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09-23-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
JANET JACKSON LEAVES ISLAND/DEF JAM: Move follows rumors of disappointment with "Discipline" promotion.
*A rep for Janet Jackson has confirmed that the singer has left Island Records after releasing just one album under a deal signed 14 months ago.
"At her request, the record label has agreed to dissolve their working relationship," her publicist, Patti Webster, said in a statement to EURweb.
"Now, more than 20 years after the release of her iconic album, 'Control,' Janet will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system," the statement continued. "Always known to break new ground and set trends, Janet’s departure from Island makes her one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom to promote their work through a variety of avenues such as iTunes, mobile carriers and other diverse and innovative channels."
Rumblings of Janet trouble at Island began surfacing shortly after the February release of her Island Def Jam album "Discipline." Jackson reportedly felt that had very little promotional support from the label.
Executive produced by Jackson and her boyfriend, Island Urban president Jermaine Dupri, "Discipline" debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 in March with 181,000 copies sold. But it has shifted only 415,000 copies in the United States so far, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and spent just 14 weeks on the chart.
In an interview with Billboard earlier this month, Jackson dropped major hints about yesterday's departure, stating, "I can't say if we'll be working with them in the future. I don't know what the future holds between the two of us."
The entertainer is currently in the midst of her "Rock Witchu Tour," which kicked off on Sept. 10 in Vancouver, BC and will make stops in major cities across the United States and Canada.
MARIAH CAREY MAKES ANOTHER FILM 'PUSH': Singer to star in second Lee Daniels film and develop musical based on her Xmas CD.
*Hot on the heels of her good reviews in director Lee Daniels' upcoming film "Tennessee," Mariah Carey has been cast in the filmmaker's next project as well, a drama entitled "Push."
Carey will play a Harlem social worker working with an overweight, HIV-positive woman impregnated twice by her father, according to the New York Daily News. The role follows her part as the battered wife of a state trooper in "Tennessee," which won raves at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The Grammy winner is also developing a movie musical based on her popular 1994 holiday album "Merry Christmas." According to the Daily News, the film is set in a town outside a city where a ruthless developer wants to turn it into one big mall.
"Mariah doesn't want to let that happen," says her producing partner Benny Medina. "Her character uses song and love to keep the Christmas spirit alive."
Mariah says the script, from "High School Musical" writer Peter Barsocchini, is still in the early stages. She tells the Daily News: "Since I recorded the Christmas album, I've always wanted to make a movie to go with it, something that people could watch and hear and enjoy every year. I'm into it. I'm all about the holiday season."
DMC, WOMACK, CHIC AMONG ROCK HALL NOMS: Little Anthony and the Imperials,War also in the running.
*Rap group Run-DMC, disco/R&B band Chic and musician/songwriter Bobby Womack are among the nine finalists vying for one of five spots in the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Doo-wop group Little Anthony and the Imperials and funk band War are also nominated for next year's class, as are heavy metal band Metallica, rock band The Stooges, guitarist Jeff Beck and singer Wanda Jackson.
Artists become eligible for the Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first single or album and are represented in an exhibition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.
More than 500 music industry professionals will choose five of the nominees for the 24th annual induction on April 4 in Cleveland. The inductees will be announced in January.
Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and the late Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell came together in the 80s to form Run DMC, whose hits include "It's Like That," "It's Tricky" and "Walk This Way.
"Run-DMC is credited with setting the "template for modern hip-hop, from their everyday-teenager style to their blazing live shows to a catalogue of classic songs that few rappers have matched," the Hall of Fame Foundation said in a statement.
Womack's 55-year career began with the Womack Brothers and included the penning of such hits as "Chain Of Fools," performed by Aretha Franklin; Wilson Picket's "I'm a Midnight Mover," and Janis Joplin's "Trust Me."
"Womack is a triple-threat: prolific solo artist, landmark session guitarist and master songwriter," the foundation said.
Nile Rodgers, Bernard Edwards and Tony Thompson of Chic "rescued disco in 1977 with a combination of groove, soul and studio smarts," the foundation said, adding that their hits, such as "Dance, Dance, Dance" and "Le Freak," "raised the bar and hooked a generation."
The 50s group Little Anthony and the Imperials realeased hits such as "Tears on My Pillow," "Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop," and "Hurt So Bad." War -- founded by Papa Dee Allen, Charles Miller, Harold Brown, B.B. Dickerson, Lonnie Jordan, and Howard Scott -- had a string of top 10 pop/R&B hits "that established War's status through the '70s, always with a social message grounded by their distinctively breezy Southern California vibe."
TYLER PERRY COURTS OUTSIDE FILMMAKERS: Mogul launches new production arm of Tyler Perry Studios to expand brand.
*Tyler Perry is seeking new talent with the launch of 34th Street Films, a production arm of his Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios that will focus on recruiting outside filmmakers to work under and expand the Perry brand.
The new operation will be headed by Matt Moore, former executive VP of production at Jinks/Cohen. Former State Street Pictures vp Poppy Hanks will join the company as vp production, and former New Line executive Amber Rasberry will serve as a creative executive. The trio will work from a Los Angeles office and report to Perry's headquarters in Atlanta.
In July, Perry signed a new three-year, first-look pact with Lionsgate Films, the studio that has released every Perry film, including his 2005 breakthrough debut feature, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman." The deal requires Perry to deliver at least three films over the life of the contract.
But the explicit nature of the arrangement is to encourage Perry to broaden his audience by guiding the work of other filmmakers who bring a wider range of storytelling and casting choices. Lionsgate will retain a first-look position with 34th Street films as well.
"He's looking to work with other producers," Lionsgate president of production Mike Paseornek told the Hollywood Reporter last month. "I have producers coming out of the woodwork saying to me, 'Do you think this would be right for Tyler?' That's going to be exciting to see, with different producers, different writers, different directors and different subject matter."
GWEN IFILL PREPARES FOR VP DEBATE: Veteran journalist says she aims to 'elicit answers instead of spin.'
*When controversial Alaska Governor Sarah Palin entered the race as Sen. John McCain's surprise running mate, the vice presidential debates scheduled for Oct. 2 instantly launched into the realm of must-see TV.
Gwen Ifill, moderator of PBS' "Washington Week" and senior correspondent on "The NewsHour," returns as moderator for the all-important showdown between Palin and Democratic VP nominee Joe Biden, which stands to become the most-watched vice presidential debate in American history.
"The biggest pressure you have as a journalist ever is to make sure you get an answer to your question," Ifill told the Associated Press. "That's what I'm focusing on — how to ask questions that elicit answers instead of spin, or in this case to elicit engagement between the two."
Ifill says she gets suggestions for questions from just about everyone - from viewers, to people at her gym, to random folks she meets on the street. People sometimes forget it's a debate, not an inquisition, Ifill said.
"People who watch these debates are incredibly engaged," she said. "I don't have to chase the candidates around the table to make them answer questions. The people will know whether a question has been answered or not."
Ifill, whose resume also includes The New York Times, The Washington Post and NBC News, moderated the 1984 vice presidential debate between George H.. W. Bush and Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman ever selected for a major party ticket. That face-off currently holds the record as the most-watched debate ever, drawing 56.7 million viewers.
MAVS OWNER DEALS WITH JOSH HOWARD FALLOUT: Mark Cuban posts fan e-mails; some with racist content.
*Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban posted a number of racially-insensitive fan e-mail responses to a recent video that showed player Josh Howard dismissing the national anthem at an event.
As previously reported, a clip posted on YouTube showed Howard walking around and talking as the anthem played before a charity flag football game. Howard approaches the camera and says: "'The Star-Spangled Banner' is going on right now. I don't even celebrate that s***. I'm black."
Cuban wrote on his blog that Howard realizes his behavior was wrong and has apologized. The owner said Howard "will work with us" and "beyond that, it's a private issue."
Going a step further, Cuban posted some of the racially-offensive letters directed toward Howard, and included the e-mail addresses of the senders, who, in turn, were targeted by fans for their racist remarks.
"I thought it was important to point out the hatred and ignorance of so many who quickly judge people they have never met, based purely on soundbites and headlines," Cuban wrote late Friday. "I wanted to point out the irony of them experiencing the onslaught of attention from suddenly and unexpectedly being placed in the media spotlight from a throwaway comment."
He took the e-mails down and posted a note that said the original posting was "the right thing to do," even though it left him with an upset stomach all day Friday. Cuban said he knew those e-mailers would be receiving "the same level of hate, ignorance and judgment as Josh had and that's what bothered me all day."
Cuban ended by saying: "Hopefully something good came from it being posted."
ANOTHER 50 CENT/KANYE WEST ALBUM SHOWDOWN?: Rappers to release new projects one week apart in Dec.
*After mocking Kanye West's new single "Love Lockdown" during a concert, 50 Cent has thrown down the gauntlet again and challenged West to another friendly sales competition between their respective new albums.
Interscope has confirmed that 50's "Before I Self Destruct" will arrive Dec. 9, while West's "808's and Heartbreak" is due Dec. 16 via Def Jam.
In a well-publicized album showdown last year on Sept. 11, West's "Graduation" easily outsold 50's "Curtis" during both sets' first official week on the street.
In addition to 50 Cent poking fun at West during a recent gig in Albany, N.Y., his G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo pretended to smash a camera, referring to West's recent arrest after a dustup with paparazzi at Los Angeles International Airport.
West responded Friday to the 50 Cent noise via his blog, writing: "While approving the final cut for the 'Love Lockdown' vid, I marvel at the fact that it was written less than 3 weeks ago. I'm very excited about the everything ... I guarantee this will be 50's favorite album of mine. This will be gangster's album of the year."
EARLY ASHANTI TUNES FILL NEW ALBUM: AJM Records tries to capitalize on 12 previously-unreleased recordings from 2001.
*Twelve unreleased Ashanti songs from seven years ago will see daylight next month thanks to AJM Records, the label that signed her before it inked a joint venture with her current label, Murder Inc.
"The Vault" due Oct. 14, contains songs penned by Ashanti in 2001, before AJM joined forces with Murder Inc/Def Jam in 2002.
Producers on the set include 15-year-old wunderkind Miguel "Migs" Baeza, Nocko (Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross), Steven White, Kenny Flav and AJM in-house beat-maker Kidd Kold (DMX, Foxy Brown).
Migs helmed first single "Let's Do Something Crazy," featuring Flo Rida, while Kidd Kold created second single "Imagine." Kold also produced seven other tracks on the album.
P. MILLER'S BBTV ADDS TEEN SHOW: Mogul's forthcoming cable network to feature program exploring coming-of-age issues.
*Master P's new cable TV venture, Better Black Television (BBTV), has announced the addition of a new program titled "Teens Real Talk" (TRT).
The show gives teens an opportunity to express their ideas and feelings in order to help and advise both parents and teens on coming-of-age issues, according to a press release.
"This show is the home base where teens can freely connect with their peers, share their stories without fear of judgment, and collaborate with their families and community leaders to discuss resources and organize for social justice," said network chairman P. Miller. "It's time for Barack Obama to be the first African American president and it's time to empower the next generation of our nation's teens to be more responsible."
The show provides universal access to inform and equip teens through communication and information offered by special guests, teachers, doctors, volunteers, coaches, religious leaders, and influential role models. TRT is committed to the free expression of all people.
"The difference between this show and other teen shows is we're taking this one on the road, to the schools, to the churches, to the communities, to the people to talk about real issues and find real solutions," said Miller. "Education is what changed my life and I want to give teens across the country a wake-up call before it's too late; not everybody gets a second chance and it's easier to catch up now than to catch up later.
"We will also visit incarcerated teens in juvenile halls who are seeking answers and solutions. We have teamed up with major corporations and sponsors that share our vision of change and positivity. Our goal with this show is to preserve our future leaders."
Also in production is the family-friendly original sitcom titled "Uncle Willy's Family," a show about a Vietnam veteran who comes to California from Louisiana in order to raise his brother's grandchildren.
FAIZON LOVE BOOKS NEW COMEDY FILM: Actor joins Jon Favreau-scripted comedy for Universal.
*Comedic actor Faizon Love has been cast opposite Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Jason Bateman in the Universal Pictures comedy "Couples Retreat," reports Variety.
The story follows four couples who go to a tropical island resort. While one couple is there to work on their marriage, the others are there to play but soon discover that participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional.
Favreau, who also penned the script, takes the acting job before preparing to direct Robert Downey Jr. in the "Iron Man" sequel next year. Vaughn will produce "Couples Retreat" with Scott Stuber in a co-production between his Wild West Picture Show Prods. and Stuber Prods.
Faizon Love, meanwhile, will next be seen in the films "G.E.D." and "Days of Wrath."
NAOMI CAMPBELL TO FRONT DOLCE & GABBANA?: British papers say supermodel to star in worldwide ad campaign.
*Word has it that Naomi Campbell is about to become the new face of Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana.
A source tells Britain's Daily Star, "They (Campbell and the designers) have had a relationship that spans decades and now the plan is for Naomi to be their official muse and ambassador.
"She'll be at the shows and will star in their worldwide advertising campaigns. An absolutely huge deal is on the table."
London tabloids have the deal worth a reported $1.85 million.
D&C were well represented on the runway of Campbell's charity fashion show last week in London.
ROLAND MARTIN JOINS TOM JOYNER MORNING SHOW: Journalist hired as syndie program's new 'senior news analyst.'
*As previously reported, CNN analyst and TV One commentator Roland Martin has officially joined the Tom Joyner Morning Show as its senior news analyst, with daily insight into major issues delivered daily at 6:20 a.m.. CST.
"I am excited to join The Tom Joyner Morning Show, which has been at the forefront of community advocacy in urban radio," said Martin in a statement. "As senior analyst, my goal is to bring clarity and a sense of purpose to the morning show's eight million listeners on the issues surrounding the current presidential election, but also provide a common sense perspective on the many other social and cultural issues of the day through interviews with top newsmakers, and occasionally commentary."
"This is a time when people need to be challenged where they are on the issues, regardless of ideology, class, race and gender, and I intend to be honest and 'real' in every way possible," explains Martin.
Martin's segments can be heard on a local Tom Joyner Morning Show affiliate or online at BlackAmericaWeb.com (http://www.blackamericaweb.com). Also, reports will be available on demand on the "If You Missed It" page.
NBA'S DARIUS MILES SUSPENDED FOR DRUGS: Celtics forward to ride the bench for 10 games next season.
*Boston Celtics forward Darius Miles was given a 10-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug rules during the end of the 2007-08 season, the league announced Friday.
The infraction had to do with the banned substance phentermine, an amphetamine most associated with appetite suppression. His suspension will begin with the first game of the regular season, according to Reuters.
Miles was selected straight from high school by the Los Angeles Clippers as the third pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. He played for two years with Los Angeles, two years with Cleveland and three years with Portland.
The 6-foot-9 (2.05 meter) forward, who has averaged 10.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in his career, has not played for two years due to a knee injury but was signed by the Celtics in August.
'GOSSIP GIRL' ADDS MORE COLOR: Wade Allain-Marcus joins CW's hottest drama.
*Actor Wade Allain-Marcus will have a recurring role in the CW soap "Gossip Girl," according to the Hollywood Reporter.
His character is described as a manipulative 19-year-old hipster photographer with ties to the New York fashion and art worlds.
Allain-Marcus' resume includes MTV's movie-musical "American Mall" and the forthcoming Antoine Fuqua-directed feature "Brooklyn's Finest," opposite Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Wesley Snipes and Ethan Hawke.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Barclay for Obama; Snoop Dogg blazes in Holland.
*The wedding of TV exec Paris Barclay and his longtime partner Christopher Mason last week in Los Angeles doubled as a fundraiser for the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama, as well as a benefit for Equality California, which fights an anti-same-sex initiative on the November ballot. In lieu of gifts, wedding guests made financial contributions, with several thousand dollars going toward the production of TV spots supporting Obama's campaign. "Whatever else they need, I'm there," Barclay said.
*Snoop Dogg reportedly blew weed smoke in the face of Holland's smoking ban. The rapper was reportedly in concert at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam when he lit up mid-performance. Holland banned smoking in July.
EUR DVD REVIEW: 88 Minutes
Whodunit on DVD Stars Pacino as Shrink on Run from Serial Killer
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*About ten years ago, Dr. Jack Gramm (Al Pacino) was the expert witness whose testimony helped send serial killer Jon Forster (Neal McDonough) to Death Row.
But as the notorious “Seattle Slayer” was being led out of the courtroom, he looked the FBI forensic psychiatrist straight in the eye and whispered, “Tick-tock, Doc,” in a veiled threat to exact revenge.
Fast forward to the present where we find Forster on Death Row and out of appeals.
This provides a measure of comfort to Gramm, now teaching med school, until on the eve of the execution he receives a chilling call on his cell phone repeating the familiar “Tick-tock, Doc” refrain. In addition, the electronically-altered voice informs the alarmed professor that he only has 88 minutes to live.
Thereupon, the sinister stalker immediately embarks on a frenetic crime spree, slicing and dicing folks close to Dr. Jack in order to implicate him in a series of copycat murders. The enterprising sicko proceeds to wreak havoc across the city, eluding the police while blowing up cars, setting fires and running over pedestrians with a motorcycle. Oh, and he also keeps Gramm on speed dial to be able to gloat periodically.
Patently preposterous at every turn, 88 Minutes features more cartoon physics than the average Bugs Bunny-Road Runner hour, and is about as credible. Al Pacino, under a world-class bouffant hairdo, still has the charisma to turn this turkey into a flick that’s almost watchable, if only for the laughs.
Regrettably, a splendid supporting cast topped by Leelee Sobieski is abandoned by a silly script laced illogical plot developments and more smelly red herrings than the Fulton Fish market. A comical crime thriller where you’re likely to find yourself more amused by the unintentionally funny goings-on than trying to solve the underlying whodunit.
Fair (1 star)
Rated R for profanity, disturbing violence and brief nudity.
Running time: 107 minutes
Studi Sony Pictures Home Entertainment DVD Extras: Director’s audio commentary, an alternate ending, Sony trailers and a couple of featurettes.
To see a trailer of 88 Minutes, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPtuR3T_8lI
EUR FILM REVIEW: Hounddog
Dakota Fanning as Elvis Savant in Unconvincing Loss of Innocence Adventure
Film Review by Kam Williams
*It’s rural Alabama in the late Fifties, and little Lewellen (Dakota Fanning) is feeling pangs of sexual awakenings. Unfortunately, the prepubescent adolescent is being raised by her Bible-thumping grandmother (Piper Laurie) whose repressive rules has the curious tomboy spending most of her free time out of the house.
One of her escapes is to her alcoholic father’s (David Morse) rundown shack located at the other end of the property. The problem is that her pappy is an abusive, mangy mutt of a man who has never amounted to anything. He mostly mopes around in bed all day, waiting for a visit from his victim-type girlfriend (Robin Wright Penn).
Early on we learn that something bad must have occurred between dad and daughter, because Lewellen informs her pal Buddy (Cody Hanford) of her plans not only to kill her father but to neuter him as well. Another hint that she might have been molested is that she pressures Buddy to expose himself to her for a kiss.
Lewellen’s only healthy outlet seems to be singing, since she’s in love with Elvis Presley (Ryan Pelton) and not at all shy about belting out any of The King’s greatest hits, like Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel or Can’t Help Falling in Love, even though that song won’t be released until the next decade. Anachronisms aside, the plot thickens when an offer of a free ticket to an Elvis ends in a violation. The tragedy easily eclipses Lewellen’s other personal setbacks, such as her father’s being struck by lightning and Buddy’s head being turned by the cute rich kid (Isabelle Fuhrman) who just moved into the mansion next-door for the summer.
Thanks to the compassion of a kindly black caretaker (Afemo Omilami) who moonlights in a loft band with Big Mama Thornton (Jill Scott), it isn’t long before Lewellen lands on the road to recovery. Too bad the picture simply isn’t very convincing in selling the idea that an easygoing philosopher’s waxing romantic about the meaning of life and music might be sufficient to heal the psychic scars of a child left traumatized by rape.
An ill-advised variation on Black Snake Moan touting loss of innocence as a source of inspiration.
Fair (1 star)
Rated R for sexuality, ethnic slurs and the rape of a young girl.
Running time: 98 minutes
Studi Empire Film Group
To see a trailer for Hounddog, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP0WhguDYTI_
THE BRIDGE: Top Ten Ass Kickings
By Darryl James
*In todays world, many people pretend to be polite and perhaps fancy themselves as nice, but are far from that to other people.
Others fancy themselves as sophisticated and enlightened, but are really morons with poor social skills.
However, the realities of the decline of socialization and civilization dictate that no matter how people view themselves, many human beings are just not very nice, not very smart and not very worthy of receiving niceties.
In fact, a great number of people need their natural asses kicked for being avoidably stupid or mean. Folks just dont want to put in the work.
Weve all seen even simple interactions go nuclear because some ignominious idiot decided to let go. We know that things would change if they were in fear of an ever-present butt whipping.
Lets be honestsociety has declined to a great degree due to a lack of consequences. Few people grew up with corporal punishment at home or anyplace else. And, even the legal system has sufficient holes for minor criminals to duck and dodge the long arm of the law.
So, in my estimation, things need to go back to the old school, where people watched what they said and did because they knew that at any given moment, a good, sure and swift kick in the pants could be coming their way.
In another Top Ten List, here are my Top Ten Ass Kickings that are sorely needed.
Top Ten Ass Kickings:
1 Black Republicans in support of McSame.
Nuff Said!
2 Whoever the hell created that infernal, racist Pasta Dude commercial.
I never liked Dominos wack ass pizza in the first place. Now I hate them and their insulting, pandering, stereotyped commercial. Id like to smack the creators of the commercial the way Pasta Dude caught his beatdown.
3 McCain staffers who wont address their candidates similarities to and support of George W. Retarded Bush.
Ive watched a number of news shows where McCain staffers outrageously avoided direct questions as though everyone was stupid. They need to catch beatdowns especially because they wont admit that McCain is the 2000 year-old son of Mephistopheles.
4 People who claim to love Hip Hop, yet listen to Lil Wayne.
Nuff Said.
5 House Niggas who supported Tropic Thunder, claiming that Robert Downeys blackface act was funny and not offensive.
How can anyone watch a minstrel show in 2008 and justify watching it or not be offended by its actual existence?
6 The US Government for tossing 700 billion at a thousand pound gorilla.
Foolish speculators made too many bad bets and got caught with their pants down when Lehman Brothers went bankrupt. Money Market Funds fell apart and all hell broke loose. The 700 billion, recommended by Bush-appointed Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson, is a quick fix that may not hold back the tide. And where the hell do the Republicans want to recoup that loot from? From the average American worker, of course--all the while promising to cut taxes for the rich and claiming that Senator Obama is wrong for wanting to cut taxes for the middle class. The rich who are heads of commerce and owners of politicians are the ones who have helped to screw the economy up, so let em help to pay the price while I get to whipping on those asses.
7 Lazy Ass Employees.
Why are too many of todays employeesespecially Federal employees--lying to customers so that they dont have to do their jobs? Recently, one fat, lazy waste of air at the Post Office told me that they no longer send out second notices for packages they try to deliver to your home. She also told me that they had already returned the package to the sender. When I got the second notice two weeks later and picked up the package, I wanted to put my foot where the sun doesnt shine
8 People who go door to door pushing their religion.
I swear I will commit a violent, bloody crime the next time those damned Jehovahs Witnesses come knocking.
9 People who forward those stupid internet hoaxes.
Bill Gates aint giving you any cash and the technology does not even exist that tracks all of your email forwards and the forwards of your forwards, stupid.
10 People who refer to their dogs as their children and want to take them everywhere.
Unless you share DNA with that mutt, its not your damned child and I have to right not to have it sniffing broccoli at the grocery store. I have the right to not have a foreign animal jump on me. And I especially want to protect my right not to have a butt sniffing, crap-on-the-ground licking, hairy bag of bacteria bumping my leg while I am dining at a caf with outdoor seating.
Now, there is my top list of people who need to catch beatdowns. Add to the list at your own discretion, but be careful because someone may add you.
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.
BETWEEN THE LINES: The Collapse Of The American Economy: Treating The Peoples Pneumonia Instead of Wall Streets Cold
Anthony Asadullah Samad
*By all nearly all accounts (except for the fervent Republican ideologues), the American economy is on the verge of collapse. Both Congress and Wall Street are moving very quickly to shift the burdens of greed and decadence from the insolvent banks to the backs of the taxpayers through a $700 million bailout. This expenditure is equivalent to what has been expended on the war the past five years, and on top of a record $10.6 trillion dollar deficit. The slight of hand that has been passed off as fiscal conservatism is now being evidence in the side game that deregulation produced. Lehman Brothers and AIG filed for bankruptcy protection, Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch and Washington Mutual put itself up for auction (at $2.00 a share) to avoid the collapse. Once dominos that big start toppling, its difficult to stop them. And everybodys trying to pretend that they dont know how we got there.
A little refresher, if you dont mind. In fact, it can be summed up in two words, DISCRIMINATION and GREED. The redlining of poor communities and communities of color, that exploited class even beyond race, created payday loans and sub-prime mortgages. The wealth and wage gaps got larger as the American Dream floated further out of reach. Too much people were being left out of the consumer equation as credit stiffened. People with good credit but high debt, or people with marginal (even bad) credit with low debt, even people with no credit with no income, were put into capital and credit squeezes that slowed economy. To make sure some of the money stayed in circulation, alternative lenders emerged and with starters rates that offered easy-in loans (and higher yields, producing higher profits) opened up the market. These deregulated lenders made so much money, the regulated lenders couldnt resist sticking their toes in the water with sub-prime products of their own. Their toe became their waist, and their waist became their neck. Before they knew it, they were underwater. Now the economy has a cold. I dont know who said it firstI first heard it from Malcolm X and last heard it from Congressman Charlie Rangelthat when white people catch a cold in a bad economy, black people catch pneumonia. Only this time, its not exclusive to just black people. Middle class whites and well to do professionals of all colors and creeds are feelingno watchingtheir financial health go into a tailspin. Its pretty ugly out there when white folk start moving like this. So, the first thing they do and bail themselves, the ones that created the problem, out. But what about the American people?
None of this $700 billion will help homeowners who have lost their home or are losing their home. None of this $700 billion will help the millions of homeowners whose sub-prime loans have yet to adjust. The bottom is still waiting to fall out of this homeowners market. It hasnt hit the bottom yet, and with money drying up, it will drop the market as fast as the 1929 crash. People are tired of the market abuses that go around every ten years or so, usually capital deprivation. However, in the midst of a watershed election, people appear to be smarter this time around. Several financial analysts, President Clinton and even Whoopi Goldberg (on the View this week) suggested that if Congress is going to bail out investor and market raiders, they should bail out homeowners with mortgage writedowns to help them keep (or regain) their homes. It will be the first government refund of its type since the Great Depression. Keep the market abreast will be best served by keeping homeowners in their homes. Give taxpayers back some of the money extracted from them. The bailout is a tax, pure and simple, because it will be passed down to the taxpayers and higher taxes to pay for the bailout will result. Its not the way to bring those suffering in this economy out from the cold hard realities of greed gone awry. They are not the cause of the markets collapse. But they are ones that will end up on the floor of this depressed economy.
In fact, they will most likely be the ones to catch economic pneumonia and lose everything they have while the big bonuses will still get paid out. Lets help Congress is smarter than that.
Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum (www.urbanissuesforum.com) and author of the new book, Saving The Race: Empowerment Through Wisdom. He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com
THE JOURNAL OF STEFFANIE RIVERS: There Will Be Blood
*Why did the group of chickens cross the road? To separate themselves from the chicken on the other side running around as if his head was cut off.
Republican Presidential nominee Sen. John McCain has repeatedly mistaken the prime minister of Spain for the President of Mexico. And just last week within a 24-hour period McCain went from declaring the U.S. economy strong to calling it a total crisis complete with Security and Exchange Commission Chairman Chris Cox as the fall guy who should be fired for allowing it to happen.
Thats all it took for editors of the Wall Street Journal one of the most business savvy groups of people in the journalism business to separate themselves from McCain and call him an idiot in euphemistic terms.
Thats more than I can say for some of the incompetent leaders of these defunct corporations. Now the Bush administration wants Congress to agree to pay the $700 billion bailout bill for AIG, Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Did I forget anybody? That tax refund check we got a few months back might as well be stamped return to sender.
This Bush administration is the same group which advocates less government and more independence except when it comes to their stock options and their wealthy friends.
In their own defense, federal lawmakers claim they are more likely to rescue corporations from bankruptcy when their demise would cause a domino effect of job losses and financial market depression. I say its a positive reinforcement of negative behavior.
The nations financial institution has proven itself to be no different than a street corner shell game run by people no more qualified to run a billion dollar corporation than you are I. Thats why its important to know how your employee retirement plan is invested. A number of these now bankrupt corporations are part of many 401K and IRA plans. Dont wait until your accounts lose money before you ask questions of your plan managers. Know how to conduct your own research and have the courage to make changes when necessary. You might think this economic crisis has nothing to do with your money. But remember, nobody should care about your money or your retirement more than you.
Steffanie Rivers is a free-lance journalist living in Dallas, Texas. For public speaking inquiries, comments or questions email her at teamtcbadvertising@hotmail.com.
PEOPLE OF NOTE: Spreadin Rhythm Around via the Luther Henderson Scholarship Fund
By Deardra Shuler
*There comes a time in the process of ones awakening one seeks to do loving service. And so it is with Billie Allen-Henderson who wishes to provide musical scholarships and mentoring to young music students in the name of her late husband, composer/arranger Luther Henderson. With the support of the Juilliard School (Luthers alma mater), and Ari Guzelimian, the Dean of Juilliard, Governor David Paterson and his wife Michelle Paige Paterson, dancer Savion Glover, director George C. Wolfe, Leslie Uggams, Phylicia Rashad, David Dinkins, Charles Rangel, the Canadian Brass, Nancy Wilson and a host of friends and supporters, Billies fundraising initiative is to be launched on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 6:30 p.m., via a benefit concert gala entitled Spreadin Rhythm Around: A Celebration of The Life and Music of Luther Henderson. The gala concert in honor of Mr. Henderson and the Luther Henderson Scholarship Fund, will take place at The Juilliard Schools Peter Jay Sharp Theater, located at 155 W. 65th Street, NYC.
Well known for his rhythmic syncopation of Broadway, mastery in orchestration, arranging and musical directorship, the twice Tony Award nominated Henderson worked on over 50 musicals, including serving as music director for Aint Misbehavin whereby he adapted the music of Thomas Fats Waller. Henderson received Tony nominations for Best Musical Score in Jellys Last Jam and Best Orchestration for the show Play On. He composed the orchestrations for dance numbers in Broadways Flower Drum Song, and arranged over 100 songs during his lengthy association with The Canadian Brass. Luther Henderson also scored the orchestral works of Duke Ellington and taught jazz courses at Juilliard. He won the Jazz Masters Award and the Pioneer Award with wife, Billie Allen-Henderson.
Working with this fundraising project has been exciting. It is a venture that I have consumed with passion. And now finally, its happening, stated Billie Henderson enthusiastically. We expect a full house and a wonderful show. I am envisioning this as a launch with our first scholar being announced. We are not just giving these students money to go to school. We are going to mentor the student(s) into a profession, introduce them to important orchestras and allow them to meet the powers behind Broadway shows, continued the talented dancer, actress, and director.
Ms. Henderson discussed the participation of both Linda Twine (Color Purple) as music director and award winning director/producer, George C. Wolfe, whose film Nights in Rodanthe, which stars Richard Gere and Diane Lane, will be released later this month. The gala benefit show is being directed by George, explained Billie. You may recognize his work: Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk; Jellys Last Jam; Lackawanna Blues; Top Dog/Underdog; The Colored Museum and many other works in film and on Broadway. George is graciously co-hosting an invitation only salon with me at his home on Sunday, October 5th, where guests will have food, music, conversation and of course the opportunity to support the fundraiser, said the Broadway pioneer who has worked with the likes of Elia Kazan, Ethel Waters, Lee Strasberg, Godfrey Cambridge, Ruby Dee, Samuel L. Jackson, Lou Gossett, Lincoln Kilpatrick and Phil Silvers, etc.
The Luther Henderson Scholarship Fund was something both Billie and Luther discussed before his passing. Luther didnt have the benefit of a scholarship when he attended Juilliard. He wanted to do this but died before it came to fruition, said Billie whose sense of humor gave her the fortitude needed to forge ahead with the project, assured it would one day manifest.
"I use humor with the most serious events in my life," commented Billie. "I find humor in things. I remember when Luther was passing. He was in the hospital and told me he was really tired. He said, "I am really tired now. I want to go but I dont know how to die." I thought to myself, here is the moment. I had read all the books and now all of a sudden I am faced with this. I replied: Ask God. Hell help you. Just relax. Luther repeated he was tired and again I replied. You have done everything you came here to do. When you have completed your journey then you leave this place and go onto the next journey." I assured him that the kids and I were alright. I said, Youve just finished your big project. So why not go. Dont be tired. Rest! Let go and embrace it. I felt him balancing on the threshold of death. He would almost go but then he'd come back. He voiced his tiredness again. I felt his frustration so I said. "You knowlet me tell you somethingyou never did know how to leave a party. The hostess is standing up there with her nightgown over her arm. Everyone has gone home. The caterer is gone and the host has already gone to bed and you are still standing there saying good-bye. I get in the elevator and go down to the lobby where I wait for you and yet you're still upstairs saying goodbye," continued the bemused actress. "I told Luther: 'Listen, when the party is over, you leave.' Luther roared with laughter. All the bells went off because he was hooked up to the monitors. The nurse came and asked what was going on but neither one of us could stop laughing. Luther tried to answer the nurse but couldn't because he was laughing so hard. All he could do is point at me as we shared that great laugh together," said Ms. Henderson, imparting to me the most poignant moment a husband and wife could share as their time together neared its end. "Luther left shortly after that," remembered Billie who now seeks to keep Luther's memory alive through the Luther Henderson Scholarship Fund.
Interested parties seeking to support the Luther Henderson Scholarship Fund can obtain info and purchase tickets at (212) 2478705 or e-mail info@thelutherhendersonschlarshipfund.com.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun." — Napoleon Hill
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Sept. 23: Rapper Layzie Bone is 33. Jermaine Dupri is 36. Actress LisaRaye is 42. Actor Chi McBride is 47. Twin singers Walter and Wallace “Scotty” Scott (The Whispers) are 65.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Soulful Detroit is just that ... a site dedicated to old school Detroit soul artists, labels and more. Check it out at www.SoulfulDetroit.com.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Sept. 23, 1961: President Kennedy named Thurgood Marshall to U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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