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09-02-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
OBAMA: 'LEAVE PALIN'S PREGNANT DAUGHTER ALONE': Plus, Van Halen's mad at McCain; Miss Alaska winner; Fat Joe blasts Daddy Yankee.
*While the country was focused on tracking Hurricane Gustav's path through the Gulf Coast yesterday, John McCain's camp announced that the unmarried, 17-year-old daughter of his running mate is five months pregnant.
The timing of the news was aimed at squashing rampant Internet rumors that Gov. Sarah Palin's 4-month-old son Trig is actually her daughter's child. When asked to comment, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama told reporters that the teen's pregnancy has no relevance to the campaign and should not be discussed.
"I have said before and I will repeat again, I think people's families are off limits," Obama stated after attending a Labor Day picnic here. "People's children are especially off limits. This shouldn't be part of our politics. It has no relevance to Gov. Palin's performance as a governor or her potential performance as a vice president. So I would strongly urge people to back off these kinds of stories."
He continued, "You know, my mother had me when she was 18. How family deals with issues and teenage children, that shouldn't be the topic of our politics. I hope that anybody who's supported me understands that's off limits."
McCain's campaign said that Bristol Palin will keep her baby, due in late December, and marry the child's father.
"Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents," Sarah and her husband Todd Palin said in the brief statement.
"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family," they added.
In other election news…
• TMZ.com found the woman who beat Palin in her now-infamous 1984 Miss Alaska pageant. Turns out McCain's running mate was the runner up to Maryline Blackburn, an African American who, according to her her Web site, is "a singer with a wide spectrum of performing experiences." Click here for
phot http://www.tmz.com/2008/08/29/the-woman-who-beat-mccains-vp/.
• The rock group Van Halen is outraged after McCain used their song, "Right Now," during his appearance in Dayton Ohio on Friday to announce Palin as his running mate. "Permission was not sought or granted nor would it have been given" to use the song, Van Halen's management told TMZ.com.
• After announcing his support for McCain, Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee has incurred the wrath of fellow Puerto Rican music star Fat Joe, an avid Obama supporter. "Put this in the MTV News headline: 'Fat Joe Says Daddy Yankee Is a Sellout,'" the MC told the network. Joe was offended by Yankee's endorsement of McCain at an Arizona high school in recent weeks. "I opened the newspaper and got sick to my stomach," Joe continued. "I felt like I wanted to vomit when I seen that. The reason why I called him a sellout is because I feel he did that for a [publicity] look, rather than the issues that are affecting his people that look up to him. How could you want John McCain in office when George Bush and the Republicans already have half a million people losing their homes in foreclosure? We're fighting an unjust war. It's the Latinos and black kids up in the frontlines, fighting that war. ... I feel real disgusted that Daddy Yankee would do that. Either he did that for a look, or he's just not educated on politics."
DETROIT MAYOR OFFERS TO LEAVE OFFICE: Kilpatrick also says he'll pay fine and perform community service in exchange for zero jail time.
*The Detroit News is reporting that Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is offering to plead guilty to one or two felonies, leave office, pay a fine and restitution and perform community service – all on the condition that he does not go to jail, a source close to his legal team said Sunday.
Frustrated by what they consider stubbornness by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy in ongoing plea talks, the mayor's lawyers have offered to bring in facilitators -- perhaps a judge or well-respected legal figure -- to review the offer, the source said.
The hope is to persuade Worthy that the deal is "politically palatable" and similar to penalties anyone facing similar felonies would receive, the source said.
Worthy has consistently maintained Kilpatrick must do jail time. Last week, talks broke down when she suggested he serve four to six months as part of the deal that would resolve eight felonies stemming from the text-message scandal that erupted in January.
Kilpatrick, who spent one day in jail in early August, is willing to leave office but remains adamant that he doesn't want to serve more time, sources close to him said. He faces felonies that are punishable by 15 years in prison.
HALLE'S DAUGHTER MAKES PUBLIC DEBUT: Photos of Nahla, mama and grandma at L.A. Zoo hit the Internet.
*The public is just now getting its first look at Halle Berry's 5-month-old daughter Nahla, who was snapped by a photographer Saturday as she sat in the arms of her mom while touring the Los Angeles Zoo.
The only other public photograph of Nahla was taken from behind, and Berry threatened to press charges against the snapper who took the picture as she held her daughter in their backyard in July.
Also spotted in the zoo pictures is a ring on Berry's wedding finger, sparking rumors that the actress – who famously told Oprah Winfrey that she would never marry again – is on the verge of a third trip down the aisle with boyfriend and babydaddy, Gabriel Aubry.
Click here for TMZ's photo gallery of Nahla's zoo trip:
http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/halle_berry_at_the_zoo#25594
FUNERAL HELD FOR DR. DRE'S SON: Friday's service took place at church in Glendale, Calif.
*Music producer Dr. Dre served as a pallbearer at the funeral of his 20-year-old son Andre Young, Jr., who was found dead last Saturday by his mother at their home in Woodland Hills, Calif.
TMZ.com is reporting that more than 200 mourners were on hand for the service held in Glendale at The Church of the Recessional.
Andre's cause of death could not be determined by an autopsy. Results of further toxicology tests are expected in six weeks.
People.com spoke to several friends of Young's, who remembered him as a happy guy who had an optimistic outlook on life.
"He always had a smile on his face," Sarah Steinhorn, Young's former classmate at Stoneridge Preparatory in Simi Valley, Calif., tells the Web site, "even when something bad would happen, like if he didn't pass a test or didn't do as well as he wanted to. He always looked at the positive side.
"I remember him liking to go to parties in high school but not for the reasons that people think," said Steinhorn. "It was never about drugs or alcohol with him. He just really enjoyed being around people, talking and interacting and meeting new people."
Rapper Xzibit, who shares a longtime friendship with Dr. Dre, tells People he's "giving him his space to cope and when he's ready, that's when I'll step in and do whatever he asks."
Xzibit experienced his own tragic loss when his newborn son Xavier died last May when he was less than two weeks old.
"It's unexplainable to someone who has never experienced it, how it feels to bury your child," Xzibit told People. "I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. It just makes me hold on to the child I have even tighter because life is never promised. So I'm sure Dre is holding on tighter."
Dr. Dre has four other children: sons Curtis, 26, Marcel, 17, and Truth, 11, and daughter Truly, 7.
THE GAME HIT WITH ASSAULT CHARGES: Rapper back in the system over alleged funeral scrap with cousin.
*The Game was recently charged with criminal battery for allegedly punching his cousin at a family funeral.
According to TMZ.com, the Hawthorne City Attorney brought charges against the artist for allegedly striking his cousin over an argument about money. As previously reported, the cousin accused Game of going back on his promise to pay for the service.
The Compton-born rapper is currently on probation for assault after he allegedly pulled a gun during a celebrity basketball game. If he's convicted of this new charge, a judge could rule he's in violation of the probation and toss him in jail.
• A judge has ordered the rap star to consider mediation in a civil suit stemming from the assault case. The lawsuit was filed in March by pro-amateur coach Shannon Roderick, who accused Game of assault, battery, negligence and civil rights violations after the rapper allegedly retrieved a gun from his vehicle during an altercation at the basketball game. Roderick’s lawyer Portasha Moore said she will follow the judge’s order to seek mediation.
SOLANGE SAYS SHE STANDS BY HER RANT: Singer explains weird reaction to Fox News reporter during satellite interview.
*Solange is defending her behavior during a live satellite interview last week in which she reprimanded a local Fox anchor in Las Vegas over a question that was never asked.
As previously reported, Beyonce's little sister overheard a producer tell the reporter to ask about the drama surrounding the closing of 40/40 nightclub, which was run by her brother-in-law, Jay-Z. Believing the instructions were broadcast live, Solange began the actual live segment by lecturing the KVVU reporter about how her "introduction" was "not very professional."
"Please don't talk me into family and my brother-in-law's establishment," she said to the thoroughly confused anchor. Seconds later, Solange was informed that the part she overheard was not broadcast on TV.
Footage of the exchange hit the Internet, via TMZ.com, and has prompted Solange to respond – via video. She explained that her camp handed her an earpiece to hear the reporter's questions, and informed her that she was already live on the air. But in reality, the segment had yet to begin. Solange said she overheard the producer tell the anchor "in this really negative tone" to ask about Jay-Z's club closing down. And that's why she went off.
"I was furious," she said in her video. "I felt very disrespected. I felt very offended that someone would try to bring up something totally irrelevant."
Solange also put TMZ on blast by suggesting that Fox – which airs TMZ's TV show as well as the KVVU affiliate – was using her interview clip to cross-promote their shows.
"I stand by my reaction," Solange said. "I still say it was highly disrespectful and offensive. I'm always going to stand up and speak up for myself, and for my family as well. So either love me or leave me alone for that."
SPIKE LEE WANTS THAT DUBAI MONEY: Director eyes region to possibly help fund future films.
*Spike Lee says there's an untapped source of movie financing in the eastern Arabian emirate Dubai that he plans to make full use of in the future.
"There is a ton of money in Dubai, so I've gotta get on a plane; I gotta start making connections. I don't want to be in a position where if I want to do a film and the Hollywood studios don't want to make it, then it doesn't get made," the filmmaker told arabianbusiness.com. "I gotta know that no can't be a final no. I gotta go to other sources of finance."
Lee said he's planning to make his first visit to Dubai in November after being invited to the The Atlantis Hotel on the Palm, reported Emirates Business on Friday.
He said his latest film, "Miracle at St Anna," would not be premiering at the upcoming Dubai Film Festival December 11-18. The movie is an adaptation of James McBride's book of the same name and was shot on a budget of around $45 million.
USHER ALREADY EYEING SUPER BOWL GIG: Singer booked to perform at Thursday's NFL kickoff concert.
*Usher, who is helping to launch the new NFL season on Thursday, hopes to close out the league's 2008-09 run as well with a plum gig at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay.
"I don't think it's too early to consider it," Usher told the Associated Press. "Certainly being associated with the organization makes that a lot more possible. There have been conversations for a lot of years about me being part of a performance at a Super Bowl."
He added: "I'm hoping that this leads, definitely, to that. This whole process is basically you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."
As previously reported, Usher will perform at the season's kickoff concert on Sept. 4 in New York's Columbus Circle along with Keith Urban and Natasha Bedingfield. The 3 p.m. show will be held just before the season opener, when the Washington Redskins take on the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
At the kickoff concert, which will stream on NFL.com, Usher plans to perform "Here I Stand," "Changing Places" and "What's Your Name" with guest star will.i.am.
ETHERIDGE CONTINUES OBAMA LOVE: Rocker shares Thursday night's experience with concert crowd following day.
*Twenty-four hours after Barack Obama electrified thousands of people at Denver's Invesco Field and millions worldwide while accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for President, supporter Melissa Etheridge was still floating on cloud nine.
"When I was there, I felt a great sense of hope," she told a concert crowd at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles the following day. "I felt a great sense of, finally, us coming together because it was people of all kinds there ... I feel a huge change coming. I feel it."
Etheridge, who performed a medley of songs a the Democratic National Convention – including "God Bless America," "The Times They Are A-Changin'" and "Give Peace A Chance – told the Greek Theatre crowd how much she admired Obama – without specifically mentioning his name.
Wearing an Obama pin on her guitar strap, Etheridge got the crowd excited during the song "What Happens Tomorrow" when she changed the lyrics so they would highlight the Illinois senator.
According to People.com, fans erupted in cheers and applause when she sang: "I believe a black man can work hard and succeed. And we could be content to believe that he can be in charge of the free. And be the president."
She also urged everyone in the crowd to hit the polling booths on Nov. 4. "Call all your family to vote," she said. "It's the most important thing you can do this year."
BLACK DELEGATES DWINDLING AT GOP CONVENTION: Current event has fewest African American representation in 40 years.
*One thing becomes glaringly apparent while scanning the floor of this week's Republican National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul. It's very white.
In fact, the 2008 GOP event has the lowest number of African American delegates since 1968, according to a convention guide released to delegates this week by the nonpartisan research institution, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
After seating a record number of African American delegates in 2004 (6.7 percent), blacks comprise only 1.5 percent of the total number of GOP delegates this year, according to the Joint Center, which focuses on minority issues. The 36 black delegates in 2008 represent a 78.4 percent decline from the 167 black delegates at the 2004 GOP convention.
According to the Hudson Valley Press, the Joint Center's guide recognized McCain's efforts to reach black voters, but concluded: "John McCain is very likely to receive a historically low share of the black vote." The publication said it is not attributable to any experiences Sen. McCain has had representing black constituents, but rather it is "a reflection of Sen. Obama's historic candidacy, the deep and genuine enthusiasm for him in the black community, and Sen. McCain's association with President Bush, an exceptionally unpopular figure among African Americans."
PBS' 'LENS' ROLLS OUT NEW SEASON: Terrence Howard-hosted run includes films about 'Chicago 10' and gang violence in Los Angeles.
*The Emmy Award-winning weekly PBS series "Independent Lens" returns in October with a brand new lineup of documentaries, once again hosted by Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard.
The seventh season will premiere Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 9 p.m. with Brett Morgen's "Chicago 10," which mixes animation and rare archival footage to explore the buildup to and unraveling of the Chicago Conspiracy Trial following the infamous 1968 Democratic Convention.
"Chicago 10" features characters Black Panther leader Bobby Seale; an exasperated Judge Julius Hoffman; defense attorney William Kuntsler; SDS defendant Tom Hayden; and Yippies Jerry Rubin and Abbie Hoffman.
Bringing them to life are the vocal talents of Hank Azaria, Mark Ruffalo, James Urbaniak, Jeffrey Wright, Liev Schreiber, Nick Nolte and Roy Scheider, among others.
Other films under the "Independent Lens" banner include "Made In America," which provides a historical and sociological context for the rise of the devastating gang violence in South Los Angeles; and "Tulia, Texas,"
which takes a look at the war on drugs as fought in a small Texas town.
For the complete 2008-2009 schedule visit: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/
RICKY WILLIAMS CONTRACT EXTENDED: Dolphins running back to play through 2009-10 season.
*The Miami Dolphins are showing a little faith in their impulsive running back Ricky Williams by signing him up for two more seasons and praying that this time he'll actually play out his contract.
The Associated Press is reporting that the team signed Williams to a one-year contract extension through the 2009-10 season Sunday, standing behind the athlete who in July 2004 – just days before the start of Miami's training camp – announced his sudden decision to retire from the NFL amid failed drug tests.
He returned to the Dolphins in July 2005, paid back a percentage of his signing bonus and completed his four game suspension for substance abuse. The following year, he was suspended for the 2006 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Unable to play in the U.S., he signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in May of 2006. The season, however, was riddled with injuries. He suffered a broken bone in his left arm during a game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders and underwent surgery. Also, a freak locker room accident led to a gash on his left Achilles tendon that required 16 stitches to close. In all, he missed two months of the 2006 season due to injuries.
In October 2007, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell granted Williams' request for reinstatement. He returned for a Monday Night Football Game on Nov. 26 and rushed 6 times for 15 yards before a Steelers defender accidentally stepped on his right shoulder, tearing his pectoral muscle. The next day it was reported that he would miss the rest of the 2007 season.
Now injury-free and ready to roll, Williams has earned the respect and admiration of his coaches during training camp, according to the AP. Miami has even centered its offense around him in the preseason. He didn't miss a voluntary practice in Miami's strict offseason workout program under the new Bill Parcells-led regime. And he has bulked up to about 230 pounds, the weight he played at in his prime.
Williams has said this season is partly about changing his legacy.
"The way I left made it difficult," Williams said during training camp. "To come back and clear my name is important to me."
ITTY BITTY BITS: Trenyce 'Misbehavin'; Lillias White in NYC; Diddy headlines CTV Festival; Travis McCoy 'kissed a girl'; visas stop Eddy Grant.
*Season Two “American Idol” finalist Trenyce has been cast in the forthcoming revival tour of "Ain't Misbehavin," joining fellow "Idol" veterans Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis. According to Jawn Murray of AOL Black Voices, the singer has shifted her career focus to acting after signing with Vincent Cirrincione Associates, the Hollywood management company that reps Halle Berry and Taraji P. Henson.
*Tony Award winner Lillias White returns to the Triad Theatre in Manhattan Sept. 1 for a series of Monday-evening concerts. Part of Lee Summers' "Just a Piano" series, the actress will perform Mondays at the Triad beginning at 9:30 p.m. She will be accompanied by pianist Mike Dalto. The Triad Theatre is located in Manhattan at 158 West 72nd St. There is a $40 cover charge and a two-drink minimum. Call (212) 868-4444 for reservations or visit www.smarttix.com. For more information visit www.triadnyc.com or call (212) 362-2590.
*Diddy has been tapped to headline Canada's CTV's eTalk Festival Party, to be held at the network's Queen Street headquarters on Friday, Sept. 5. The artist will be featured in a live, open-air performance before thousands of fans. eTalk's Ben Mulroney and Tanya Kim, along with reporter Lainey, host the event while a vast array of CTV media properties cover all the action along with throngs of international media gathered for the Toronto International Film Festival.
*Pop star Katy Perry, who recently spent a stint atop Billboard's Hot 100 chart with her breakout hit "I Kissed A Girl," is reportedly dating Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes. Gossip blogger Janet Charlton says the pair spent the summer touring together and most recently showed up at the opening of Rok nightclub in Las Vegas.
*Reggae star Eddy Grant has cancelled several U.S. concert dates after visas for members of his band were repeatedly delayed. The "Electric Avenue" singer is touring for the first time in 20 years - but October's U.S. leg has had to be cancelled over paperwork problems. "He tells WENN: "The band are waiting for their visas. It has just taken longer than everybody imagined. They are all sitting in Johannesburg (South Africa) waiting for the visas. We are hoping they will turn up next week or so. We kept putting the shows back and postponing and postponing and in the end it didn't make sense. So we have cancelled the shows and will put them back in for next year.”
EUR FILM REVIEW: Traitor
Don Cheadle Stars in International Potboiler as Possible Manchurian Muslim Mole
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Provided you haven’t seen the trailer for Traitor, you’re likely to enjoy this edge-of-your-seat political potboiler immeasurably.
However, if you have already caught the commercial, then you are already aware of the picture’s otherwise cleverly-concealed plot twist revealed only towards the end of the picture.
Left unspoiled, the film is a taut, international thriller revolving around the 007-like exploits of Samir Horn (Don Cheadle), a U.S. Special Forces Agent serving solo overseas on a covert, counterespionage operation.
The point of departure is a flashback to the moment in his childhood when he witnessed his father being blown up by a car bomb.
Fast-forward to present-day Yemen, where Samir is attempting to imbed himself inside a cell of Arab religious fanatics. He is only able to gain their confidence after being arrested in a round-up of suspected terrorists.
While behind bars, the bilingual poser manages to convince the gang’s ringleader, Omar (Said Taghmaoui), that he is a devout Muslim born and raised in Sudan. The two bond after embarking on a spectacular death-defying jailbreak which leaves them blood brothers sworn to perform crimes against humanity together in the name of Allah.
Then, it’s not long before the pair is masterminding a series of attacks not only in the Middle East, but in Europe and America, too. Samir, as an Army-trained explosives expert, is able to train suicide bombers while outfitting them with detonators. This development is not lost on the interagency task force led by Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) and Max Archer (Neal McDonough), crack FBI agents who just happen to be monitoring his every movement.
They, of course, are curious about the identity of this ostensibly-disloyal American, and wonder whether he’s truly a traitor or merely an al-Qaeda infiltrator on a secret mission. Determining the answer without blowing Samir’s cover proves to be easier said than done, and writer/director Jeffrey Nachmanoff is very adept at keeping his audience guessing for almost as long as the investigating officers themselves remain in a quandary.
Also Credit Don Cheadle’s masterful performance for making Traitor riveting for the duration. For he ever so convincingly plays Samir as a sympathetic, seemingly-conflicted soul who just might be a Manchurian Muslim mole afterall. Perhaps of more significance is how the movie simultaneously seeks to serve as a sophisticated appeal to tolerance by its deliberate differentiating between radical Islam and the moderate version of the faith practiced by the overwhelming majority of Muslims.
A curious whodunit which has you far more concerned with the mindset than the apprehension of a mass murderer.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for brief profanity, mature themes, and intense violence.
In English and Arabic with subtitles.
Running time: 113 minutes
Studi Overture Films
To see a trailer for Traitor, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjq4PNev838
EUR FILM REVIEW: Maria Bethania: Music Is Perfume
Uncritical Bio-Pic Takes Loving Look at Musical Career of Legendary Brazilian Singer
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Maria Bethania is a legendary Brazilian singer whose siren call has stirred the souls of her fellow countrymen for decades.
Now in her sixties, the gracefully-aging diva proves here that she is still capable of delivering a ballad in heartrending fashion.
The performance-driven picture features plenty of concert footage, offset by interviews with friends, family (including her brother, renowned composer Caetano Veloso) and Maria herself.
The full-throated contralto’s career began in 1964 and has endured long enough for her to release 30 albums thusfar. The movie amounts to the cinematic equivalent of a fanzine, a delightfully melodic montage during which Maria meanders through many classic hits from her extensive repertoire.
Offstage, Maria is at her best while sharing her feelings about her music, such as when she describes samba as “sadness dancing. That is the very essence of samba.” Equally evocative are the moments when she talks about the genre’s history, describing it as “a black people’s lament.” Acknowledging a debt owed to African slaves, she goes on to say that “We were colonized by the Portuguese, but our heritage, the richness of our music, is black.”
And to think I always blamed it on the bossa nova.
Very Good (3 stars)
Unrated
In Portuguese with subtitles.
Running time: 82 minutes
Studi ArtMattan Productions
To see a trailer of Maria Bethania: Music Is Perfume, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgB6T8sZKoE
THE BRIDGE: We Wear The Mask
By Darryl James
*"What we see depends mainly on what we look for."
--Sir John Lubbock
In America, far too many people make claims about what exists without investigating any further than their own small circles. They then take those broad assumptions and pretend that the assumption is reality for all of us.
The sad part is when the assumptions are from Negroes about ALL African Americans.
If we believe it, it will come to be whether it is real or perceived.
We see it from others and amongst ourselves everyday.
It's more than apparent when I walk into any room.
All eyes turn to me, watching my every move.
In a store, I may be invisible to the sales person when I need assistance. But I am highly visible to the security who follows me around, looking stupid trying to pretend that I'm not under suspicion. The assumption is made that I won't make a purchase, but also that I may be a thief.
If two cars are speeding on the freeway, it is almost a cinch that my car will be followed. I am a born suspect and typically will be racially profiled.
I hear oblivious people proclaiming that racism has evaporated. "It's the new millennium," they say, as if the passage of time automatically erodes ignorance and stereotypes.
But after the passage of time, only some of the more overt evidence of racism becomes less conspicuous. There is still the prejudging that is tainted with negative racial bias.
My mood is often misinterpreted, or subject to projection based on preconceived notions. People assign moods to me largely based on what they were already thinking I should be feeling.
I am told to "calm down," or to "take it easy," when I am generally not upset or angry.
In elevators, purses are clutched. Women walking alone on streets during the daytime nervously peer at me out of the corners of their eyes. At night, they cross the street.
With my head cleanly shaved, I have been told that I look hostile.
Some of my brothers far above six feet are told that they are imposing and threatening.
We are angry, potentially violent thugs who need to be jailed, even though we may really be happy, mild-mannered and productive members of society.
Some of my sisters are assumed to have "attitudes," even when they are completely pleasant.
The darker the skin and the more natural the hairstyle, the worse the reaction.
They are promiscuous and evil Sapphires, even though they may be sweet and morally sound.
The world decides who we are before we give any clues as to our disposition or the content of our character.
And, so we either wear masks, or we practice blank game faces.
In business meetings, I wear the faces that I have spent years practicing. I have learned to let my facial muscles fall loose so that I have no expression. I have learned to relax my lips because even holding them pensively can be misinterpreted as anger. I learned early on that if I tried to force an expression, I would only end up looking silly as opposed to harmless.
These things I do because all eyes are on me. And those eyes are searching for evidence of things that more than likely do not exist.
Sometimes, I'm having a great day, feeling good, when someone asks me what is wrong.
And, it's not just other races.
Many times, we prejudge each other, falling right into the same stereotypes that the media and popular entertainment promulgates about Black people.
We are quick to avoid those "young thugs" with their pants falling off of their butts, even though they are probably college students who are nice to their grandmothers. After all, it is a "known fact" that "most" Black men are in prison or looking for their next victim.
We are quick to talk poorly about those "hoes" with their butt-cracks showing or their breasts pushed to the sky, even though they are wives, daughters and sisters who are more than likely simply following the fashion trends. But, it is a "known fact" that Black girls are "easier," and dress in a sexual manner to tease and invite.
Many of us look at the handful of us around and claim that "all" or "most" of us are doing something that we think we saw, but never asked to confirm. We decide what poor behavior is prevalent without conducting or reviewing one survey. And, we assume that whatever poor behavior we have assigned to our community is only "Black" behavior, because, after all, "that's what Niggers do."
Sometimes, my own sisters hesitate to return my greeting. I frequently remind myself to smile first and say "hello" after I know my facial expression is softer. I do this, because I realize that many of them, too, are wearing masks intentionally for protection, or unintentionally for the same reasons my facial expressions tend to lie.
And, sometimes, it's hard for us to talk to each other, because we come into the discussion with ideas of how the other person thinks--real or imagined. I unleash my views with strength and some Black women who have no idea what a man is supposed to be accuse me of hating them as a group, assigning their own thoughts and feelings or persecution to me, even though they are not remotely my own.
In an old song from the seventies, Earth Wind & Fire mused: "Ain't if funny how the way you feel shows on your face?" They claimed that: "No matter how you try to hide it, it'll state your case." But sometimes, that case can be misstated.
The most oppressed race on the planet is also the most revered and the most feared, which is why we are judged--prejudged and misjudged--assigned feelings, actions and thoughts based on preconceived notions held by the beholder, typically without any current action or words from us at the time.
I stand accused.
The jury is never out for long. I am judged, convicted and sentenced to whatever thoughts and feelings people imagine I possess, based on their own tortured minds, hearts and souls. These things they do without bothering to take even a cursory look into my own heart, mind or soul.
Every day, in many ways, we all wear the mask.
Darryl James is an award-winning author of the forthcoming powerful anthology “Notes From The Edge.” Discounted Autographed and Numbered Pre-Release copies can be ordered at www.darryljames.com. He released his first mini-movie, “Crack,” and this year, will release his first full-length documentary. View previous installments of this column at www.bridgecolumn.proboards36.com. Reach James at djames@theblackgendergap.com.
PEOPLE OF NOTE: Ejiro Okurame: The Young Face of Nollywood
By Deardra Shuler
*Nigeria has been producing films since the 1960s and has grown into a $250 million dollar movie making industry producing over 200 home videos per month. It has become the third largest entertainment industry outside of the United States and India. In just 13 years, Nollywood, which has taken its cue from Hollywood and Bollywood, has grown from obsurity into an industry employing thousands of performers. One such performer is the talented and charming Ejiro Okurame. Ejiro hails from the Delta State region of Nigeria which is under the local governance of Isoko South.
Although Okurame acquired her degrees in Sociology and Public Relations, her dream was always to go into entertainment. The buxom actress began her career as a body model which unlike America’s fashion industry, does not require women to be reed thin. It wasn’t long however before she followed her true passion and auditioned for the role of a good girl in a movie entitled “The Schemers.” She won the role and launched her career as a film star. Ejiro has never looked back. “I started acting in 2004. My first movie was “The Schemers” directed by Nollywood veteran Andy Chukwu. I played the sensible friend of the two central characters. Nigerian notables such as Rita Dominic, Bimbo Akintola, and Keppy Bassey also starred in the film,” stated the young ingénue.
Ejiro went on to perform in “Woman in Power,” directed by Adam Williams, co-starring Gloria Young, Mama Gee and Liz Benson. “I played a young girl attending school. I wanted to get married and settle down but I had problems in school with my lecturers who were trying to harass me sexually. It was a major role for me and one in which I felt I interpreted well,” claimed Ejiro who shortly afterwards found her fame had spread. She began working non-stop, performing in such well received films as the comedy hit, “Last Order.” Ejiro was hilarious as the nagging abusive woman married to a police officer whom she berated and physically abused. “This role was rather demanding, “explained the Nigerian star. “It was really tough having to physically beat my co-star. However, once I got into it, I began really beating him,” explained the burgeoning actress. “My director, Dickson Iroegbu, jokingly told me to make sure I didn’t take the abuse off the set and start beating my real life boyfriend at home,” chuckled the exotic film artist. This amusing project featured comedians Mr. Ibu, John Okafor and Victor Osuagwu.
Although she wasn’t in the Jackie Chan version of Rush Hour, Ejiro did appear in a Nigerian cultist film directed by Asam Okereke, entitled, “The Rush Hour,” alongside Nollywood stars Nonso Diobi, and Oge Okoye. She went on to appear in “Pride of A Woman” with Nigerian actors Clem Ohameze, Patience Ozorkwor (a.ka. Mama Gee) and Oge Okoye. In her next film, “Apostates of Hell” directed by Obi Callys Obinali, Okurame found herself acting in a supernatural movie with big named Nollywood stars such as Justice Esiri, Zack Orji and Charles Okafor. Another of her films, “Desperate Sisters,” directed by Adam Williams, featured Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Tony Umez. By the time Ms. Okurame appeared in “Temple of Justice,” directed by Adam Williams and starring Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Nonso Diobi and Chinyere Nwabueze, she had built up quite a loyal fan base. Her film “Dangerous Gambling,” directed by Willie Ajenge was shot on location in Ghana and starred Ghana film stars Van Vicker, Nadia Buhari and Stephanie Okereke. Ejiro lent her considerable talent to “Marriage Apart,” co-starring Muna Obiekwe, Ngozi Ezeonu, and Emeka Okoro and to the film “Final Point,” starring Desmond Elliot.
Since her film debut 4 ½ years ago, Ejiro has appeared in over 50 films. Ejiro’s schedule is so full she hardly has time to rest. Signed with Tuff Gig Entertainment, owned by Hardy Jimbes who is also the CEO of Save Africa Concerts Foundation (SAC AIDS) which is set to honor esteemed individuals who perform humane service within their communities, have a deep commitment toward insuring HIV/AIDS continual education, awareness and prevention both nationally and internationally, Ejiro traveled to New York to be a presenter at the event. Patti Labelle, Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, and Owelle Rochas Okorocha are slated to be among those honored on Saturday, September 6th at the Apollo Theatre. The event is hosted by Stephanie Okereke, Francis Duru, Ini Edo and Nenna (America’s Next Top Model) with a live performance by Mama Gee.
“Education and awareness has helped so much in changing the views of people in Nigeria concerning HIV/AIDS. At one time, we used to be so scared that if you were around or ate near a person with AIDS, you would contract it. Now, we understand that you cannot get it simply by being in the presence of someone with AIDS. We have accepted that AIDS is present and we must eradicate it. I believe the best way is abstinence and education,” remarked the Nollywood star.
With each movie, Ejiro continues to hone her craft and develop techniques to make herself better in order to fulfill her ambition of becoming a great actress one day. She would like to direct movies in future, thus is eager to learn all aspects of the entertainment business. Appreciative of her success and not one to think only of herself, Ejiro would like to give back to those who have supported her through the years and open opportunities to aspiring thespians. It is Ejiro’s hope to one day create a foundation which would allow her to invest in others. The foundation would give young actors the chance to learn acting, directing, editing, and script writing as well as all phases of the entertainment business.
Ejiro Okurame represents the face of young Nollywood. She plans one day to bring Nollywood to Hollywood where she can give Americans a taste of her considerable talent and movie star appeal. To learn more about Ejiro Okurame see www.Tufgig.com.
THE JOURNAL OF STEFFANIE RIVERS: Drastic Measures
*John McCain’s choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate makes as much sense as announcing your engagement to your parents at the same time they meet your fiancé’: It’s not the best way to start a marriage. Your fiancé doesn’t know your family and your family doesn’t know your fiance’. And we all know how in-laws can infect; I mean affect, a relationship.
Although the ultimate decision of choosing a running mate lies with McCain, one has to wonder if his choice is based on the next sixty days that precede the election or the next four years that follow the election. For a man who still won’t commit to an exit strategy for US troops in Iraq, I’d say the next sixty days are as far into the future as McCain’s imagination can stretch.
As with any relationship the best unions are built on trust, common goals and compatibility. McCain’s own people admit he and Palin met for the first time in February of this year at the National Governors’ Convention in Washington, DC. The next time (and second time ever) they spoke was one week ago last Sunday. Talk about hasty decisions. How much trust and compatibility could there be? That’s like meeting a person only twice before asking them to marry you – and with a prenuptial agreement that actually allows them to inherit all your political power.
They haven’t known each other long enough to build trust and their compatibility - unless you consider the simple fact that she’s a woman and he’s a man as enough for a happy union – remains to be seen.
As for their common political interests, both are against a woman’s right to choose an abortion. And the phrase “renewable energy source” is in neither of their vocabularies. Each is pro oil all the way.
For all the money, time and sweat equity Americans have put into foreign affairs, McCain’s number two pick has little political, let alone foreign affairs, experience.
Before she was elected Governor of Alaska in December 2006, Palin served as city council member and mayor of a city with a population of about 7,000.
It leaves no room for Republicans to criticize Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama for his lack of foreign policy experience.
This transparent attempt to scoop up supporters of Hillary Clinton still disgruntled over her loss of the Democratic presidential nomination and the vice presidential pick is pathetic. No wonder President George W. Bush is planning to skip this week’s Republican National Convention.
News reports say Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will be no-shows at the RNC due to Hurricane Gustav. The last time I checked you don’t have to travel through the Gulf of Mexico to go from Andrews Air Force Base to Minneapolis. But if that’s the story they’re sticking with.
McCain’s desperate move underestimates the intelligence of voters, especially that of women. As smart as Palin appears, she willingly stepped into the middle of a political melee and I hope her career can overcome the aftermath.
Steffanie Rivers is a free-lance journalist living in Dallas, Texas. For public speaking inquiries, comments or questions email her at teamtcbadvertising@hotmail.com.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory." — Mohandas Gandhi
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Sept. 2: Jazz pianist Horace Silver is 80. Singer Sam Gooden of The Impressions is 69. Singer Rosalind Ashford of Martha and the Vandellas is 65. Singer K-Ci of K-Ci and JoJo is 39. Actor Katt Williams ("Norbit") is 35.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Not just a bridal showcase, but www.BlackBridalGuide.com is a community where brides can chat with other brides about their pre and post-wedding experiences.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Sept. 2, 1966: Professional baseball player, Frank Robinson was named MVP of the American League. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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