EURweb |
08-28-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
SUGE KNIGHT JAILED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Cops show up to find ex-mogul standing over girlfriend with knife.
*Las Vegas police said they caught Marion "Suge" Knight in the act of assaulting his girlfriend Wednesday morning and promptly threw him in jail.
According to the Associated Press, police responded to a domestic violence call early yesterday on a busy street near the Las Vegas Strip and found the Death Row Records mogul standing over his longtime girlfriend with the knife in his hand.
"He did not stab her," said Officer Jacinto Rivera, a department spokesman. However, he was arrested at about 6:40 a.m. and booked Wednesday into the Clark County jail on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor charges of possession of dangerous drugs without a prescription and domestic violence.
Police did not release the identity of the woman, who told officers she was Knight's girlfriend of three years. The woman was treated at a hospital for minor injuries, according to Rivera.
Police said Knight and the woman argued in the car while Knight was driving before he allegedly punched her in the head.
"The victim purposely grabbed the steering wheel and caused the vehicle to hit the curb," police said in a statement. Police said the woman tried to run away, but Knight caught her.
Knight had the drugs Ecstasy and hydrocodone when he was arrested, police said. Rivera said Knight would be held at the jail for at least 12 hours on the domestic violence charge.
LIL WAYNE SKIPS ANOTHER COURT DATE: Rapper cites medical reasons – yet again.
*TMZ.com is reporting that Lil Wayne has missed another court date citing "medical reasons."
Earlier this month, the rapper failed to appear at a New York hearing claiming his doctor forbade him from flying. Weezy's physician in Miami later said that his patient had a serious dental emergency, so the court date was rescheduled for sometime in September.
On Tuesday, Lil Wayne missed a court appearance in Yuma, Ariz., claiming he was under doctor's orders not to fly. The tabloid Web site says the medical condition, again, involves his teeth.
JAY-Z OPENS ONE CLUB, CLOSES ANOTHER: Mogul to perform at relaunch of Hollywood Palladium; shuts down Vegas 40/40.
*Jay-Z and a 12-piece band will perform at the historic Hollywood Palladium when the newly-renovated venue on Sunset Blvd. reopens its doors on Oct. 15, reports Billboard.
The Palladium's enhancements include an overhaul of the interior and exterior, a new dance floor, expanded concessions, upgraded restrooms and improvements to the stage infrastructure.
The 4,000-capacity venue, which has been closed since last April, first opened in 1940 with a concert by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra featuring Frank Sinatra. Over the years it has hosted such acts as the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Led Zeppelin, the Who, the Police, Rod Stewart, Metallica, the Clash, the Pixies, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Public Enemy.
"Just as Frank ushered in a golden era, I hope this opening will mark the beginning of a resurgence in generation-defining live music," Jay-Z said in a statement.
Tickets for the Jay-Z concert go on sale Sept. 5 via livenation.com. Live Nation holds a long-term lease to operate, manage and exclusively book the Hollywood Palladium. Jay-Z is signed to a long-term, multi-rights deal with Live Nation.
Meanwhile, Jay-Z's troubled 40/40 Club in Las Vegas has finally expired.
Less than nine months after its big New Year's Eve opening, the venue located in the Palazzo has been sold for an undisclosed amount, reports E! Online. The hotel is reportedly planning to convert the space into a sports bar.
Among its myriad of problems, the club struggled to make its January 2008 opening after reportedly failing inspection. Disgruntled employees who were fired or resigned also complained to local media shortly after its opening.
The mogul, whose real name is Shawn Carter, still plans to open 40/40 Clubs in Chicago, Tokyo and Macau.
SOLANGE COPS ATTITUDE OVER NOTHING: Singer complains to news anchor about Jay-Z question that was never asked.
*Solange Knowles tried to check a Las Vegas news anchor for a Jay-Z-related question during their interview – only the question was never asked.
Beyonce's little sister was appearing via satellite on KVVU to promote her new album "Sol Angel & the Hadley Street Dreams." During a commercial break, her rep was asked if the reporter could mention Solange's brother-in-law Jay-Z's newly-closed 40/40 club in Las Vegas. Solange's rep said absolutely not, and questions were to focus solely on her music.
The station agreed and the interview began after the break. The reporter gave her a cheery welcome, after which Solange proceeded to complain – on live TV – about how "unprofessional" the woman was to begin the segment "talking about my family and my brother-in-law's establishment."
The reporter looked confused, looked at her notes, glanced off camera and said, "Okay, well we do apologize… " An anchor off stage quickly interrupted: "That wasn't live, Solange, that wasn't on TV."
Solange said, "Okay," and the interview continued. Awkwardly.
PAULA ABDUL WELCOMES FOURTH 'IDOL' JUDGE: Rumors had former singer/dancer angry over new woman at the table.
*Paula Abdul says she's thrilled to have a fourth judge added to the table on "American Idol" next season, despite Internet reports that claimed she didn't approve.
In fact, Abdul takes credit for launching the career of songwriter Kara Dioguardi, who will join her along with judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson on the Fox competition series.
In an interview with "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM show, Abdul said she met Kara outside a restaurant in New York when Kara was a Billboard magazine employee with songwriting dreams. After meeting her that day, Paula convinced her to drop everything and move to L.A. with her.
Says Paula: "[Kara] was my roommate! And I took her all around the world with me and introduced her to wonderful people...She stayed in Sweden and wrote with these people and got started living her dream."
When asked where Dioguardi would sit at the judges table, Paula said: "I don't know. Hopefully next to me." But in case that proves distracting, Paula continues, "we'll probably be separated by Simon or something."
M-ROD BACK ON ABC'S 'LOST?': Michelle Rodriguez rumored to be returning to the series this season in a flashback.
*Michelle Rodriguez's character of Ana Lucia Cortez on ABC's "Lost" was last seen betrayed, shot and killed by Michael (Harold Perrineau) in season 2. But word has it that the actress is on the guest star list for the upcoming season.
Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Rodriguez may appear as soon as Episode 2 with fellow guest star Cheech Marin. The magazine says it’s likely that “Lost” character Hurley will have an imaginary run-in with Ana Lucia similar to his encounter with Charlie’s ghost last year.
Rodriguez, whose character was an airport security guard and former LAPD officer, had numerous brushes with the law during her stint on the show. In 2005, while filming “Lost” in Hawaii, the actress was pulled over by Honolulu police multiple times. In one incident, she was pulled over for driving 90 mph in a 35 mph zone and fined $300.
STRAHAN'S CHILD SUPPORT LOAD RECONSIDERED: Plus, former Giant DE turns down request to end retirement and rejoin team.
*Retired New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan got some rare good news Tuesday in his ongoing divorce from ex-wife, Jean.
A state appeals court reversed a lower court's awarding of about $18,000 per month in child support to his twin 3-year-old daughters, reports the Associated Press. The three-judge panel found a lower court didn't adequately review the claims by Strahan's ex-wife about the girls' needs.
For instance, among the listed expenses was a 10-day vacation to Jamaica for the girls' nanny and her family, allegedly as a gift from the children, and diamond jewelry given to their grandmother. Jean also claimed the toddlers needed $27,000 per year for clothing because she dressed them in a new outfit each time they saw their father.
The appeals court also ruled Strahan does not have to pay about $14,000 of his ex-wife's legal and accounting fees, and that he is not required to purchase $7.5 million in disability insurance since he retired from professional football earlier this year. Strahan was to have paid $8,948 on the first and 15th of each month. Under Tuesday's ruling, the matter will be reconsidered by the lower court.
"Mr. Strahan is gratified with the result and feels his legal position has been vindicated," Strahan's lawyer, Angelo Genova, said Tuesday. "He hopes the matter can be resolved amicably going forward in the interests of his children."
Meanwhile, the Super Bowl defending champion New York Giants were attempting to woo Strahan out of retirement to fill a hole in its defense left by Osi Umenyiora, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during a pre-season game. The seven-time Pro Bowler, however, decided to remain a civilian.
"He was very close to returning, but the great part about Michael is that he takes his time to think about things and he is very thorough," Strahan's agent Tony Agnone told The Associated Press. "You can get excited about coming back and running through the tunnel one more time."
Agnone said that his 36-year-old client struggled deciding whether he could give 100 percent mentally. "In the end, he felt he could not get back to where he was," Agnone said.
WAYMAN TISDALE HAS LOWER LEG AMPUTATED: NBA star-turned-jazz musician had cancerous cyst below right knee.
*Former NBA player Wayman Tisdale revealed on his Web site that he had part of his right leg amputated Monday due to bone cancer, reports the Associated Press.
The 44-year-old first learned he had a cancerous cyst below his right knee after he broke his leg in a fall at his home in Los Angeles on Feb. 8, 2007. The 6-foot-9 Tulsa native underwent chemotherapy and eventually knee replacement surgery before continuing to tour.
On his Web site, Tisdale said removing a portion of the leg would be the best way to make sure that the cancer would not return.
"This may sound drastic, but I have put it in God's hands and now have peace, knowing that this is the best way to put this disease in check," he said. "I have complete faith that with the Lord's blessings this surgery will eliminate the cancer from my body and I'll soon be back on the road doing what I do best."
Tisdale, now an award-winning jazz musician, said he planned to resume touring in the fall and that he would attend an annual cruise that he hosts.
SERENA STILL UPSET OVER BAD CALLS: Tennis champ says she'd have more US Open titles if umpires were fair.
*It's no secret that Serena Williams has had terrible luck with bad calls during her years at the US Open. When asked about it at this year's tournament, she says it still leaves a bad taste in her mouth.
"One year I really ran into a lot of bad luck where I got the worst calls possible," said Williams, who rolled to an easy 6-1, 6-4 win over Kateryna Bondarenko in her first round match Tuesday. "Honestly, I couldn't even hit a shot because I was so nervous they would call every ball out.
"That really wasn't my fault. I probably would have won that year, and I was gonna win that year. Unfortunately it didn't work out."
In 2004, a bad call that went against her while playing Jennifer Capriati served as the driving force behind bringing in instant replay.
Williams hit a backhand inside the sideline at deuce in the first game of the final set that was called good by the linesman but overruled by chair umpire Mariana Alves. Television replays showed the ball was clearly inside the line. The umpire was eventually dismissed from the tournament and the organizers apologized to Williams for the blunder.
Williams won the US Open in 1999 and 2002.
TIGER WOODS UPDATES HEALTH STATUS: Golfer says 2009 schedule is still up in the air.
*Tiger Woods, who is taking the rest of the year off to recover from knee surgery, says he's not quite sure if he'll be ready on Jan. 27 to defend his title at the Dubai Desert Classic, which takes place at a course he helped to design in the Persian Gulf city.
"It's frustrating for me," he said Monday of the injury.
After winning the US Open in June, the world's top-ranked golfer missed the rest of the 2008 season so he could have reconstructive surgery on his left knee to repair a torn ligament.
Although his schedule next year is uncertain, he said he will certainly "be hitting golf balls at the beginning of the year."
MEDIATECHNICS TO RESCUE DEATH ROW: Company to purchase business that pulled out of agreement to purchase label.
*Variety is reporting that MediaTechnics, a CD duplication company, has signed a letter of intent to purchase a company that was recently awarded the assets of Death Row Records.
As previously reported, the label was thrust back onto the market last week when Global Music Group-New York pulled out of its agreement to purchase Death Row for $24 million.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California approved the sale to Global Music Group (GMG) in June. By late July, GMG had not come up with the financing for the deal, which led Suge Knight's estate and the trustees of Death Row Records to reconsider the sale.
Global Music will become a wholly owned subsidiary of MediaTechnics, which owns no content-providing companies. MediaTechnics subsidiaries include the Live Network, which provides instant concert recordings, and CRD Technologies, a private-label beverage business.
HALLE BERRY JOINS MULTI-NETWORK 'STAND UP': Celeb-saturated TV charity event to raise money for fight against cancer.
*Halle Berry is among the latest round of celebrities to take part in the Sept. 5 multi-network special "Stand Up to Cancer."
Mekhi Phifer joins the Oscar-winning actress on the list of newly-added stars, which include Jessica Alba, Jack Black, Abigail Breslin, Kate Bosworth, Sheryl Crow, Ellen DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Garner, Brad Garrett, Angie Harmon, Tony Hawk, Marg Helgenberger, Diane Keaton, Rob Lowe, Mandy Moore, Sharon Osbourne, Josh Peck, Keanu Reeves, Jimmy Smits, David Spade and Carrie Underwood.
They are joining a lengthy roster that includes Casey Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Josh Brolin, David Cook, Dana Delany, Fran Drescher, Kirsten Dunst, Elizabeth Edwards, Jon Favreau, America Ferrera, Neil Patrick Harris, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Masi Oka, Danica Patrick, Christina Ricci, Robin Roberts, Homer and Marge Simpson, Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank, Charlize Theron, Goran Visnjic, and Forest Whitaker.
News anchors Charles Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams will present news segments on cancer research.
As previously reported, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie and Miley Cyrus are among the artists who will perform their charity single "Just Stand Up," which benefits Stand Up to Cancer.
ITTY BITTY BITS: MiJac at VMAs?; NBC wins Monday's DNC ratings race; Mos Def investigated for larceny; DMX freed from Miami jail.
*MTV is denying that Britney Spears will perform at its upcoming Video Music Awards, but TMZ.com claims producers have a replacement surprise in store. Sources claim the network has been working overtime to get Michael Jackson to make a return appearance. Word has it that the King of Pop has agreed to present an award with his sister Janet.
*NBC captured the biggest television audience for Monday's opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver. According to Nielsen Media Research, more than 22 million total viewers tuned in Monday night across all networks. NBC drew the most viewers, pulling an average of 4.71 million for its hourlong special anchored by Brian Williams, up 4% from 2004. CNN came in second place, averaging 4.27 million viewers from 10 to 11 p.m., an hour that included a speech by Michelle Obama. It was followed by ABC (4.17 million), CBS (3.46 million), Fox News (2.92 million) and MSNBC (2.10 million).
*Mos Def is being investigated for larceny after snatching a camera from a photographer at the Las Vegas Hilton during the star-studded MAGIC fashion convention. TMZ.com is reporting that the rapper yanked the camera from the photographer's neck and caused a small cut on the shooter's hand. Mos then allegedly gave the camera to a security guard and took off.
*DMX was released from a Miami jail on Wednesday after agreeing to a plea deal: time served and about a $483 fine, reported TMZ.com. The rapper pleaded guilty to drug charges, which could have sent him to prison for six years. A bench warrant for DMX’s arrest is still in effect in Arizona, where officials have 15 days to arrest him on multiple charges, including drug and paraphernalia possession.
EUR FILM REVIEW: Trouble the Water
Shocking Katrina Documentary Created from Real-Time, Home Movies Shot by Storm Victim
Film Review by Kam Williams
*On August 28, 2005, with Hurricane Katrina bearing down on the New Orleans, Scott and Kimberly Rivers Roberts made the fateful decision to weather the storm instead of evacuate.
Armed with a video camera, Kim started wandering around their Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood, interviewing friends and relatives who had also chosen to stay in the city.
It is readily apparent from watching the pre-landfall footage that none of them anticipated the dire struggle for survival which was about to unfold.
Not only did they expect the levees to hold like they had for every storm since the Great Flood of 1927, but they had no reason to suspect they'd be utterly abandoned by local, state and federal authorities in the event of a massive natural disaster.
But as we all know, that's precisely what happened, and thousands of suddenly-homeless citizens ended up stranded for days on end without any sustenance. They were forced to fend for themselves during a triple-digit heat wave, while awaiting the proverbial cavalry which never arrived.
Trouble the Water is an eye-opening documentary, which enables the audience to be a fly on the crumbling levee walls as Kim and her husband shift from carefree observers into survival mode. In virtually the blink of an eye, the atmosphere goes from ominous to desperate as the water level rises so precipitously that no one has a chance to make a dash for higher ground on foot.
Although the Roberts lived to tell the tale, the same can't be said for all the subjects of their home movie. For example, the camera captures the shock and dismay in their eyes two weeks after the hurricane passed, when they enter the house of Kim's uncle, who had been interviewed earlier, only to find his decomposing corpse lying in the living room. Other horror stories follow, such as the sight of an acquaintance's aging mother whose body had been left behind with dozens of other patients in a hospital now turned morgue.
Also effectively chronicled is the constant frustration the couple encountered in dealing with FEMA bureaucrats who had the nerve to ask for documents obviously washed away. No wonder so many of the victims ended up broke, depressed, unemployed and no longer able to trust their own government.
There's a telling scene towards the end of the picture, where a woman talks about how she's counseled her son who wants to enter the military. "You're not going to fight for a country that doesn't give a damn about you," she declares matter-of-factly. "No way!"
Raw, unfiltered and expletive-laced, but a brutally-honest flick guaranteed to give you an unsanitized picture of what life was like for the least fortunate folks in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 96 minutes
Studi Zeitgeist Films
To see a trailer of Trouble the Water, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq426VjZD1E
GLORIA REUBEN: The Raising the Bar Interview with Kam Williams
Gloria Reuben, Sandwiched between Performing and Philanthropy
*Born in Toronto on June 9, 1964, Gloria Reuben is the second youngest of a half-dozen children born to her Jamaican, gospel singing mother and her architect father. The pretty prodigy was taught piano at an early age, and would grow up to study theory, technique, ballet and jazz at the Canadian Royal Conservatory.
At 18, she won the Miss Black Ontario beauty pageant, although the crown did not come without controversy, as some people questioned whether she was deserving because one of her parents was white. However, Gloria would be vindicated a decade later when People Magazine named her one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world.
Following the pageant, Ms. Reuben began an impressive career in film, on television, in theater and even on tour as a back-up singer to Tina Turner. She is probably best known from her work on the NBC nighttime drama ER where she played Jeanie Boulet, an HIV+ physician's assistant.
She has also appeared on such shows as Law and Order, Numb3rs, The Agency, The District and Homicide, and in movies like The Sentinel, Shaft and Timecop. Here, she talks about her new series, Raising the Bar, which is set to premiere September 1st on TNT, and will air on Mondays at 10 PM EST (check local listings). Her character on the weekly legal drama is attorney Roz Whitman, the head of the New York City Public Defender's Office.
Kam Williams: Hi, Gloria, I'm honored to be speaking with you. What interested you in Raising the Bar?
Gloria Reuben: Three things. First and foremost, [7-time Emmy-winning writer] Stephen Bochco. Secondly, the book that the show was based on, called Indefensible, written by David Feige, who's one of the writers on the show. He had been a public defender in the Bronx. And thirdly, that the story is structured in such a way as to show three different aspects of the judicial system: the viewpoints of the public defenders, of the district attorneys, and of the judges. I like how, more often than not, these three groups have different perspectives and go after things pertaining to the same human being from different angles. And I also appreciate how it sheds light on the inner workings of the criminal justice system and the
corruption that sometimes goes on behind closed doors.
KW: Did you ever have an interest in becoming a lawyer?
GR: No, but I've always been drawn to law shows, and I've always been drawn to watching programs that have to do with attorneys and the judicial system.
KW: How did you prepare for the role?
GR: I live in New York, and so does David Feige, and the director, Jesse Bochco. A couple of the other cast members came out from L.A. for a research trip. We all actually spent some time up in the Bronx and down at the Centre Street Courthouse in lower Manhattan to observe exactly what happens, not only in the courtroom but during the whole process from someone getting booked, on. My character, Roz, is based on a woman named Robin [Steinberg] who runs the Bronx Public Defender's Office. So, I spent some time with her. Of course, you want to get down the fundamentals of how she works, and what her work entails, but to me, it's all about what's going on emotionally.
KW: Why do you choose to live in New York instead of Hollywood?
GR: Because I lived in Hollywood for 11 years and had my fill. I'm from Toronto, so prefer the East Coast and I missed the change of seasons. I may sound crazy, but I love winter.
KW: I watched the premiere and saw that a lawyer named Richard [played by Teddy Sears] was flirting with you. Is a romantic relationship in the works for your characters?
GR: Well, if I told you the answer and spoiled it, then nobody would watch. When it comes to relationships on television shows, personally, I feel that sometimes things are defined too quickly. Then, where do you go? Nothing is really set in stone in terms of Roz's personal life, which I like.
KW: When you have an ensemble cast and an open plotline with plenty of possibilities, do you find yourself lobbying for more screen time or certain developments?
GR: I think it's wise to wait to see how things play out, especially when it's a show's first season and it hasn't even been on the air yet. It's kind of like shooting in a vacuum. Hopefully, there will be a next season, and we'll get to develop storylines further or venture off into other arenas. Besides, I'm really not one to lobby, unless I feel that it's something that very critical for my character. Plus, I have so many other things going on outside the show that I'm grateful for any free time. I wasn't even there the last nine weekends that they were shooting in Los Angeles. I was always on a plane going somewhere.
KW: I saw that you're going to Cape Town, South Africa to do a play about human rights, and to do some organizing around the issue of pediatric AIDS in Johannesburg. You're known for your very extensive philanthropic work. What are some of the other causes you've been busy with lately?
GR: If you go to my website, www.GloriaReuben.com, it gives a synopsis of the myriad of charities I'm involved with.
KW: What came first for you, AIDS activism or playing a person who's HIV+ on E.R.?
GR: Playing Jeanie Boulet definitely came first. And by the time I left the show, I thought my work had been done in a way. But when I recently read that AIDS was the #1 killer of black women between the ages of 25 and 34 here in the United States, I asked, "What the hell is going on?" That kind of spring-boarded me to take action again to raise awareness in our
communities all around the country.
KW: Is it true that you left E.R. because you were burned out emotionally by the role?
GR: Yes, absolutely. If you look back, you'll see that she really didn't have a lot of fun. Because of the success of the show, which was great, it wasn't the kind of part that you could leave behind at the end of the day. It was there all the time, which was a lot.
KW: You left the series to sing backup for Tina Turner. How was that?
GR: Amazing! Phenomenal! Fantastic! [Laughs] The best time of my life.
KW: What was the controversy surrounding your being crowned Miss Black Ontario?
GR: Gee, that was so long ago. It's funny that you asked that. Actually, the timing is kind of perfect, because there was this thing about Obama, "Is he black enough?" That's all I need to say about that issue.
KW: Did you feel vindicated when you were later named one of 50 Most Beautiful People in the world by People Magazine?
GR: [LOL] That's so funny. No, I didn't feel vindicated at all. [Laughs some more] That, too, was a long time ago. I don't know if they would have me in it now.
KW: I don't see why not. Time hasn't diminished your beauty. How did you feel when you were named?
GR: Let's put it this way, it was certainly a nice compliment.
KW: Bookworm Troy Johnson asks: What was the last book you read?
GR: The last book I read was called On Writing by Stephen King.
KW: Tasha Smith asks: Are you ever afraid?
GR: Well, yeah, just like anybody else is.
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
GR: [Pauses] 100% of the time? No. I think I would have to be on some kind of drugs to be happy all the time. But I'm very content and filled with gratitude for the most part. Yes.
KW: The Heather Covington question: What music are you listening to nowadays?
GR: Coldplay.
KW: is there any question that nobody's ever asked you, that you wish someone would?
GR: [Pauses] That's a good question. I don't know how to answer that. [Pauses] The only thing that pops into my mind is: How can I persuade my friends to get tested for HIV?
KW: Okay, how can I persuade my friends to get tested for HIV?
GR: Go with them, and get tested at the same time. It only takes 20 minutes.
KW: How do you want to be remembered?
GR: Just as someone who maybe made a difference in at least one person's life?
KW: Thanks for the time Gloria, and best of luck in all your endeavors.
GR: Thanks, and the same to you.
To see a trailer for Raising the Bar, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPNkH9fxizU
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: Above my Pay Grade
*During Barack Obama’s underwhelming performance last week at the saddleback forum hosted by Pastor Rick Warren, the presidential hopeful managed to fill the shoes of another son of Illinois – not Abraham Lincoln, but Stephen A. Douglas.
To the question: “at what point does a baby receive human rights.” Obama responded that the answer was above his pay grade. For a man that proposes to lead the free world, it was a sorry answer indeed. Obama supports the right of a woman to choose to have an abortion and voted against the ban on partial birth abortion. More importantly, Obama has the unique distinction of being the only elected official to vote against giving life saving medical care to babies born alive after a failed abortion. Apparently, he felt sufficiently pay graded to legislate policy that hinges on the very question he dodged. As president, he would also presumably nominate judges that would decide law based on the answer to the question. Clearly, his failure to answer was not because he doesn’t have an opinion. Instead, his response is an attempt to remake a moral question into a legal one just as Douglas attempted to do 150 years ago.
In 1854, the great moral question was slavery and whether or not the south’s “peculiar institution” should be allowed into the new territories. In a bid to ensure that he would be the next Democratic nominee for president, Douglas introduced the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which effectively repealed the Missouri compromise, which had prohibited the expanse of slavery into the territory of the Louisiana Purchase north of latitude 36°30'. Douglas introduced the concept of popular sovereignty arguing that the citizens of Nebraska and Kansas should be allowed choice as to whether or not they wanted slavery in their states.
During debates on the measure in the House of Representatives, New York representative James Tallmadge asked the question “can the people of a territory constitutionally exclude slavery from their limits?” The response was that this was a question above their pay grade and the issue should be decided by the Supreme Court. Just three years later, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney would write in his majority opinion in Dred Scott v. Standford that a black man had no rights a white man was bound to respect. What more could Douglas ask for than that Taney decide the moral issue of slavery’s expanse?
Obama’s response to the question of rights for babies is also an attempt to pass the moral buck to the Supreme Court – a court he hopes to pack with Taneys.
One of Douglas’s most vocal critics was another Illinois icon, Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln observed that the idea that the sacred right of people to self government is “the sheet anchor of American Republicanism.” However, “There can be no moral right in connection with one man making a slave of another.” If “negroes” are men, Lincoln argued, the concept of popular sovereignty is turned upside down.
The question of choice is likewise turned on its head if “choice” is not protected for all people. How can one person say they have power over what happens to their own body while destroying the body of another?
Obama is keenly aware that just as the moral question of slavery depended on whether blacks were in fact men (as in hu-man), the moral question of abortion hinges upon the question of whether or not a woman’s womb holds life. If not, then any woman has the right to govern herself and her body. If however, it is life then it is an obliteration of the concept of choice to say a woman by virtue of her biology holds the keys to life or death for the child growing in her womb.
Obama’s dodge of the question does not change the settled scientific fact that life begins at conception or the moral truth that that same life is not only heir to God given rights to life, liberty and private property, but is equally due the legal protection of the government. Nor does a Supreme Court ruling shed the repugnance of abortion any more than Taney’s decision washed clean the hands of slave owners and their supporters. Obama’s performance at Saddleback simply demonstrated that he is willing to place politics above morality and content to share the company of Douglas rather than soar in the more rarified air of Abraham Lincoln.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: RANGEL B’DAY BASH
AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: Over 1,000 Revelers Present Congressman Charles B. Rangel With The Greatest Gift Of All At Annual Birthday Bash At New York’s Stately Fortress Tavern On The Green. The Annual Celebration Raised One Million Dollars To Benefit The Rangel Victory Fund
By Audrey J. Bernard, Lifestyles/Society Editor
*As I neared that beautiful fortress in Central Park, Tavern on the Green, in addition to the verdant terrain, pristine foliage and sweet aroma of exotic flowers loftily hanging from larger than life trees, also wafting in the air was the sweet smell of another green substance. Not the leafy type. More like paper. Like One Million Dollars.
The money was the greatest gift of all and provided a happy ending to the annual birthday bash for Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Billed as the premier political party of the summer in New York City where leaders from the tri-state area come together to celebrate his birthday and Democratic priorities, the Rangel Birthday gala is always a fun event featuring the best of food, booze and politically correct people. Over 1,000 political powerhouses, celebrities, business leaders, community activists and supporters were in attendance.
In the past, funds raised from the summer’s biggest community celebration benefited Rangel’s political action committee. However this year’s annual birthday gala will benefit The Rangel Victory Fund -- a new joint committee dedicated to raise money for Rangel’s reelection committee as well as ten top tier Democratic candidates for Congress.
Chairman Rangel has been one of the most generous contributors to the effort to expand the Democratic Congressional majorities, contributing over $2.5 million directly to candidates and national party committees.
The ten candidates who will benefit are John Boccieri (OH-16), Debbie Halvorson (IL-11), Ashwin Madia (MN-03), Dan Maffei (NY-25), Eric Massa (NY-29), Michael McMahon (NY-13), Walt Minnick (ID-01), Jon Powers (NY-23), Dan Seals (IL-10) and Linda Stender (NJ-07).
Opera diva Jessye Norman led well-wishers in the Happy Birthday song as Congressman Rangel beamed exclaiming “She likes me, she really likes me,” to the roar of the crowd. Congressman Joe Crowley was a first time emcee taking over from Gov. Paterson and introduced Rangel’s special dais guests that included President William Jefferson Clinton, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, Governor David Paterson, DNC Chairman Howard Dean, Candidate John Powers, Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Senator Hillary Clinton, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and NYC Comptroller William “Bill” Thompson. (Photos: Audrey J. Bernard and Gideon Manasseh)
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Young actor Shane Kaufman appears with Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer in the MGM/Dimensions film, 'The Longshots," in theaters now
By Eunice Moseley
Actor Shane Kaufman appears in the just released film ‘The Longshots,’ with Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer
*“I hope to be one of the most successful actors …in history,” 14 year-old actor Shane Kaufman said about his career.
Shane starting acting seriously at age 10 and now at 14 Shane has made it to his first feature film, the MGM/Dimension Film presentation of “The Longshots,” starring Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer as a real life first and only girl quarterback in Pop Warner football history.
The film is in theatres now and Shane has a memorable role as a member of the football team. His first leading role was in the 2007 short film “The Don of Virgil Jr. High,” which won the Melvin Van Peebles Award for Best Film for Urban Kids Series at the 2008 San Francisco Black Film Festival.
Kaufman was also nominated for a Young Artist Award in the category of Best Short Film Starring a Youth in the 2008 Los Angeles Young Artist Awards for his performance in “The Don of Virgil Jr. High.”
“I am currently going to acting class,” Shane informed me about what he does in between auditions. “I always wanted to act. I was two years-old watching the television and said, ‘How do I get that job,’ but my parents didn’t want me to.”
I told Shane in an interview I had with his co-star KeKe Palmer she said the same story of how she asked her mother at a very young age if she could be an actress and her mother (a former actress) initially didn’t want that for her daughter, but KeKe’s persistence wore her down. They moved to Los Angeles and the rest is history.
Good thing both parents gave the young actors their way, for Palmer is one of “the” most sought after serious young actresses in the business and Shane is proving the same, that he is an actor to be looked at closely.
“I’ve gone through three agents,” Kaufman laughs about his attempt at getting those right roles.
He gave me some wise advice for other young aspiring actors and actresses out there, “Do what you want to do, let nobody stop you and follow your dream.”
Shane Kaufman, who is also a gifted drummer, pianist and guitarist, says his focus is acting right now. I can tell that he is well prepared for any role out there and will achieve his goal of being the most sought after young actor in Hollywood.
REGGAE UPDATES FROM JAMAICA: Lyons for Jamaica at Miss World competition; Stephenson's August Town hits top; Banton 'Sorts It Out'; Caribbean entertainment news
By Kevin Jackson
19 year old Brittany Lyons to represent Jamaica at Miss World competition finals
*The life of 19 year Brittany Lyons has been changed forever. She was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2008 from a field of 16 girls at the grand coronation show which was held two weekends ago. The 5 feet 7 inch tall beauty, while gracious about her victory, has continued a legacy as far as beauty pageants are concerned in her family.
Her mother Marie Clare Delepenha Lyons, finished second in the Miss Jamaica World beauty pageant in 1980. ‘I got a lot of encouragement from my mother and I really worked hard for this. Its been like a dream come true for me’, Brittany told this writer shortly after her crowning.
Finishing second in the 2008 Miss Jamaica World beauty pageant was Jade Grant, while Marshagaye Reynolds came third.
Brittany will represent Jamaica at the Miss World finals which will be held later this year.
Last year’s representative from Jamaica, Yendi Phillips, who was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2007, finished in the Top 15 at the Miss World finals in China. Phillips placed in the top 3 in four of the Miss World mini competitions.
Duane Stephenson’s August Town hits the top spot
Duane Stephenson’s biographical recording August Town has knocked Elephant Man’s Gully Creepa from the top of the Digicel Caribbean Hot 30 countdown. News of the song’s surge to pole position came as a shocker to the 32 year old former member of the boy band To-Isis. ‘I wasn’t aware that it was number one, but that’s good news. It’s a song I did to basically highlight things that happened while I was growing up. It’s a reflection of stuff that happened in the past and I am quite surprised that the song has become so popular’, Stephenson said in an interview earlier this week before he left the island for a performance in Canada.
Stephenson, who left the To-Isis outfit two years ago after a near ten year stint with the group, released his debut opus From August Town last year on VP Records. ‘The group met up while we were with Cathy Levy Players. The group was first called South Side 7 but we later decided to work with the name To-Isis’, reminisced Stephenson.
Asked why he left the group, Stephenson said ‘It was time to move on to the next progression. I wanted to go into a direction that I wanted. I am still friends with the members of the group. I just recently worked on a track with them for their album’.
Stephenson has been busy carving out a name for himself, not only as a singer but also as a songwriter and budding producer. He wrote the Jah Cure smash single True Reflections; and he has also written and co-produced tracks for the likes of Luciano, Morgan Heritage and Guyanese group First Born.
Though he hasn’t started working on a new album yet, Stephenson hopes to hit the studios later this year to commence work on his follow up opus. He recently recorded a cover of the Phil Collins 1985 hit Against All Odds, and he also has a single coming out on Arif Cooper’s Fresh Ear label. ‘The song I did for Arif is a new look and a new energy. People are going to be surprised’, said Stephenson.
Burro Banton chalks up a hit in Germany with Sort Out Yourself
He might not be on top of the charts or banging on the radio here in Jamaica. However, veteran dancehall deejay Burro Banton continues to spew hits on the Germany reggae charts
After claiming pole position last year with Badda Dan Dem, Banton is currently riding high with Sort out Yourself.
The 47 year old Burro whose real name is Donovan Spalding, emerged on the musical radar in the late 1970s. It wasn’t until the mid 1980’s that he began to garner some attention. His emergence at the beginning of the digital dancehall craze started by King Jammy, saw him riding some of the more prolific rhythms of the day.
In 1978 he linked up with the Black Hoover sound system and then moved on to Roots Unlimited sound system. While deejaying for the Gemini sound in the early 1980’s, finally began to make some strides. He would later have short stints with the Volcano and Kilamanjaro sound systems.
His first recording was with legendary producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes, Volcano's owner, and released his first LP in 1985.
Known for his very aggressive style; deep, gruff voice, Burro’s most famous recording to date has been Boom Wah Dis which became a hit in 1998 on the Steely and Clevie produced Street Sweeper rhythm.
Caribbean entertainment news
Luni Sparks and Electrify retained the title of 2008 Soca Monarch champ of Grenada. The Grenada Soca Monarch finals took place two weekends ago. The main prize was EC$30,000. The winners have now qualified for the 2009 International Soca Monarch Finals which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago next February.
His name is Skinny Fabulous and he’s from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He currently has the number one song on the charts in Trindad and Tobago with the song Head Bad On the Spot. But just who exactly is Skinny Fabulous? His real name is Omar Doyle and he recently completed a diploma in Media and communications at the UWI Mona Campus. He is currently pursuing his Bachelors Degree.
Over in Antigua, the top 10 finalists for the Antiguan Digicel Rising Stars competition have been selected. Among the finalists are two duets as well as previous top 10 finalists from 2006 and 2007. The series began on August 11 with a recap show broadcast on ABS television. Antigua’s audition show is due to air on September 14. Voters from Antigua and across the Caribbean will have a week to select their top two for the regional series.
THE FILM STRIP
BROTHERS AT THE BOX OFFICE—AND SISTERS TOO: Don Cheadle takes down terrorists and confronts Robert Downey Jr., Tyrese Gibson goes dark and gives verdict on music career, Ice Cube’s long shot in the rap game, Tiki Palmer looking to play Roxanne Shante and Paula Patton putting her money on Obama.
By Marie Moore
*The summer big box office season was jumpstarted with “Iron Man,” co-starring Terrence Howard. Record breaking “The Dark Knight” was an even bigger success with Morgan Freeman. It took “Tropic Thunder” starring the real brother Brandon T. Jackson to knock “The Dark Knight” off its high perch. Now on the big screen and coming to you this week are films with Blacks in major roles—Don Cheadle, Ice Cube, Tiki Palmer, Tyrese, Vin Diesel and Paula Patton
Then there was the record breaking “Dark Knight” with Morgan Freeman and now the only film that could knock “The Dark Knight” off its perch was “Tropic Thunder” with Black actor Brandon T. Jackson. This week added to the line-up of Blacks onscreen will be Don Cheadle, Ice Cube, Vin Diesel and Tyrese Gibson. And least we not forget the women Kiki Palmer and Paula Patton. The New American spoke to them all.
Don Cheadle is an undercover agent in “Traitor” torn between his religion and his job. Cheadle, who once considered being a stunt man, wears many hats now. As entertainer, actor and filmmaker the decision arises sometimes as to what degree should entertainment play when there is a message yearning to get out. Although important, the decision to deliver a message does not bear that much weight when Cheadle decides on a project.
“One of the things that drew me to this script were these ideas floating around that were focused on in the news like terror and the Patriots Act,” Cheadle says. “The question for me in this film was how far would you go against what maybe you personally believe in to protect or have a feeling of safety. I still think the idea of security is mostly a concept. I don’t know how we’re ever really secure even if you put borders around this whole place. It just makes it a bigger challenge. I don’t think that really exists, some perfect place of safety.”
On the issue of diversity, Cheadle talked about traveling to different parts of the world and how people of different nationalities and religions felt. “What I’ve learned traveling around the world and speaking to a lot of different people is that most people really just kind of want to just get through the day. Most people really just wanna like make some money, protect their family and be happy and be safe.
“For whatever particular reasons that leaders want to push and pull us in different directions, they use faith and they use politics. They use whatever for their own ends, their own agendas. But for the most part, we kind of all want the same things. With this film the people I met once they knew the story and we told them what we were doing they were like, ‘Wow, thankfully we have a Muslim character who you will show wrestling with those things we’re trying to come to grips with for a positive result.”
Since this is another Oscar worthy film of his, The Film Strip asked Cheadle, who lost out on a well-deserved Oscar for “Hotel Rwanda,” if it would upset him if his film didn’t get the Academy nod? “No, I don’t really care about that. I mean I really don’t. It’s a bit of a grind and it’s not like the Oscars necessarily do anything for your movie anyway nowadays. It used to mean something else, very prestigious. It just kind of doesn’t any more.”
Referring to an interview I had with Brandon T. Jackson I chided Cheadle about Robert Downey Jr. being mistaken for him. “Really!” was Cheadle’s startled reaction. “You know, I do remember seeing that written and I did write him [Downey] and said, ‘Oh, so you’re the White Don, huh?’ (laughs) and he said, ‘No, you’re the Black me’.” Milking the absurd a little more, a battle royal was suggested and Don was all for it, “Yeah, for supreme Whiteness and Blackness. I’ll play the White him I guess.”
Dynamic duo Ice Cube and Tiki Palmer share the screen again in “The Longshots.” They took time out of their busy schedules to talk to The Film Strip about life’s long shots. “Oh yeah, I’ve had mine,” Cube admitted. “Definitely. It was a long shot to make it in the rap game. Comin’ from the west coast you can count most of the big west coast artists on one hand. So to me that was a long shot. Going from doing that to making a movie like this and being accepted, you know, and kind of being now normal and not such a novelty kind of thing, that’s a long shot to me.”
Palmer chimed in with, “It definitely was long shot for me. I’m originally from Chicago and with my whole family we drove four days and three nights to California to help me with acting. I definitely think that was a long shot.”
Tiki will take a shot at playing rapper Roxanne Shante if the money is ever right. “I hope to get to do that. They don’t necessarily have the funding yet for the movie but to play a rapper would be cool. Her story was actually amazing to me because after she had gotten pregnant and she couldn’t rap any more she really wasn’t in the music too much. But she made sure in her contract that they would pay for all of her education. I thought that was really cool because after everything happened she was still able to get her education and she’s like a professor. I thought that was really awesome.”
Vin Diesel is back in the reel game after sometime away from the screen starring in “Babylon A.D.” The Film Strip asks him about his trust issues in the film and does he trust people in real life? “I’m a New Yorker [laughs]. I always have those issues and you adopt that from being a New Yorker.” He then concedes and confesses, “Yes, I do trust people but that was a good question. I like to keep it honest.
“I mean, the logical answer is time and experience but really I think that trust is something that comes from the gut and I think you have to get to that. That’s me and it’s probably the worse advice to give people, but I think you have to trust people from your gut. I don't think it's anything specific. I don't think it's anything tangible. I think it's a feeling you get. I think you're forced when deciding whether to trust someone to rely on your intuition in ways that we probably don't do enough.”
There are definitely no trust issues when it comes to his next project. He says he hasn’t seen the final cut for “Babylon A.D.” because he’s been at work on the next “Fast and Furious” film and “Hannibal.” “I had this wonderful opportunity,” he exclaimed. “Universal Studios has been so damn good to me because in 'The Chronicles of Riddick' they gave me this character, and although I started as you know in the independent film world, they allowed me to write a draft.
“In ‘The Fast and Furious,’ they asked me to go direct a prequel to the prequel which is actually really, really cool. People don't talk enough about their relationships with studios. It's usually studio bashing, but it was pretty cool of them. They said, 'Here, take some money. Go down and direct a twenty minute short.' And maybe it's because they have their eyes on Hannibal or something.
“So it was a wonderful experience shooting the movie. My point, getting back to the question if I’ve seen the final cut of ‘Babylon,’ literally I’ve spent all night in the editing room haven't seen a cut of 'Babylon' in six months, seven or eight months. So I don't know what the hell has happened. If you've seen the movie, give me some feedback.” No comment.
Having starred in “2 Fast 2 Furious” and “Transformers” it’s no surprise that Tyrese Gibson has an affinity for fast cars. “Listen,” he beams, “when I was a kid, you know, I always wanted something fast to drive. I never thought I could ever afford anything fast to drive so when they give ‘em to me and tell me I can go and beat them up and have some fun in doing it, bring it on!” He a white Bentley with over 400 horse power but don’t expect to see him racing it to any finish line
Besides the fast cars, one of the perks for Tyrese in starring in “Death Race” is the fact he gets to go dark playing Machine Gun Joe. “Machine Gun Joe is crazy, he’s wild,” Tyrese takes pleasure in telling. “He’s unpredictable and it’s a lot of self-sabotage going on with that guy like he’s really beats himself up a lot. And every time he kills somebody, he slices his face. You see the bruises right there. I mean this dude is pretty crazy. I’m just really glad that Paul Anderson allowed me to go dark and have some real fun with this character.
With so many films under his belt, is it safe to say Tyrese Gibson has put his music career on hold? “Yeah,” he confirms. “I was going to touch on that. I wanna send all the love possible to my man Will Smith who played a huge role in me making some big, big changes in my life. I’m no longer doing music but will get back to it eventually. I’ve done 14 years of music, five albums and you know, I really feel that at this point every blessing taken for granted becomes a curse. Everywhere I go I get a lot of feedback from the performances that I’ve been doing in these films whether they be big or small budget ones. I’ve always pretty much been accepting the love but not wholeheartedly. I’ll be on a film looking forward to doing another album or dong another show and it’s just too much going on spiritually. So I’ve never taken the movie thing as seriously as I have the music. With Will Smith taking me under his wing and telling me that, ‘You’re that guy. You have what it takes to be the next guy.’ [It’s a sign.]”
Considering the hype and big budget spending to promote blockbuster duds, many critics wondered why “Mirrors’ parent company tried to sabotage the film by not letting reviewers see it. For a horror film it’s not that bad. Paula Patton, who is the love interest of Andre Benjamin in “Idlewild” and has a pivotal role in “Swing Vote,” is Kiefer Sutherland’s estranged wife in the “Mirrors.” She says, “Some people don’t take the horror genre very seriously. It’s [“Mirrors”]intense. It’s dealing with everyday emotions. I was emotionally and physically exhausted from all the cuts and bruises I got filming it. You’re afraid for your husband. I’m trying to save my children and at times save my own life.”
Patton happens to be afraid of scary movies. “I have to watch them with my husband or someone else,” she chuckles. She does, however, like vampire movies. “I must’ve have seen ‘The Lost Boys’ a hundred times. Needless to say, having seen “The Lost Boys” that many times she is a fan of Sutherland. She also watches “24.” “Any guy who puts a Black guy as a president gets my vote. You know what I’m sayin’? He’s ahead of the times.”
Patton doesn’t think it odd that her husband is White in “Mirrors.” “I think the film is a step in the right direction,” she states. We all know that we got a ways to go for everything to get equal and right but I do think we’re making a good headway.” A firm supporter of Barack Obama, she is ready for change and believes Obama will be the next president.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." — William Faulkner
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Aug. 28: Actor J. August Richards ("Angel") is 35.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
On February 9, TV stations will broadcast in digital only. Find out if your TV is ready via a quiz at www.dtvtransition.org
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Aug. 28, 1955: Emmett Till, 14, was kidnapped and lynched in Money, Mississippi. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
Click for the latest Obama - Political headlines
Share and Bookmark |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
