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08-04-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
BERNIE MAC ALIVE DESPITE RUMORS: Prank phone calls flooded media outlets after comic was hospitalized with pneumonia.
*A rep for comedian Bernie Mac has been working hard over the weekend to squash rumors that her client had died after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
"It is a very horrible rumor," Mac's publicist Danica Smith told the Chicago Sun-Times Saturday. "It is absolutely untrue. Nothing has changed from yesterday."
On Friday, Smith announced that Mac, 50, "is responding well to treatment and will be released soon. He asked that his privacy and that of his family is respected while he gets well."
Within 24 hours of Smith's statement, newsrooms and radio stations began receiving prank phone calls alleging the "King of Comedy" had died.
Denying the reports, Smith said: "He's doing great and hopes to get out soon. He's Bernie -- he's one of the best guys you'll meet."
Smith didn't know what day Mac entered the undisclosed Chicago hospital. She said the pneumonia is unrelated to Mac's sarcoidosis, a chronic disease that can cause tissue inflammation, particularly in the lungs. Smith said Mac's sarcoidosis has been in remission since 2005.
MICHELLE OBAMA AMONG VANITY FAIR'S BEST DRESSED: Wife of Barack graces annual list; Kanye blogs about making the cut.
*Vanity Fair magazine has released its 2008 International Best Dressed List and sitting pretty among the fashionistas is possible future First Lady Michelle Obama, wife of presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama.
In a just-released slide show of the winners, the magazine's editors called Mrs. Obama "our commander-in-sheath" and mentioned some of the standout ensembles she has worn throughout the year, including the Maria Pinto purple sheath, with a black Azzedine Alaïa belt, when her husband claimed the Democratic presidential nomination; and the Donna Ricco black-and-white print dress from her appearance on "The View."
Also making the list this year is Kanye West, who actually found himself at a loss for words when attempting to comment about it on his blog.
He wrote: "I've sat in front of this computer for 20 minutes trying to put into words how I feel... who all to thank... and how to celebrate...
this is a true honor and I am humbled by it!!!"
Also on the list: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Daniel Craig, Sarah Jessica Parker, Karl Lagerfeld and David Beckham.
TOP MODEL AND 'HAIRSPRAY' STAR SCRAP AT AIRPORT: Cycle 9's Bianca Golden and Nikki Blonsky knuckle up over lounge seats.
*A contestant on the ninth season of "America's Next Top Model" and her family were involved in a brawl in the departure lounge of a Turks and Caicos airport with the teen who played Tracy Turnblad in the recent film adaptation of "Hairspray."
Actress Nikki Blonsky, 19, and her father were arrested Friday on assault charges following a physical confrontation with the family of Bianca Golden at Providenciales International Airport. According to reports, both parties had gone through security when they began arguing over saved seats in the departure lounge.
TMZ.com reported: "Nikki was saving five seats for her family, and Bianca's family wanted to sit. That's when we're told the huge fight erupted -- with the entire families on both sides throwing down, yelling and cursing. …One member of the Golden team actually bit Nikki's foot."
According to People.com, Blonsky was charged with assault with actual bodily harm, which carries a maximum sentence of two years, and common assault, also known as threat of assault, with a 90-day maximum term.
Her father, Carl Blonsky, was charged with grevious bodily harm, meaning the victim was injured so severely they needed immediate medical care.
The victim in question was Golden's mother Elaine, who was reportedly received a serious head injury and was airlifted to a Florida hospital.
Bianca Golden was also arrested and charged with assault with actual bodily harm. She and Nikki Blonsky were both released on bail. Carl Blonsky, however, will remain in jail until his bail hearing on Aug. 8, says Sgt. Calvin Chase from the Providenciales Police Department. His charge carries a five-year maximum sentence.
All parties will have to book a trip back to the islands this fall to appear in court.
GUNFIRE ERUPTS AT JERMAINE DUPRI PARTY: Celebs run for cover at Atlanta nightclub – including Diddy, Usher and Gabby Union.
*A gunshot rang out early Saturday morning at an Atlanta nightclub, sending such celebs as Jermaine Dupri, Diddy, Usher, Nelly, Gabrielle Union and Larenz Tate running for the exit along with club goers.
Dupri was hosting an afterparty at Club Dream as part of his third annual So So Def Summerfest 2008 when security guards from a private firm hired to work the gig began double charging folks to enter the VIP area.
The crowd, who had already paid to get in the club, began pushing and shoving, during which a gun was fired, according to police. A security guard was grazed in the elbow. He was treated at the hospital and released hours later.
As of press time, the investigation was ongoing and no celebrities or their entourages were considered suspects. So far no arrests have been made.
LAWYER SAYS TAGS ON SNOOP'S BUS WERE GOOD: Troopers pulled over vehicle for expired registration and discovered weed.
*According to a lawyer, Snoop Dogg's tour bus did not have expired tags as claimed by state troopers in Texas Thursday who pulled over the vehicle and ended up arresting two people on board for marijuana possession.
Police stopped the bus for having an expired registration sticker and searched the vehicle after they said they smelled marijuana. They found two ounces of the drug, according to Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Charlie Morgan.
Ethan Calhoun, 27, and Kevin Barkey, 26, owned up to the pot and were taken to the Navarro County Jail, where they were later released on $1,500 bond each. Both face fines of up to $2,000 and six months in jail if convicted.
The tags on the bus, however, were not expired, according to attorney Chris Lewis, who represents the two men charged with misdemeanor possession. He told The Associated Press on Friday that he saw the bus and was in contact with the driver.
Snoop was reportedly asleep when the bus was pulled over on Interstate 45 in Corsicana. The artist, meanwhile, made his scheduled gig Thursday night in Dallas.
LUDA, KANYE, BROWN UNDER T-PAIN'S BIG TOP: Trio recruited for singer's 'Thr33 Ringz' album.
*T-Pain has added Ludacris, Kanye West and Chris Brown to the list of artists making guest appearances on his upcoming album "Thr33 Ringz," due in the fall via Jive, reports Billboard.
Chris Brown joins T-Pain on the dance track "Freeze," while Ludacris guests on "Chopped & Screwed, and West pitches in on "Therapy." Also, DJ Khaled lends a hand on the track "Karaoke."
The set's first single, "Can't Believe It" featuring Lil Wayne, is currently at No. 50 in its third week on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
"Thr33 Ringz" follows 2007's "Epiphany," which has sold 830,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Elsewhere on the current Billboard charts, T-Pain appears on Lil Wayne's "Got Money," DJ Khaled's "Out Here Grindin,'" Rick Ross' "The Boss,"Mike Jones' "Cuddy Buddy" and Tay Dizm's "Beam Me Up."
BIG BOI PREVIEWS NEXT ALBUM: 'Sir Luscious' includes Mary J., Too Short, George Clinton, Raekwon and more.
*Big Boi's forthcoming album "Sir Luscious Leftfoot ... Son of Chico Dusty," due in October via Laface/Zomba, features 16 tracks led by the politically-driven first single "Sumthin's Gotta Give," featuring Mary J. Blige.
The recent release touches on rising gas prices and the war in Iraq. An accompanying video, with guest appearances from Hill Harper and John Legend, was serviced this week, reports Billboard.
"I chose this song first because being in the game, I feel a responsibility to entertain but also lecture about life," Big Boi told a press gathering Wednesday. "I'd rather get people to vote instead of running to the strip club."
"Sir Lucsious" features production so far from Organized Noise, Lil Jon, Scott Storch and Mr. DJ, while George Clinton, Too Short, Raekwon and cohort Andre 3000 make guest appearances. Cee-Lo is slated to appear on a track as well.
Other songs on the album include the guitar-heavy "Night Night," which addresses "those who have been sleeping on me"; the chopped-and-screwed "Daddy Fat Sax"; the cars-inspired "Dubbz"; the title track, on which Big Boi shares his thoughts on other MCs; the ladies anthem "Turns Me On"; and the street single "Royal Flush," on which he rhymes, "I am the wrong n*gga to cross / and the fist n*gga to jam / with the AK4-7 over microphone in hand.
Q-TIP WANTS OBAMA-LACED TRACK ON NEW CD: Rapper hopes samples from senator's speech will get clearance to appear 'The Renaissance.'
*Q-Tip borrows some audio from presidential candidate Barack Obama for a track he hopes will make his upcoming album "The Renaissance," which is due for release on Oct. 14 via Universal Motown.
Excerpts from one of Obama's campaign speeches laces the guitar-flavored "Shaka," but it remains to be seen whether the borrowed portion will be cleared so it can be included as track No. 1 on the album, reports Billboard.
"I start the album off with the Obama speech not just because I'm African-American, but because I really feel like he's a fresh new voice and alternative from what we've seen in the political scene in some time," Q-Tip told Billboard earlier this year. "I see similarities in his way of thinking and my way. I really like him a lot."
Other tracks on "The Renaissance" include the piano-based lead single, "Getting Up"; the Raphael Saadiq-assisted "Fight/Love," which tells the stories of a girl in a troubled relationship and a young man fighting in Iraq; and "Life Is Better," featuring Norah Jones, where Q-Tip pays tribute to all his favorite rappers, including Biz Markie, LL Cool J, Leaders of The New School, Snoop Dogg, Eazy-E, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Brand Nubian and Pimp C.
The album also includes the 60's-inspired "Won't Trade," "ManWomanBoogie," with Amanda Diva, and "Believe," featuring D'Angelo.
VUITTON SETTLES SUIT WITH DA BRAT, STUDDARD: Artists sported various LV items without permission.
*Louis Vuitton has settled a lawsuit with Sony BMG Music Entertainment for allowing its artists Da Brat, Ruben Studdard and Britney Spears to wear its famous monogram in music videos and album covers without permission.
"We believe the terms of this agreement will provide strong protection to our brand worldwide," Louis Vuitton's Nathalie Moulle-Berteaux said in a statement to the New York Daily News.
In 2006, Studdard printed his album jacket for "The Return" on Louis Vuitton monogram paper. Da Brat featured a multicolored LV print beachball in a video from 2003, while Spears drove a pink Hummer with a cherry LV monogram dashboard in her 2006 video "Do Somethin'."
"We don't make dashboards," a Vuitton spokeswoman quipped.
Details of the agreement were not disclosed, but the settlement is estimated at more than $300,000.
DIANA ROSS' DAUGHTER CHUDNEY IN CAR ACCIDENT: She was driving her Land Rover when it was hit by a car in Malibu.
*Chudney Ross, the daughter of Motown legend Diana Ross, was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures Saturday after being involved in a car accident in Malibu.
According to TMZ.com, witnesses who were attending a Boost Mobile party said Ross was driving out of a parking lot across the street when her Land Rover was hit by another car.
The two passengers in the other vehicle complained to paramedics of neck and back injuries.
Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney's sister, was filmed by TMZ cameras arriving to the hospital.
No arrests had been made as of press time.
JIM BROWN SUES EA SPORTS OVER IMAGE: Legend says player in one of its video games resembles him and wears #32.
*Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown is seeking a court order to stop Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. and Electronic Arts Inc. from using his likeness in a video game without his permission.
The character, part of the "Real Old School Teams and Players' series, sports the number 32 jersey and is featured as a muscular, African-American running back in the game's "All Brown's Team,' stated the complaint filed Friday in state court in New York.
Brown, who wore the same number for the Cleveland Browns, said in the complaint that he "never signed away any rights that would allow his likeness to be used," according to Bloomberg.com.
Professional athletes now typically sign agreements allowing the use of their names and likenesses, according to the complaint. Brown said in the filing that, when he played football, "The NFL had a league wide policy that players shall have no lawyers or agents when negotiating compensation. Video games were not invented yet and no union to obtain rights existed."
BILL COSBY TAKES MESSAGE TO BALTIMORE: Entertainer urges parents to keep their children close.
*Bill Cosby was in Baltimore Thursday asking parents to empower themselves with educational opportunities, and to keep a close eye on their children, the Associated Press reported.
"Your children got no business going to the street for love. There's no love out there," Cosby told a crowd gathered for a city-organized block party. "All that's out there is lost young men looking for love."
Cosby also urged parents assembled in the struggling Park Heights neighborhood to take advantage of educational opportunities that lead to well-paying jobs.
Carolane Williams, president of Baltimore City Community College, joined Cosby on stage to promote community college as a viable path away from poverty and crime.
The block party was organized to promote Operation PROTECT, a city program in which disadvantaged neighborhoods are flooded for a period of several weeks with city services and increased police patrols. Mayor Sheila Dixon said the point of the program is to familiarize residents with the many services available to them.
BAKER, WARWICK, J-HUD TO SERENADE LABELLE: UNCF's 'Evening of Stars' to salute Ms. Patti on Sept. 13.
*A powerful lineup of singers will perform a musical tribute to the legendary Patti LaBelle next month during the United Negro College Fund's "An Evening of Stars."
Anita Baker, Joss Stone, Jennifer Hudson, Dionne Warwick, Yolanda Adams and Fantasia are among the talent set to pay homage to LaBelle, who will be honored for her career achievements and longtime support of the educational organization.
Brian McKnight and Wayne Brady are also slated to perform at the event, organizers announced Friday.
Previous UNCF honorees include Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones and Lou Rawls.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place Sept. 13 at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles and is open to the public.
CHRIS BROWN THROWS HAT INTO NEW VENTURE: Singer tapped by New Era Cap to design line.
*Headwear and apparel maker New Era Cap recruited Chris Brown to design a line of branded caps that will go on sale Aug. 14 at hat retailer Lids, New Era stores and newera.com.
The singer's line features six designs, including one evoking the 1980s with an image of a boom box and another featuring the initials "CBE," for Chris Brown Entertainment, Brown's record label on Interscope.
In lieu of a flat fee, New Era will pay him a royalty based on the number of hats sold, according to Billboard.com. Brown designed 10 caps altogether, and retains ownership rights to the four that were not used. The caps will retail for $35 to $40.
Before signing the New Era contract, Brown sported caps from the company in videos for his singles "Kiss Kiss," "Run It!," "Wall to Wall" and, most recently, for David Banner's "Get Like Me (Stuntin' Is a Habit)."
SHARPTON'S DAUGHTER 'FINE' AFTER BEING HIT BY CAR: Dominique Sharpton on crutches, grateful for 'outpouring of support.'
*The Rev. Al Sharpton reportedly rushed to the side of his daughter Dominique Wednesday (July 30) after learning she had been hit by a car outside of his office building in Harlem.
Sharpton's spokeswoman said in a statement that the 22-year-old, who celebrated her birthday on Thursday, was struck outside of National Action Network's headquarters on West 145th St. while walking with two co-workers.
"A car pulled into the gas station at full speed and she was pinned to the car," explained Sharpton's rep Rachel Noerdlinger. "Her father rushed home and she is on crutches with several stitches but she is fine and grateful for the outpouring of support from around the country."
MARIAH IS 'LOVIN' THE TEEN CHOICE AWARDS: Singer to perform latest hit tonight; watch clip from Thursday's Hollywood & Highland concert.
*On the heels of her performance at the Hollywood & Highland Center mall on Thursday, Mariah Carey will rock her latest single "Lovin' U Long Time" as part of the talent lineup at tonight's Teen Choice Awards in Universal City, Calif.
Other artists booked for the show airing at 8 p.m. on FOX include Chris Brown, LL Cool J and "American Idol" winners Jordin Sparks and David Cook.
At Thursday's concert, Carey invited Young Jeezy to the stage to perform their track "Side Effects," from her current album "E=MC2." She also sang a medley of "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time"/"Touch My Body" [View clip
here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QPZyv6-TKc&feature=related], "I'm That Chick," "Shake It Off" and "We Belong Together."
The Hollywood & Highland performance was broadcast Thursday on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and also launched the second year of a free summer concert series designed to promote a Samsung cell phone.
SAMUEL L' SUPPORTS HAIRSTYLIST'S EXHIBIT: Actor to introduce 'Head Trips' by Robert L. Stevenson at Los Angeles museum.
*Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson will introduce a new art exhibition by motion picture hairstylist Robert L. Stevenson on Sunday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Museum of African-American Art in Los Angeles.
Entitled “Head Trips: Art as Seen Through the Eyes of a Hollywood Hairstylist,” the exhibit will display Stevenson’s collection of 40, limited edition lithographs in pen and ink.
Stevenson, who has served as Jackson's hairstylist for films since 1995, includes in his exhibit contemporary portraits of men, women and children in caricature with intricately drawn hairstyles and hair related accessories. The drawings are completed with bold, bright Prisma Color art markers.
The exhibit will also be a retrospective of Stevenson’s 40-year career, displaying pictures of him working with top stars throughout the years. In addition to styling Jackson's hair for the films "Jumper," "Black Snake Moan," "Unbreakable," "Jackie Brown" an "Caveman’s Valentine," Stevenson has also worked with Richard Pryor ("Which Way Is Up"), Jennifer Beals ("Flashdance"), Margaret Avery ("The Color Purple"), Angela Bassett ("Waiting to Exhale," "What’s Love Got to Do With It"), Vanessa Bell Calloway ("Coming to America") and more.
The "Head Trips" exhibit will run Sunday, Aug. 17 through Friday, Oct. 31, at the Museum of African American Art located at Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Mall, Macy’s 3rd Level (4005 Crenshaw Blvd.).
CLEAR CHANNEL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MLK MEMORIAL: Urban radio stations to feature “Build The Dream” Radiothon.
*This month, Clear Channel Radio and the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. are teaming to raise funds for the Memorial to be erected on the National Mall in the Nation's Capital.
Through Aug. 28, participating Clear Channel radio stations will feature celebrities, athletes, and elected officials sharing their thoughts about the importance of Dr. King and the significance of building a national memorial to honor his ideals of democracy, justice, hope and love.
The campaign will culminate on Thursday, August 28, when more than 25 Clear Channel urban radio stations nationwide will participate in the “Build The Dream” Radiothon, including those in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, New Orleans, Milwaukee, and Tampa.
Celebrity participants include: Aretha Franklin, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Vivica Fox and Derek Luke, among others. Listeners will be directed to the Foundation’s Web site www.mlkradiothon.org and to (800) MLK-1386 to make a donation and learn more. All donations to the Memorial are tax deductible.
“This Memorial will serve as a lasting reminder to all Americans about the importance of diversity,” said Mark Mays, Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel. “We are thrilled that through the reach of our radio stations and the generosity of our listeners we honor Dr. King and his work.”
The following Clear Channel Radio stations, designated by market below, will participate in the radiothon:
Chicago, IL - WGCI, WGRB, WVAZ
New York, NY - WWPR
Philadelphia, PA - WDAS
Baltimore, MD - WCAO
Detroit, MI - WJLB, WMXD
Miami, FL - WMIB
Memphis, TN - KJMS, WHAL
Little Rock, AK - KHLR
Greensboro, NC - WMKS
Milwaukee, WI - WKKV
Jacksonville, FL - WJBT, WSOL
Columbia, SC - WXBT
Norfolk, VA - WOWI, WKUS
Syracuse, NY - WPHR
Tampa, FL - WBTP
New Orleans, LA - WQUE, WYLD-FM
St. Louis, MO - KMJM, KATZ
Savannah, GA - WLVH, WQBT
ITTY BITTY BITS: Benet 'happy' for Berry; Dunbar joins 'L Word'; Ne-Yo's MiJac songs; Buddy's milestone; Aretha rumors; Rhimes talks Izzie; En Vogue live.
*Halle Berry's ex-husband Eric Benet says he is "happy for her" now that she's a new mom with a baby by boyfriend Gabriel Aubry. The singer split from the Oscar winner in 2004 after she accused him of being repeatedly unfaithful. He has no hard feelings for his ex and believes her daughter, Nahla, will be the best looking kid in Hollywood. He tells
Usweekly.com: "How could the baby not look good? From the pictures, she (Berry) looks great. I haven't spoken to her -- it's been a few years now -- but I'm happy for her."
*Entertainment Weekly's Web site is reporting that "Prison Break's" Rockmond Dunbar has scored a recurring role on the upcoming final season of Showtime's lesbian drama "The L Word" as a drag queen with a crush on Pam Grier's straight character Kit Porter.
*Singer-songwriter Ne-Yo says pitching tracks for the upcoming Michael Jackson album has been a challenge. "I'm submitting songs for his new album. He's being very selective; very picky, but he's supposed to be. This is a going to be a really important album."
*Buddy Guy sets a personal milestone with the No. 68 debut of his new album, "Skin Deep," his highest position to date on the Billboard 200. His previous best was the No. 136 peak for his first chart entry, 1991's "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues."
*Aretha Franklin's camp is dismissing a report in the New York Post that the Queen of Soul appeared "out of it" at a recent benefit. According to Page Six, she had to be assisted out of the Art for Life event at Russell Simmons' East Hampton estate a few days back. "It took five people," said a spy. "She was dressed in an off-white, low-cut shirt and pantsuit with jacket and pearls. She was just oblivious to what was going on." A rep for Franklin said, "You are completely misinformed."
*"Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes is rejecting rumors that a serious ailment will befall Katherine Heigl’s character Izzie Stevens next season. E! Online reports viewers instead can expect some “interesting sparks” between Alex and Izzie following their season finale hookup. Meanwhile, Callie and Erica will continue to explore their relationship.
“They are definitely on a journey, and it’s going to be a really interesting one…also both actresses are so game; they’re so willing to do something,” Rhimes tells E! Scottish actor Kevin McKidd will join the cast as a military doctor who comes to the hospital on leave, and will possibly be a love interest for Sandra Oh’s character, Cristina.
*En Vogue is scheduled to kick off this year’s concert series at Glendale, Calif's The Americana at Brand on Wednesday (Aug. 6). Opening for the group is 10-year-old child prodigy Gabby Wilson, who, at the age of eight, was voted “California’s Most Talented Kid.” She has previously opened for Tony Toni Tony and Keyshia Cole. The concert will be hosted by former Miss USA Ali Landry. The show begins at 8 p.m. at The Americana at Brand – bound by Brand Blvd., Central Ave. and Colorado St. in downtown Glendale - enter parking from Central Ave.
SPORTS BITS: Pierce passes sobriety tests; indictment in Vegas shooting case; 2000 Olympic relay team stripped of gold; judgment against wife of Wizards coach; Globetrotter retires.
*TMZ.com is reporting that Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics was pulled over for erratic driving in Las Vegas early Sunday morning and given two field sobriety tests as well as a breathalyzer test by police, who suspected he was drunk. He passed all three, according to the Web site. But after cops let him go, the NBA star left his car at the valet of the Tropicana Hotel and Casino and took a cab home. He was not cited or charged.
*The alleged gunman identified by Adam "Pacman" Jones in a Las Vegas club shooting was indicted Friday on seven felony counts. Arvin Kenti Edwards of Renton, Wash., is expected to plead not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday to charges that he fired shots inside of the Minxx strip club that wounded three people in Feb. 2007. He is currently being held without bail.
Jones has never acknowledged any role in the shooting. He has been cooperating with police in the investigation and picked Jones out of a police lineup in Seattle in April.
*The U.S. 4x400m relay team that won gold at the Sydney Games in 2000 has been stripped of its medals after Antonio Pettigrew admitted to using banned substances, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Saturday. The admission led his 4X400 teammate Michael Johnson to say he was returning his Sydney Games relay gold medal after he felt he had not won it legitimately. The Sydney 2000 Games gold-winning relay team also included twins Alvin and Calvin Harrison.
*A $215,000 judgment was entered against the wife of Washington Wizards head coach Eddie Jordan and the NBA Wives Association after they failed to pay a number of vendors at their "Touching A Life Gala," held during NBA All Star Weekend 2007 in Las Vegas. According to a statement released by attorney Charles T. Tucker Jr., the default judgment was entered against Charisse Jackson-Jordan and the organization after they failed to respond. She was accused of authorizing over $215,000 in expenses on behalf of Behind The Bench's annual charity event and personally comp'ing herself $50,000 worth of charitable seats.
*Showtime Gaffney, one of the top showmen in the 82-year history of the Harlem Globetrotters, announced his retirement Friday after 15 years with the world’s most famous basketball team. The 40-year-old played in over 2,250 games with the Globetrotters, visiting 82 countries. "In addition to my teammates, the thing I will miss the most is the fans,” said Gaffney. “It has been a great career, seeing the world and making a positive impact and difference in the lives of families. I have many wonderful memories and I am very proud to have played for the Harlem Globetrotters.”
EUR FILM REVIEW: Swing Vote
Apathetic Constituent Courted by Candidates in Election Day Sitcom
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Ernest "Bud" Johnson (Kevin Costner) is a middle-aged slacker raising his daughter by himself in Texico, New Mexico, a desert oasis located along the border with Texas.
He and 12 year-old Molly (Madeline Carroll) both miss her mother, Larissa (Mare Winningham), a selfish substance-abuser who ran off to Albuquerque to pursue a singing career.
Bud, himself is also a wannabe musician, having played in a Willie Nelson tribute band called The Half Nelsons, at least until his rhythm section was arrested and ended up in prison.
Bud's day job is at a local egg factory, where the pay is barely enough to keep a roof over their heads. And even that lowly, assembly line position is currently in jeopardy because of an influx of Mexicans willing to "work twice as hard for half the money." So, he and Molly have had to make do in a modest trailer without a telephone or other modern amenities most of us take for granted.
Then, when Bud's job does finally get "insourced" as he describes it, rather than look for gainful employment, he drowns his woes in alcohol at his favorite watering hole. Fortunately, his spousified daughter is mature enough to pick up the slack. Somehow, the spunky little enabler does everything for her dad from driving him home when he's inebriated to voting for him on the sly on Election Day.
Life changes for Bud soon after state officials inform him that, due to an electronic voting machine malfunction, his ballot was the only one not yet counted. Otherwise, the tally ended in a tie, so his vote will determine whether New Mexico's five electoral votes will go to the Democratic challenger, Donald Greenleaf (Dennis Hopper), or to the incumbent, President Boone (Kelsey Grammer).
Furthermore, the national contest also ended in a draw which means that whichever candidate prevails in New Mexico will win the presidency as well. Bud is given ten days to make up his mind, during which time the press and politicians from both parties descend on tiny Texico, turning the town into a media circus.
The candidates proceed to court the affable but apathetic slob for his vote, freely changing their positions on everything from abortion to the environment to gay marriage to satisfy their final constituent. Will Bud reward the Republican, who has promised him employment as a lobbyist, or the Democrat with whom he appears more naturally aligned on the issues?
Even if you're willing to suspend your disbelief long enough to swallow this idiotic premise, Swing Vote is ultimately the bitterly disappointing with nothing much to offer other than some sappy sermonizing about patriotically exercising right to vote. The picture ends on a cliffhanger leaving the election unresolved, as if setting us up for a sequel. What a cinematic slap in the face to generate tension and have an audience to invest emotionally for such an unsatisfying, anticlimactic resolution!
On second thought, maybe there was a winner here, corporate America, judging by the distracting omnipresence of very distracting product placements for everything from Budweiser to MTV to Old Spice to UPS to Monopoly to Pepsi to Chevrolet to Newsweek to Motts to Ritz Crackers to Quaker Oats to Verizon Fios and so forth. Because the mediocre script was of obviously of secondary import to the ads, the production squandered the services of a gifted supporting cast which included the likes of Nathan Lane, George Lopez, Paula Patton, Stanley Tucci, Judge Reinhold, along with innumerable celebrity cameos.
A string of shameless sales pitches sans the rudiments of a major motion picture. Next time, would you mind including an ending, if you're going to ask us to sit through two hours of commercials?
Poor (0 stars)
Rated PG-13 for profanity.
Running time: 119 minutes
Studi Touchstone Pictures
To see a trailer of Swing Vote, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWodSDYgfXA
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it." — Marianne Williamson
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Aug. 4: Rapper Yo-Yo ("Miss Rap Supreme") is 37. Singer-actor Marques Houston of Immature is 27.
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
Aug. 4, 1964: Bodies of three civil rights workers were discovered on a farm near Philadelphia, Mississippi. Three young men, two white (New Yorkers Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman) and one African American (James Chaney), had been missing since June 21. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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