being shot in the back. When I heard about that incident it broke my heart. It only takes for one person to remind you that you are special, and then your whole life is changed.
KW: Great idea. Thanks again, Kellee, and best of luck with the show and your career.
KS: Thank you so much for your time, Kam.
To see a clip of Kellee, visit: http://youtube.com/watch?v=f80-ix4McEM&feature=related
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: Listening to Obama
*After months of being transfixed by empty slogans, supporters of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama are finally listening and many do not like what they are hearing. Critics have charged him with flip flopping on a number of issues, most significantly his stance on the war in Iraq.
During this campaign, Obama has been adamant that as president he would “set the mission” to end the war and bring the troops home in 16 months. In a statement that the decidedly liberal paper of record, the New York Times, identified as a flip (or a flop depending on one’s inclination), Obama now says he will consult with his generals in order to refine his promise to quickly remove troops.
I am disinclined to view this as a change of position. Though he has sought to reassure the left by responding with a hearty “Don’t be confused, I will bring this war to a close when I am president of the United States.” It would appear that he has finally come around to my way of thinking. He has taken a more moderate approach based on an evolving situation on the ground.
That the current administration and John McCain, the Republican Party nominee, also want to bring this war to a close as quickly as possible should go without saying. Alas, the left has been so successful at obfuscation that it must be said: Republicans want to end the war – the sooner the better! Republicans want to bring the troops home – the sooner the better! The difference between the Republican position and until recently Obama’s position has always been that bringing the war to a responsible close meant victory. To that end, events on the ground would dictate our leaving Iraq as opposed to an arbitrary timetable.
Obama now says that as commander-in-chief, he will keep his options open. One assumes that means if he is informed that events on the ground do not warrant a redeployment of our troops, we will remain in Iraq beyond his 16 month deadline. That is not a flip flop, but a reasonable position and as it happens, the same position as both President Bush and John McCain.
Barack is actually a victim of his own success. He did such a remarkable job of demonizing the war effort that any suggestion that he might actually fight the war makes the left apoplectic.
During the Democratic primaries, Obama gained considerable political mileage by pointing out that among the major candidates he was the only one to oppose America’s invasion of Iraq from the beginning. It is a testament to his political skill that he has been able to continually bask in the glow of having the moral courage to oppose the war while a member of the Illinois state senate. Of course at the time, no one much cared what the state of Illinois thought of toppling Saddam Hussein.
More recently, one wonders where all this moral courage was when called upon to step up to the plate and vote against the wire tap bill that easily passed the U.S. Senate.
For two years, Congress debated the measure designed to overhaul rules for government eavesdropping in terrorism and espionage cases. Many prominent Democrats had viewed the bill, which rewrites the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, as an unacceptable encroachment upon the civil liberties of American citizens. Barack Obama had opposed an earlier version of the bill but supported this latest version in opposition to fellow Democrats Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Harry Reid (D-NV).
What remains unclear is how he can continue to refer to the current administration policy as “brain dead” when he has supported a measure this president fought for, and when he now clearly seems to be adopting the administration’s position on withdrawal from Iraq.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
Robin S: There’s more to her than Show Me Love
By Kevin Jackson
*Robin S. was signed to Atlantic Record subsidiary Big Beat Records in 1993. She is best known for the gold selling debut single Show Me Love, as well as the dance numbers I Want to Thank You, It Must Be Love and Luv For Luv. She also garnered R&B chart action with the stirring ballad What I Do Best.
Her follow up album From Now On released in 1997 on Atlantic Records reflected broader interests for Robin S., encompassing gospel and contemporary R&B ballads and high energy dance floor grooves. The album sold about 100,000 copies in the US by the end of its chart run.
These days, Robin S. continues to tour and record. Though she is no longer signed to a record label, she is hoping to get the right deal and promotional muscle to take her music into the next millennium. She recently recorded a new song with up-and-coming European artist Honest, whose debut album is expected later this year.
This writer caught up with Robin S while she was in Jamaica recently to perform at a Father’s Day concert at the Hilton Kingston hotel.
Kevin Jackson: This is your second visit to Jamaica. How has it been this time in comparison to the last time that you were here?
R: Well I didn’t get to see too much of it the last time. We came in, did the show and we left. This time I love it, I actually love it.
KJ: How has the musical journey been for you?
Robin S: Its been wonderful in all sincerity its been a joyous ride. I’ve been on this roller coaster of not performing, to performing to not performing to performing a little bit. Its taken me through every facet of life and it has made me deal with every facet of life.
KJ: How did the Robin S name come about?
R: My birth name is Robin Jackson. My father was a professional boxer who went by the name Stonewall Jackson. In the beginning when I just came out, there were so many Jacksons. You had Michael, Janet, Millie and Keisha Jackson. So we decided to use Robin Stone which was part of my father’s boxing name. We dropped the Stone and kept the S.
KJ: You started out singing in the church before you got signed to the label. How was that for you and how did it change things for you?
R: I did just about every facet of music. The only thing I hadn’t done was sing background for artistes. When I got signed to the label, I don’t think I was necessarily very excited. My singing wasn’t something that someone gave me. It was a gift from God. I was more excited when I did venues of 20,000 or 30,000 people than I was when I got a record deal.
KJ: Were you surprised at the success of Show Me Love?
R: yes I was surprised. After I heard the playback on the song, I didn’t like it. I never expected it to do what it did. I can remember vividly when it was released in Europe first, it debuted at number 20. Every week it went up further on the charts. Then the song crossed over to the states. I flipped through the radio stations and every one was playing Show Me Love.
KJ: How did touring and recording affect your role as a mother?
R: My children were studio babies. I was pregnant while recording in the studios. My girls sing and my son raps. My oldest daughter sang background for me when she was 16. She is a beautiful writer. She to me is the only one who can double my voice perfectly. Motherhood was a challenge, because when Show Me Love just came out, I had just given birth to my son, but I had a wonderful support system. My sister took care of my children. When I wasn’t performing, I would just close off the world and spend time with my children. It had been a lifelong dream for me since I was a kid to be a performer. When we were younger, our parents would ask us what we wanted to become when we older. When I told them I wanted to be a singer, they said it wasn’t lucrative, not stable and doesn’t have longevity. Inevitably when I look back, I have and still am fulfilling my dream. Now my kids are grown and I am helping them to fulfill their dreams. I have four grandchildren and one on the way. Its always been about my children. I did a lot to give them a better life. If you can afford to have the nicer things but never forget where you come from nor the struggles you had to endure, it makes you appreciate life so much better.
KJ: What new are you working on right now?
R: The track that I just worked on with an artiste called Honest and he’s from Amsterdam. The song is called Make You Feel Good was produced by Solid Soul. The song is very slamming and they’re considering making it the first single from his album. We had so much fun doing the track. I also re-released Show Me Love and its been getting a lot of airplay. I also did a song called At My Best with my nephew who is a rapper called CTK.
KJ: Did record label politics interfere with your weight or how you looked?
R: I was always told I was overweight and that I had to lose weight and maintain a certain figure. I had to be something that I am not. I represent a life for full figured women. I represent letting them know that it comes from within first. I have always been full figured from as long as I can remember. When I lost weight, I was still considered full figured. I don’t think that I should be judged by other people by what I look like if I am presenting myself in a fashionable yet well preserved manner. I am a singer and that’s what you should judging me on. I give kudos to people like Martha Wash, the Weather Girls, Jennifer Hudson or anyone who is full figured. We live, we breathe, we have emotions and we are talented. I don’t have to sell anything but my vocals. Its nice to be thin, but I’m fortysomething and I am really happy in the shell that I dwell right now. My weight fluctuates sometimes and its been that way all my life. I don’t make any excuses for it. As long as my health is not in jeopardy, I am ok with it. I probably didn’t get the things I could have gotten with the record label because of my weight, but I am still here. God is still blessing me and leading and opening up doors for me.
KJ: What happened why you parted ways with the record label?
R: I think it was a mutual agreement. Everyone has their season and their time and I think my time and my season was up. I couldn’t be happier right now. It affords me to do anything with anybody musically and I don’t have to seek permission. On one hand I don’t have the tour or distribution support; but I am able to do whatever I want to do. The label didn’t know what to do with me. I am not a dance artiste. I sing R&B, gospel and jazz. I do have the different facets but no one wants to hear that.
KJ: What kind of advice would you pass on to anyone new in the industry based on your experiences?
R: To learn about the industry first. Take time out to learn about the ins and the outs. The snakepits and the snakes. The intricate stuff that no one wants to tell you. Learn how to become the businessman or woman with your craft and don’t rely on other people to guide you through things. That’s basically what I am teaching a group called Five Verses that I am working with. I didn’t want them to go out and spend the money to work at someone else’s studio. I build a studio at my house for myself as well as for them. Teaching them how to run a studio and to more responsible with their business. The thing is with the record labels, if you do not consider yourself as a commodity then you will be take advantage of. If you look at yourself as a commodity or merchandise in demand, you will learn how to become a better entrepreneur. I had to learn the hard way and it was a very expensive lesson that I learnt.
KJ: Did you forsee the problems that the industry is experiencing today?
R: yes I did. The people that are in the industry now (and its no disrespect because God knows I am looking for another label). There are no more Clive Davis’ out there. I love Clive Davis, never had the opportunity to meet him, wish, want to and would love to. I know that I can sell, I know I can do what I did ten years ago. There are no more Berry Gordy’s out there. There are no more people that are willing to take the time to cultivate, nurture or train. Everything is about instinct. We are now living in an industry where it doesn’t matter what you sing about as long as you threw it up on the wall and it sticks. Where is the music theory? Who’s taking music theory in college? Who knows the history of music anymore? Its all about who you know and how long you’ve known them, and how you look. I know how Clive worked with Whitney and how he held her back until the time was right for her to come out and he didn’t make her compromise who she was even though she was a model and a superstar’s daughter and a superstar’s niece. The Wendy Motens, she is wonderful. She does a lot of soundtrack music and she is a great singer. She sounds just like Whitney. But she is full figured. There’s no one in the industry who is willing to take the chance.
VERONICA'S VIEW: Shaking Off the Wedding Bell Blues
Veronica Hendrix
*“Bill, I love you so, I always will. I look at you and see the passion eyes of May. Oh, but am I ever gonna see my wedding day?”
I love that song. “Wedding Bell Blues” was a big hit for the 5th Dimension in 1969. I was too young to appreciate its sentiment. But now I do.
Fast forward forty-seven years later and Bill has finally seen those “passion eyes of May” in – you guessed it – May when the California State Supreme Court overturned the state’s ban on same sex-marriage after the passage of Proposition 22 back in 2000, a statewide referendum passed by California voters outlawing gay marriage and defining marriage as the union between a man and a woman.
Many same-sex betroths shook off their long-endured wedding bell blues when California began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in June, a month after the ban was lifted in the 4-3 court decision.
Lines for marriage licenses were long at many courthouses in California. People waited patiently for the coveted document they had been denied. Over 2,700 marriage licenses were issued in a 24-hour period the first day the ban was lifted in California. The average number of marriage licenses issued in California for a week in June is about 2,400. The spike was due to the number of gay and lesbian couples seeking to tie that first-time knot.
Some same-sex couples had the honor of having their ceremony officiated by elected officials. In Los Angeles, Councilmember Eric Garcetti officiated a wedding on the South Lawn of City Hall. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newson, who challenged the referendum by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples within his City limits in 2004, also presided over marriage ceremonies.
Wedding dresses, wedding cakes, invitations, tuxedo rentals, cumber buns, floral arrangements, rented halls, and those cute little same-sex wedding cake toppers I saw for the first time were in hot demand. I was dizzied by it all as I thought about the simultaneous frenzy and excitement these couple must be going through. And the City of Los Angeles got ahead of the curb in promoting Los Angeles as a top destination point for same-sex marriages.
In fact, last month UCLA released a report called The Impact of Extending Marriage to Same-Sex Couples on the California Budget. The report projects that in the next three years same-sex marriages will boost the state economy by $683.6 million in wedding spending and tourism; create about 2,178 new jobs; and generate $68.3 million in state and local taxes.
But enough talk about money. The ruling is not about revenue, although the experts have quickly calculated the bottom line. The ruling meliorates an institution that is built on commitment and love – and in this case it involves same-sex couples.
Some folks are ruffled about the court’s decision. A measure to reinstate the ban on same-sex marriages will be on the November ballot in California. However recent polls are showing that many people feel same-sex couples have a right to marry. Who knows how this will pan out.
I have to admit I am heartened to see so many couples willing to say, “I do.” Their optimism is refreshing and endearing about the institution of marriage. I guess I’m just a sentimental mush ball when it comes to marriage. I do believe in it, even though many of us from the heterosexual persuasion suffer from chronic commitment and marriage phobia disorder. Even census data has shown that for the first time in recorded American history, married couples have finally slipped into the minority and that there are more unmarried folks than married ones.
But with 51,320 of California’s same-sex couples and 67,513 same-sex couples from other states that are estimated to get married within next three years, married couples are making a steady comeback, provided the ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage fails in November.
All this talk about weddings gives me the wedding bell blues, especially when the percentage of never-married black women has doubled since 1950 and researchers predict that many of us may never walk down the aisle with an opposite-sex partner in our lifetime. Hey, maybe they will inspire us to shake off our wedding bell blues and get back to the altar. Until then, I guess I’ll live vicariously through Bill and Phil or Cindy and Sarah.
Veronica Hendrix is a syndicated journalist and columnist whose work has covered the span of the human continuum - from clinical trials of male contraceptives, to the gang violence. She is the producer of the highly acclaimed half hour talk show called "LA Woman," which airs on L.A. City View Channel 35, and is a Los Angeles Emmy nominated producer. Veronica's career as a journalist has included being a reporter for USA Today and a producer for a radio talk show in Los Angeles, which focused on issues impacting the African American Family. Veronica is a proud native of Southern California where she lives with her two sons.
AUDREY'S SOCIETY WHIRL: 2008 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL
270,000 Music Lovers Attend 14th Annual Essence Music Festival In New Orleans Over 4th of July weekend
By Audrey J. Bernard, Lifestyles/Society Editor
*(New Orleans, LA) – The 14th annual Essence Music Festival held July 4, 5 and 6 was bigger than ever before with some 270,000 avid music lovers converging on New Orleans to enjoy fabulous marathon music from top artists; indescribably delicious Creole food; epic blues and jazz; and humble hospitality from a headstrong people who are still trying to hold their heads above water while restoring their nonesuch city back to the way it was – an enriched Creole culture combining elements from around the world.
Presented by Coca-Cola, the record-breaking attendance left the celebrated city financially better off than it was -- a fact that did not go unnoticed by the city’s much appreciative Mayor C. Ray Nagin who profusely thanked Essence, its stalwart sponsors and super supporters for bringing the Festival back home “where it belongs.”
What started out some fourteen years ago as a means in which to bring people together to live, learn and enjoy life while giving back to those less fortunate under the theme “party with a purpose” -- a phrase coined by Essence magazine’s then editor-in-chief, Susan L. Taylor -- has become the nation’s largest annual gathering of African American music and culture. The three-day cultural celebration featured unprecedented empowerment seminars during the day and three nights of exhilarating performances by some of the hottest African American artists.
The 2008 Essence Music Festival featured headline performances by Kanye West, Mary J, Blige, Chris Brown, Chris Rock, Rihanna, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Keyshia Cole, Jill Scott, J. Holiday, LL Cool J, Musiq, and Morris Day and the Time. The empowerment seminars featured some of the most influential orators of our time including Tyler Perry, Dr. Bill Cosby, Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Hill Harper, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Juanita Bynum and Tom Joyner – just to name a few.
During a special salute to Essence icons, living legend Patti LaBelle was featured in an all-star concert co-starring LaBelle members Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx; Angie Stone; Ledisi; Chrisette Michele; Ruby Amanfu; Irma Thomas and many more!
Retrospectively, it was more than 30 years ago in New Orleans when LaBelle (Patti, Sarah and Nona) recorded their famous hit, “Lady Marmalade,” produced by legendary musician Allan Touissant. And now the historic moment has come and LaBelle will reunite to record a new CD this fall. Their vibrant performance at the Festival gave their fans a taste of what they can expect from the fêted trio on tour in September.
Appearing nightly in one of the four sponsor lounges were Terence Blanchard, Mint Condition, Cupid, Ledisi, Nicholas Payton and Raheen DeVaughn (Coca-Cola Lounge); Big Stan’s Funky Nation and New Orleans Funk Soul Explosion, Grandmaster Flash, Bamboula 2000, Solange Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Gospel Revival and Estelle (Chevy Lounge); Rebirth Brass Band, Peabo Bryson, Kermit Ruffles tribute to Louis Armstrong, Lyle Jennings, Christian Scott and Gil Scott-Heron (McDonald’s Lounge); and Purple Disrespect, Angie Stone, Karina, Marva Wright, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Irma Thomas and Chrisette Michele (My Black is Beautiful Lounge).
And what would a Festival be without taking time out to thank God for our blessings. To that end, the Festival featured “Get Lifted: An Afternoon of Praise and Worship” on Sunday, July 6 hosted by ESSENCE beauty and cover editor Mikki Taylor and featuring spiritual selections from Trin-i-tee 5:7, Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing, Regina Belle, and many more praiseworthy performers.
At the end of the Festival, the roar heard coming from the superdome was the result of a formal announcement that Grammy award winning superstar Beyoncé will return to the Festival for the third time as one of the star attractions for the historic 15th anniversary celebration of Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA on July 3, 4 and 5, 2009 by Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications, Inc. and Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief, ESSENCE magazine.
“We are so pleased with the turn-out for this year’s Essence Music Festival -- loyal attendees who joined us to experience the Festival’s unique combination of music, arts and empowerment,” said Ebanks. “And, of course, we are thrilled to have Beyoncé back next year for our 15th anniversary, which will absolutely ensure an extra special celebration!”
Sponsors of the 2008 Essence Music Festival included presenting sponsor, Coca-Cola; major sponsors Chevrolet, CoverGirl Queen Collection, McDonald’s, Pantene, U.S. Army, and Wal-Mart; and official sponsors Budweiser, My Black is Beautiful, Southwest Airlines, TBS, TVOne, Vaseline and VH1 Soul.
The Essence Music Festival started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. Now the Festival has been heralded as one of the country’s “Top 10 Leading Brand Events” in 2007 by Advertising Age; highlighted prominently among well-known consumer events such as NASCAR and Spring Break.
The 2008 Essence Music Festival was executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC and produced by Rehage Entertainment. Essence Festivals LLC is a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI). For 38 years, ESSENCE magazine, which has a readership of 8.5 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women’s lives. (Photo Credit: Monica Morgan)
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: The Raven Symone' produced College Road Trip, released on DVD
By Eunice Moseley
The Raven Symone’ produced, College Road Trip, now on DVD
*“I love to produce. I produced College Road Trip, The Cheetah Girls and That’s So Raven,” said child star turned adult star, Raven Symone’, about her production experiences. “It takes a lot of planning and work.
The Walt Disney/Gunn Film, College Road Trip, is now on DVD. It includes alternate opening and ending; deleted scenes; “Double Dutch Bus” music video performed by Symone’; a Raven Symone’ video diary, and two commentaries by Director Roger Kumble, and writers Emi Mochizuki and Carrie Evans.
Raven said she had wanted to do a project with Walt Disney and when they presented this script, she made it happen.
“I was hoping that parent-daughter relationship came through the camera,” Raven said about working with comedian/actor Martin Lawrence. “I am a fan of Martin and I didn’t want that to show on camera, but when the camera was off; I was so excited …asking him questions.”
College Road Trip is about a relationship between a daughter (Raven Symone’) and her father, a police chief (Martin Lawrence), and his attempt at keeping her close to home when she attends college in the fall. The father decides to accompany his daughter on a road trip to see colleges in hopes he can persuade her to stay home. The result is a ton laughs to keep you viewing the film all the way to the end.
Raven Symone’ started in the entertainment business at 16 months-old modeling. Her family moved to New York and she was immediately signed to the Ford Agency. She was auditioning for “Ghost Dad” when she met Sidney Poiter. He in turn mentioned Raven to Bill Crosby and the result is her first acting role in a major television sit-com, at age three. A couple years later she added singer to her resume with her first album produced by Missy Elliott. Raven just released her fourth self titled album, Raven Symone’, found in Target stores.
“I am currently on tour now,” Symone’ said about her new CD. “Tell everyone to log onto Raven-Symone.org and RavenSymonePresents.com!”
InSYnc WITH D. YATES: The IPHONE: 3G
Apple sets the true standard in what a multimedia mobile phone should be.
*Okay, so I took a hiatus last week preparing for the big launch. Im proud to say that I was the first one at the local AT&T store to get the Iphone 3G. I didn’t expect the line to be so long, but was glad that I made myself get up at 3:30 am to get it. A true Techie, I know.
Unless you were living on Mars last week, there is no doubt that you heard about Apple’s latest creation. As mentioned in my previous article, this bad boy was highly anticipated and worth the wait. I believe Apple sold 1,000,000 of these things world wide -- IN ONE WEEKEND.
Anyway, after playing with this phone all weekend, I must say that I am relatively impressed. The 3G speed was great. I actually still have my Sprint Touch, (dreadful device), and compared to the Iphone, it's small pigeons. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I loved having the ability to get Microsoft Office Mobile edition, but other than that, Windows Mobile’s interface was played, and the Sprint Touch has more bugs than an infested home, but I digress.
Back to the iPhone. Im not gonna lie, the Iphone 3G is taking some time for me to get used to, but Im working on it. What I'm discovering, though, is that there are both good and bad points about this phone.
The good: Almost everything, Music, GPS, Movies, Internet, 3rd party applications, Sleek Design, Universal Headset, and also a sweet little application that allows for a wireless remote control of your computer’s ITunes Library….pretty neat
The Bad: While there are many things that I absolutely love about this phone, there are a few twirks Apple could have thought of. Here is the list:
Hotmail support- while everybody is using Gmail, which seems be a supported application, Apple must not like Microsoft too much, because although they give a little bit of love to Microsoft with Exchange and ActiveSync, Apple made sure that they only teased us by not supporting syncing of the ever popular hotmail account. Maybe they’ll release a version of Microsoft Office that one can pay for in a third party application at some point.
A2DP technology---the ability to stream music wireless to a Bluetooth compatible device. I would have thought this would have been included, especially since this is a multimedia device, hence Iphone…Ipod + Phone.
Cut and paste. This feature, could have been easily added and it might be an update. Only Apple Knows.
Check out this video comparing the old Iphone to the new.
My early morning rendezvous with Apple and AT&T proved to be well worth it, all things considered. Oh yeah, since the new phone will act as my new business line, if you have any questions or concerns about any technology, please call me on it at 404-242-5018...I think. Peace till next week.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"Big goals get big results. No goals get no results or somebody else's results." — Mark Victor Hansen
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
July 17: Actress-singer Diahann Carroll is 73. Singer Regina Belle is 45. Rapper Guru of Gang Starr is 42. R&B singer Stokley of Mint Condition is 41. R&B singer JC of PM Dawn is 37. Rapper Sole' is 35.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Independent author Jenna Marie Christian's wants you to know her mission is to Inform, Entertain, and Uplift her community. You can support her at: www.missjenaamarie.com
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
July 17, 1794: Richard Allen organized Philadelphia's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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