Click Here
JANET SAID TO BE SUFFERING FROM VERTIGO: Tour to resume Saturday after three postponed dates.
*Janet Jackson's brother Randy Jackson tells www.MichaelJacksonInsider.com that his little sis was hospitalized this week due to vertigo, a disturbance of equilibrium that causes dizziness or the sensation of falling.
"Janet is doing okay, she suffers from vertigo," Randy was quoted as saying.
Her camp, however, has yet to release an official cause for her hospitalization Monday night just hours before a show in Montreal. Reps for the singer did say she will resume her Rock Witchu tour on Saturday in Greensboro, North Carolina after having to postpone three dates.
Jackson's Monday show at Montreal's Bell Centre was postponed when she "got suddenly ill during her sound check," read a statement from her camp. She was rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital and released two hours later.
Her subsequent stops in Boston on Wednesday and Philadelphia tonight, have also been postponed.
Last week, Jackson called off a concert in Detroit due to "production restraints," local media said.
JAY-Z TO PERFORM IN SUPPORT OF OBAMA: Free shows in Detroit and Miami to encourage voter registration.
*Avid Barack Obama supporter Jay-Z has scheduled two free shows this weekend in an effort to encourage voter registration before Monday's deadline in Michigan and Florida.
The first show takes place on Saturday at the Cobo Arena in Detroit, according to Detroit's WWJ TV. Anyone who's at least 18-years-old can pick up one free ticket at Obama campaign offices throughout southeast Michigan to attend the Detroit show and an accompanying rally.
The rapper will travel to Miami on Sunday for a free show at Bayfront Park, reports the Miami Herald. Florida is likely to be a crucial state for both Obama and Republican Senator John McCain. The Obama campaign estimated that it has registered 135,000 voters in the state to date.
GWEN IFILL'S IMPARTIALITY QUESTIONED: Moderator of tonight's VP debate is writing a book that includes material about Obama.
*The conservative blogosphere is railing over the selection of journalist Gwen Ifill as the moderator of tonight's vice presidential debate because she is writing a book that includes material on Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.
Ifill said Wednesday that she hasn't even written her chapter on Obama for the book "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama," which is to be published by Doubleday on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2009.
"I've got a pretty long track record covering politics and news, so I'm not particularly worried that one-day blog chatter is going to destroy my reputation," Ifill said yesterday, according to the Associated Press.
"The proof is in the pudding. They can watch the debate tomorrow night and make their own decisions about whether or not I've done my job."
Columnist Michelle Malkin commented on Ifill's book in relation to the Joe Biden-Sarah Palin debate, saying, "She's so far in the tank for the Democratic presidential candidate, her oxygen delivery line is running out."
John McCain, however, praised Ifill in an interview with FOX News, stating, "I think Gwen Ifill is a professional and I think she will do a completely objective job because she is a highly respected professional."
According to Doubleday's posting on Amazon.com, Ifill's book "surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama's stunning presidential campaign and introducing the emerging young African American politicians forging a bold new path to political power."
Ifill said Obama's story will be a small part of the book, which discusses how politics in the black community have changed since the civil rights era. Among those subjects is Colin Powell, secretary of state in the Bush administration.
Furthermore, the host of PBS' "Washington Week" and senior correspondent on "The NewsHour" wonders why people assume that her book will be favorable toward Obama.
"Do you think they made the same assumptions about Lou Cannon (who is
white) when he wrote his book about Reagan?" said Ifill, who is black. Asked if there were racial motives at play, she said, "I don't know what it is. I find it curious."
NEW POLLS HAVE OBAMA UP IN 3 SWING STATES: Democrat flips the script in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania per Quinnipiac survey.
*Support for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has reached or surpassed 50 percent for the first time in three critical battleground states according to Quinnipiac University surveys taken over the weekend.
The Illinois senator is now leading Republican nominee John McCain in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania – which together offers 68 of the 270 electoral votes needed for victory on Election Day Nov. 4.
The new surveys show Obama leading McCain in Florida 51 percent to 43 percent, in Ohio 50 percent to 42 percent and in Pennsylvania 54 percent to 39 percent. Since 1960, no president has been elected without winning two of those three states.
Pollsters attributed Obama's bounce to the public's general approval of his debate performance, antipathy toward GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and heightened confidence in the Illinois senator's ability to handle the current economic crisis.
NE-YO WANTS HIS LIFE STORY ON FILM: Singer is plotting a motion picture "as we speak."
*R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, who last month released his new album "Year of the Gentleman," says he's currently working on a film that is based on his life story.
He compares the project to Eminem's 2002 biopic "8 Mile," which was "inspired" by the Detroit rapper's early path toward stardom.
"We are putting together the (film) right now as we speak, as a matter of fact," the artist tells Rap-up.com. "The name of the movie is 'Venice Beach' and basically it's going to be my '8 Mile,' loosely based on (my) life, but not really."
Like Eminem, Ne-Yo plans to star in his film, which carries the title "Venice Beach." His acting resume includes an appearance in 2007's "Stomp the Yard."
USHER ANNOUNCES 'HERE I STAND' TOUR DATES: North American trek kicks off Nov. 2 in Atlantic City.
*Usher will launch a 15-date club/theater tour in support of his latest album, "Here I Stand," beginning Nov. 2 in Atlantic City, NJ and wrapping at the end of the month in Dallas, reports Live Daily.
Stops along the way include a Nov. 8 show in Toronto and a two-night stand in Los Angeles.
"Here I Stand" was released in May and became Usher's second consecutive No. 1 album in the US, selling 433,000 copies during its first week in stores. So far, the set has charted a half-dozen singles, including "Love in This Club," "Moving Mountains" and "Trading Places."
Below is Usher's "Here I Stand" tour schedule:
November 2008
2 - Atlantic City, NJ - The Borgata Event Center
3 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom
4 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
5 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
7 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand at Foxwoods
8 - Toronto, Ontario - Kool Haus
10 - Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
12 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre
13 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
18 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theater 19, 20 - Los Angeles, CA - Club Nokia L.A. Live
21 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl
24 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
25 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
OBAMA SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO VIBE READERS: Presidential candidate writes a letter to be published in November issue.
*Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is using Vibe magazine's upcoming issue to speak directly to apathetic and unregistered voters.
The candidate is given an entire page in the urban music monthly's November issue to make his plea.
"We are at a defining moment in our history. I am running for president to take this country in a new direction. But I can't do it alone. I need you," the letter reads. "Whether it's the first time, or the first time in a long time, I need you to register and vote on November 4."
Obama is featured on the cover of the magazine for the second time. His first appearance was for the September 2007 issue. He also gets the endorsement of the magazine, the first presidential endorsement ever made by Vibe.
KANYE'S HBO PROJECT IN LIMBO?: Director Larry Charles says pilot has been shot, but may be too 'hardcore' for the cable channel.
*Filmmaker Larry Charles tells ComingSoon.com that he's already shot a pilot for the currently-untitled Kanye West project on HBO, but the jury is still out as to whether or not it will ever air.
Describing the pilot as similar to HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" with West as a "black Larry David," Charles said, "It's kind of improvised about the situations and stuff.
"It was really good, but again I think it was too hardcore for HBO...People gave it a very good response and it seems to be on the shelf right now. The management has shifted at HBO so we're waiting to see."
Charles' recent directorial credits include "Borat" and the new Bill Maher documentary "Religulous."
BEYONCE'S NEW ALBUM RACES TO THE FINISH: Reported problems may affect November release date.
*The New York Daily News is reporting of "problems" with Beyonce's new album, which was due at her label Wednesday morning to make its scheduled Nov. 18 release, but was reportedly running late.
"It's not going to be completed," a source close to the album has been saying. "She's got to get it out early in the fourth quarter, when there's so much competition among artists."
The set's first singles, "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies," are still scheduled to drop on Tuesday.
According to columnists Rush & Malloy, the potential album delay may be due to a duet with Justin Timberlake that reportedly took longer than expected to record. "The source says the two didn't like the way it was turning out and kept doing it over until they got it right."
The source also said Beyonce "clashes with Max Gousse, her father's guy who's involved."
Beyoncé's dad, Matthew Knowles, asked the columnists, rhetorically, "How would he not be involved? He's the vice president of my company, and she's recording with my company."
Also, it was Gousse who convinced Beyonce to record Ne-Yo's "Irreplaceable" – which became her biggest hit to date.
Beyonce's husband has also been offering suggestions – particularly when it comes to production. The source said: "Jay-Z encouraged Beyoncé to bring in Jay Brown and Ty Ty [Tyran Smith]" - both of whom have worked with singer Rihanna."
The chief of Sony BMG Music, Rob Stringer, tells Rush & Malloy: "She has an enormous number of very talented people doing whatever they can to make it the best record possible.
"Normally I would lie low, but we think the first two singles will be utterly huge. They're two of the best songs of her career. Beyoncé is incredibly hardworking, and [the album] is 97%-98% done. It'll be out before Nov. 20. Frankly, we think the whole record is going to be huge."
200 FORMER U.S. DIPLOMATS BACK OBAMA: Albright, Clarke, others site his willingness to talk directly to adversaries without preconditions.
*Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama received the official endorsement of more than 200 former U.S. diplomats in the form of a joint statement signed before his Friday debate with Republican nominee John McCain.
"We are supporting Senator Barack Obama because of his judgment, experience, and ability to inspire people to come together around a common purpose," the letter said. "Senator Obama's talents offer an historic opportunity; for the sake of America's security and standing in the world, we must seize it."
The letter was signed by officials from both major political parties, including former secretaries of state Madeleine Albright and Warren Christopher, former National Security Adviser Richard Clarke and former U.S.
Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk.
"As former diplomats, we believe it is past time that we had a President with the judgment and confidence -- in himself, our diplomatic corps, and our values -- to talk directly to America's adversaries with due preparation but without preconditions," the letter said.
BEENIE MAN CLEARED OF TAX-EVASION: Judge says dancehall artist was never informed of his legal rights.
*Grammy-winning dancehall star Beenie Man has been cleared of tax-evasion charges in Jamaica after a judge ruled that the government never informed him of his legal rights.
The artist owed nearly $1 million in overdue taxes, according to Jamaican authorities.
But Judge Owen Parkin dismissed the case Tuesday, ruling evidence showed the entertainer was not informed of his rights when auditors issued their assessment last year.
Beenie Man, whole real name is Anthony Moses Davis, won a Grammy in 2001 for his album "Art and Life."
OPRAH'S MOTHER COUNTERSUES BOUTIQUE: Vernita Lee says store should've already known her credit was bad.
*The mother of talk show host Oprah Winfrey says she shouldn't have to pay her $156,000 debt at a high-end boutique because she shouldn't have been extended credit there in the first place.
Valentina Inc. sued Vernita Lee of Milwaukee for skipping out on $155,547 in purchases and interest owed as of July 1. The lawsuit claims she fell behind in minimum monthly payments of $2,000.
Lee countersued on Friday, contending that Valentina took advantage of her "lack of knowledge, ability, and-or capacity" when creating her credit account, according to the Associated Press.
Court papers also note that Lee resolved a 2002 case with Valentina over a $175,000 bill, and the resolution prohibited Valentina from extending further credit to her.
BIG BOI TO FRONT ENERGY DRINK CAMPAIGN: Rapper tapped by Coca-Cola to plug relaunch of Full Throttle Fury.
*Outkast rapper Big Boi is the new face of Coca-Cola's Full Throttle Fury Energy Drink.
The rapper, whose real name is Antwan André Patton, was announced Tuesday as the spokesperson of the new ad campaign designed to target the African-American demographic.
According to the energy drink's senior brand manager Rafael Acevedo, it was Big Boi's "drive to excel" which made him perfect for the brand relaunch, reports AllHipHop.com.
"He truly embodies the Full Throttle mindset of 'Go Full Throttle or Go Home'," says Acevedo. "Full Throttle Fury will play a vital role in Big Boi's upcoming album release activities and concert tour - including product integration, customized point of sale displays, and sponsorship opportunities."
In a statement, Big Boi adds" "My new album Sir Luscious Left Foot embodies the energy of Full Throttle Fury, where I feel like the body of work I've created on this CD will hopefully motivate my fans even more with its high energy and conscious lyrics as I've always created in my music."
Big Boi's album, "Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty," will be released on Oct. 28.
FOUR ORE. STUDENTS CONFESS TO OBAMA EFFIGY: University holds all-campus meeting to break the news.
*Officials at a Christian university in Oregon announced Tuesday that four students have confessed to hanging a likeness of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama from a tree on campus.
A statement from George Fox University said the penalties against the four students were "immediate long-term suspension and public service." The school cited federal privacy rules in not disclosing more about the students or their punishment.
"To the best of our knowledge these are the only people involved. We're not pursuing it any further," said university spokesman Rob Felton, adding that the four were discovered after the university led its own investigation.
Students and staff were informed of the development Tuesday afternoon at an all-campus meeting attended by about 1,000 people, according to the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, the FBI continues to investigate whether any civil rights were violated.
The commercially produced cardboard cutout of Obama was found hanging from a tree last week with fishing line around the neck. A message taped to the cutout read, "Act Six reject." That refers to a scholarship and leadership program for minority and low-income student leaders at Christian colleges primarily located in the Northwest.
RUSSELL SIMMONS LAUNCHES ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK: Event invites young people to compete in various entertainment genres.
*Russell Simmons will launch an entrepreneurship competition in the fields of fashion, film and music that will be the signature U.S. component of Global Entrepreneurship Week/USA (November 17-23).
The mogul/philanthropist is teaming with Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, to kick off the initiative today at the New York Stock Exchange (Room 621, 11 Wall Street).
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a worldwide initiative that will link millions of young people in more than 75 countries through a growing movement to inspire new ideas and engage the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Today's launch announcement also will be Webcast at www.unleashingideas.org.
NAOMI BLAMES 9/11 FOR HEATHROW INCIDENT: Model says after terrorist attacks, 'you can't say anything anymore on a plane.'
*Naomi Campbell is blaming the heightened sensitivity at airports in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks for creating the tense situation that led to her arrest on a British Airways plane this past spring.
She was sentenced to community service in London after admitting to spitting at a police officer during a flight over her luggage, but she claims to have been provoked after being called a racial slur.
She tells the Evening Standard" "I think after 9/11 you can't say anything anymore on a plane. I've flown British Airways for years, since I was a child. The stewardesses will tell you that I would get on a plane, put on the blanket and go to sleep.
"I'll never fly that airline again, but nothing's really lost. I did get my luggage. I was reunited with my (Yves Saint Laurent), and everything was cool."
LL COOL J LAUNCHES READING INITIATIVE: Rapper attempts record for world's largest 'shared reading experience.'
*LL Cool J is scheduled to take part in the world’s largest "shared reading experience" during Jumpstart’s Read For The Record Campaign today in New York City.
The rapper will visit NBC’s "Today" show with host Matt Lauer this morning and read the children’s classic "Corduroy" by Don Freeman. The next stop is the Bank Street Head Start Center, where he'll read "Corduroy" to a small group of Jumpstart pre-kindergarten students.
Both stops will be part of an attempt to set the record for the world’s largest shared reading event.
Folks can register to read or donate books for children to read in
low income areas by visiting www.Readfortherecord.org.
SEAL COVERS SOUL CLASSICS ON NEW CD: Sixth studio album includes remakes of Sam Cooke and Al Green songs.
*Grammy-winning vocalist and songwriter Seal reinterprets 11 classic R&B songs for his sixth studio album, "Soul," due Nov. 11 on Warner Bros.
Records.
The David Foster-produced collection features remakes of such hits as Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," James Brown's "It's A Man's Man's Man's World," Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and Al Green's "Here I Am (Come And Take Me)."
"Someone once said ‘...the album will sound like the time you had making it'.... Never before has it been as true as in the process of recording this record," Seal said. "Although David and I had been acquaintances before, we'd never quite managed to work together. Upon doing so, I was quick to realize that I was in the presence of true greatness.
"I've worked with a lot of producers before, but never have I come across anyone as naturally gifted and knowledgeable as David. If you are fortunate enough to have that combination, then you find that the album-making process tends to go very swiftly, making this the smoothest and most enjoyable album I have ever made. And if you are exceptionally fortunate, you find yourself also having made a great friend. I cannot thank him enough."
The track listing for "Soul" is as follows.
1. A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
2. I Can't Stand The Rain - Ann Pebbles 3. It's A Man's Man's Man's World - James Brown 4. Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd 5. I've Been Loving You Too Long - Otis Redding 6. Here I Am (Come And Take Me) - Al Green 7. If You Don't Know Me By Now - Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes 8. It's Alright - The Impressions 9. I'm Still In Love With You - Al Green 10. Free - Deniece Williams 11. People Get Ready - The Impressions
SPORTS BITS: Venus advances; Travis Henry arrested; Randy Moss' tampering drama; Jayson Williams' defense team; Anquan Boldin's injury.
*Venus Williams, 28, reached the second round at the WTA event in Stuttgart Tuesday after beating German Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-1, 6-2. The eighth-ranked player raised eyebrows when she limped into the post-match press conference with her left knee strapped and ice on her right elbow. She insisted that it was just part of her post-game recovery. "It's normal to ice right after the game, I am just being a good girl and making sure my recovery is okay," she said. Her next opponent will be Kateryna Bondarenko after the Ukrainian's 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win over Italian Flavia Pennetta earlier in the day.
*Former Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry was arrested after he and another man, James Mack, met to buy cocaine from a person who was cooperating with authorities. Mack and Henry were being held on suspicion of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The pair was named as drug suppliers by a suspect in Montana who had six pounds of marijuana and about three kilograms of cocaine in a car that cops pulled over on Sept. 16. The man, a passenger in the car, said he was supposed to be paid $5,000 for delivering the drugs to customers in Billings and transporting about $63,600 in sales proceeds back to Henry, according to the affidavit. The passenger and another customer in Billings already owed Henry about $40,000 in drug proceeds. The passenger told authorities Henry had threatened him and his family over the debt. The passenger agreed to cooperate with authorities and set up a drug deal Tuesday with Henry that led to the arrests of Mack and Henry, the affidavit said.
*New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick declined to comment on a tampering accusation leveled against his team by Raiders owner Al Davis. Davis said Tuesday that the Patriots tampered with wide receiver Randy Moss before they obtained him from Oakland in a trade during last year's NFL draft. Belichick was asked Wednesday about Davis' statement and said that the Patriots are concentrating on Sunday's game against the 49ers in San Francisco. New England wide receiver Randy Moss also declined comment Wednesday.
*Jayson Williams' defense team will get access to additional details about a racial slur uttered by an investigator in the manslaughter case against the former NBA star. According to the Associated Press, two of three state appellate judges on Tuesday sided with defense attorneys who sought documents related to the slur. The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office says the racist remark was made in 2002 by a senior officer who did not testify at Williams' first trial and has since retired. The former athlete was acquitted of aggravated manslaughter in 2004 but convicted on four counts of trying to cover up the 2002 shooting of a hired driver. The jury deadlocked on a reckless manslaughter count.
*Arizona Cardinals player Anquan Boldin has a fractured sinus membrane as a result of what he acknowledges was the worst hit he's received in a football game. The wide receiver doesn't know how long he will be sidelined, but when he returns, he says, there will be no change in his trademark tough, aggressive style, reports the Associated Press.
ITTY BITTY BITS: McCain's herb; Osorio's sexcapades; Halle in voting PSA.
*The New York Daily News is quoting a source that claims Sen. John McCain's campaign obtained an herbal supplement designed to boost memory and keep energy levels up before the candidate's presidential debate Friday with Sen. Barack Obama. Four-time Super Bowl champ Bill Romanowski, whose company Nutrition53 produces the capsule Neuro1, said: "I won't confirm or deny that Sen. McCain is using our product, but it's phenomenal for any person with stress and an overwhelming travel schedule."
*Former editor-in-chief of Source magazine, Kim Osorio, claims to have crossed the line of professionalism in her new book "Straight from the Source," admitting that she slept with a number of hip hop stars, according to the Daily News. She said her stint with Nas soured when "it was no longer acceptable to communicate via text messages." She also says she got down with 50 Cent - despite calling him a "greasy convict" in the book. "He gave me the attention I needed," the former editor writes. "Put your imagination to use."
*Halle Berry and Eva Longoria Parker are among a group of celebrities starring in a new PSA encouraging people to vote in the presidential election on Nov. 4. "Don't vote unless you care about health care," Berry says solemnly. And Longoria Parker ticks off a list of reasons why this election is important. "Women's rights. Civil rights. The war," she says. And Jennifer Aniston sums it up: "This is really only about your future." View clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhDRVKDcXQo
EUR DVD REVIEW: Sex and the City
Screen Adaptation of HBO Series Arrives on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*This bloated blabfest features a few of the most shallow, middle-aged females imaginable, immature material girls commenting about men, money, baubles and designer clothes in a flip and superficial manner.
When not celebrating conspicuous consumption and the acquisition of status symbols, the film resorts to the sort of comic relief one would ordinarily associate with a typical raunchy teensploit: fart sound effects, poop and pubic hair jokes, a running-gag about a pet in heat, and the current romantic comedy rage, the gratuitous unveiling of male genitalia.
While this film version of the HBO series failed to measure up to my expectations, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the TV show’s devoted fans are likely to be as disappointed. Afterall, the picture is essentially an extended episode which embroils each of the original cast members in a personal emotional drama.
The primary plotline finds narrator Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and John James Preston, aka Mr. Big (Chris Noth) finally agreeing to marry after having dated off and on for ten years. She then calls gal pal Samantha (Kim Catrall) to share her “big decision,” when the lamebrained bimbo guesses, “You finally got Botox.”
We subsequently learn that sexaholic Samantha, the most promiscuous of the clique, has settled down in L.A. with her neglectful boy-toy, Smith (Jason Lewis), a waiter-turned-Hollywood actor. Her crisis arrives when she finds herself attracted to Dante (Gilles Marini), a tall, dark and handsome hunk next-door with an equally-overactive libido.
It feels like forever by the time this 2½ hour soap opera ties all its assorted loose ends together, especially given that the dialogue is laced with annoying lines like, “It was the best money I ever spent” about buying a Louis Vuitton clutch. An estrogen-fueled salute to the virtues of excess, if that’s your Gucci bag.
Fair (1 star)
Rated R for profanity, sexuality and graphic nudity.
Running time: 185 minutes
Studi Warner Home Video
2-Disc DVD Extras: A digital version of the film, an extended version of the film, extended commentary, conversations with Sarah Jessica Parker and Michael Patrick King, deleted scenes, Fergie interview and a fashion featurette.
To see a trailer of Sex and the City, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cOywZBprZo
EUR DVD REVIEW: Run, Fatboy, Run
Romantic Comedy Pairing Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton Released on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*On what was supposed to have been their wedding day, Dennis (Simon Pegg) bolted from the church at the last minute, leaving his pregnant fiancée, Libby (Thandie Newton), standing at the altar. The reluctant groom developed cold feet because he didn’t think he deserved a girl that gorgeous, given that he’s an overweight, chain-smoking slacker.
But now, five years later, he wants a second chance because he’s still in love with her. However, getting her back will be easier said than done, since she’s now involved with Whit (Hank Azaria), a filthy rich American who wants to marry her and whisk her away from London to Chicago. This means Dennis won’t get to see much of their four year-old son, Jake (Matthew Fenton), and there are already signs that the boy has begun to bond with his mom’s fiancée.
So, in his mind, Dennis feels that he has to prove himself Whit’s equal both to win Libby’s heart and the admiration of his child. Trouble is, he can’t begin compete in terms of money or career, since he works for minimum wage at a clothing store.
Then, when he learns that Whit will be running in the upcoming London Marathon, Dennis impulsively announces that he’ll be entering the race as well. Woefully out of shape, he knows he’ll have to adopt a rigorous training regimen just to finish, let alone prevail.
Will Dennis beat Whit in the Nike River Run along the Thames River? And if so, will that feat be enough to impress Libby and little Jake? Those are the questions posed by Run, Fatboy, Run, a hard to pigeonhole romantic comedy which relies mostly on slapstick and sight gags to generate laughs. Dividing its attention equally between the love triangle and overcoming-the-odds theme, Run, Fatboy, Run is well enough crafted to keep you in stitches while on the edge of your seat for the duration, even if this laff-a-minute escape is more mindless than cerebral.
Excellent (3.5 stars)
Rated PG-13 for crude humor, profanity, sexuality, nudity and smoking.
Running time: 100 minutes
Studi Warner Home Video
DVD Extras: Deleted scenes, Thandie’s goof, and a commentary by the cast and director.
To see a trailer for Run, Fatboy, Run, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM7dc2Sb_sE
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: Liberal contempt: A Hard Habit to Break
*Following the thumping George Bush and company gave John Kerry in 2004, the new left groused in unison that the reasons were clear : Kerry, like most of the left, was simply too nuanced and too smart, while the Bush campaign succeeded in framing every issue in moral black and white. Jane Smiley writing in Salon.com was a bit less generous in her criticism positing that the true cause of liberal defeat was that Republicans have cultivated ignorance in the voters; that they have appealed to the basest instincts of greed and cultural superiority. In short, the American people – 60 million of them to be exact – were nothing but a bunch of rubes. It was startling to read and hear so many voices clamoring to declare that the people they claimed to champion were nothing but a bunch of losers.
I continue to be amazed at the contempt the new left has for the American people. Not satisfied with maintaining that Americans are too inept to own and invest our own retirement accounts, plan for our own healthcare or even educate our own children, they are now proclaiming in unison that our failure to see the brilliance of their current presidential candidate can only mean we are racists.
Jack Cafferty writes on CNNpolitics.com, “the polls remain close. Doesn't make sense…unless it's race.”
Michael Grunwald of Time Magazine decrees that “race is the elephant in the room.” He then goes on to add to the growing lexicon of new code words for race. According to Grunwald, “working class,” is now code for white, this in addition to code words we have already been educated with: “community organizer” means black; “elitist” is the same as uppity and “inexperienced” is akin to calling Obama a boy. (If we could just get a copy of this updated race glossary beforehand it would ease the suspicion that folks are really making this stuff up on the fly. But I digress.)
Responding to a question about why the race is so close, Kathleen Sebelius, Democratic governor of Kansas, responded, “Have any of you noticed that Barack Obama is part African-American?
No doubt they have. They have also noticed that Barack Obama has a paper thin resume, distinguished himself in the Illinois state senate by opposing legislation that would protect children born alive following a botched abortion and associated with a man that brags about his hey day as a domestic terrorist. No doubt they have also noticed that for all his pretty talk of change and bi-partisanship as a United States senator, he has never opposed his own party on an issue, never reached across the aisle, and has offered few policy prescriptions that are not right out of the new deal play book. They may have also noticed his message to Caucus 4 Priorities, a liberal pacifist organization, promising major cuts in defense spending, suspension of future combat systems and the abolition of satellite defense systems and felt uneasy with his ability to defend this nation from her enemies.
In other words they may reasonably disagree with him on any number of issues. In America we are free to disagree, to discuss, debate, preach on street corners and vote. Apparently, that is not good enough for liberals who seem content to repeat the mantra “you are either with us or you are a racist.”
In what can best be described as political Mau Mauing, Philadelphia Daily News columnist Fatimah Ali has threatened a race war if Obama doesn’t win. Now that’s true gangsta style! If people don’t like your ideas burn the sucka down!
What remains unclear is why Democrats think a majority of Americans should vote for them when they are told that if they disagree – if they believe reasonably that Barack Obama is not the man they want to lead this country over the next four years, they will be beaten in the streets.
Like my mother used to say, “Bad habits are hard to break.”
If John McCain should win in November, which is a distinct possibility, it will not be because Republicans reduced complex issues to scary sound bites or that the American people are simpleminded and stupid. Nor will it be because they are racists. If and/or when Obama loses the general election, it will be because the American people listened and rejected the vision of the new left just as they have done seven out of the last 10 presidential elections.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold
ASK ADVICE CHICK: Answers to YOUR Dating, Sex, Life, & Love Questions!
By AdviceChick at ameritech.net
Chicago Ladies! Have the time of your life at my All Male Revue! Visit http://www.ultimateladiesniteout.com NOW for details!
Dear Advice Chick,
*I need advice on breaking up during the holiday season... Specifically: How can one end a long, intense romantic relationship with finesse if the break should happen during the holiday season (it's tricky this time of year, with Thanksgiving, religious holidays, and of course the New Year kiss)... And how does one rebound with the New Year's positive attitude?
Advice Chick replies,
It seems like people can NOT handle being dumped lately. Every time I turn on the news some fool done shot, stabbed, or killed the ex that dumped him. No, seriously. The restraining order is always in the purse or the pocket or somewhere near by. I respect the law, but when fools go crazy, it might not be enough.
So, how in the hell can you shake an ex without getting stalked or injured? You make them break up with you, that’s how. I suggest you make haste. If you can get it done within the next week or two he just might be o.k. by Thanksgiving.
Shake this guy be becoming overly needy. Constantly ask him for excessive amounts of money. Each and every time you call, ask for some money. Tell him you need $1500.00 to get your car fixed. Next, say you need $4200.00 for a repair around the house. Tell him you have an unexpected emergency and need $7,000.00. Girl! He is going to bounce!
Maybe he’ll think you have a drug problem. Maybe he’ll think “you’ve changed.” What the hell ever. Let him think what ever he wants, just make it uncomfortable for him to be with you and he will leave you.
You can always try being honest about the real reason you want to end it, but proceed with caution. I don’t want to read about you on CNN.
Handle the New Year by throwing a party! Have fun, girl! Relationships are great, but take some “me” time, you deserve it!
Sponsor my November 8, 2008 Male Revue in Chicago!
Record labels, beauty companies, fragrance companies, beverage sponsors magazine publishers, etc! Place your products and message in front of over 200 african American ladies (21-44 age group) in one night! Interested? Send an email to kimw(at)ameritech.net OR CALL 312-893-0538 NOW!
Send YOUR questions and comments to Advice Chick right NOW! Please put “Dear Advice Chick” in the subject line so your email isn’t deleted as spam. Thanks! Send your emails t advicechick at ameritech.net
----------
Ask Advice Chick about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING related to dating, sex, love, and life! She is THE resident dating expert at EURweb.com, and calls on over 11 years of dating and relationship industry experience.
BETWEEN THE LINES: The First Presidential Debate: Tie Goes To The Runner
Anthony Asadullah Samad
*Watching the first presidential debate involving the first African American major party nominee was historic. But the aftermath was less than euphoric. By all accounts, Barack Obama won the debate. He was more “presidential,” whatever that means. To me, it means he was more confident, more detailed in his answers, more exacting in his critique and more optimistic in his resolve to change our current dilemma. Obama spoke to the issues and he spoke to the people. McCain tried to dodge the debate by hiding behind the Wall Street collapse, then he dodged the issues by being non-response to questions while trying to bask Barack. When the smoke cleared, many of the post debate (immediate) analysis tried to say that neither candidate clearly distinguished himself and that the debate was a tie. Well, given that the debate was on McCain’s home court (Oxford, Mississippi – a red state that historically voted Republican or Dixiecrat [any party that was against civil or equal rights]) and the topic was supposed to McCain’s strong suit, foreign policy, it would appear to me that a tie would mean Barack held his own and thus was the winner. In baseball, America’s past-time, when the runner and the ball gets to the base at the same time, because the fielders have more time to react to the play, a tie goes to the runner. Why should politics be any different. McCain was the pitcher in this debate, it was his field (foreign policy). Barack was the batter, trying to prove he could hit the foreign pitch. He did, and beat McCain to the base. The pundits want to call it a tie. Barack is still safe. Tie goes to the runner.
We have since seen in the daily Gallup polling how far off the pundits were. Obama has gotten a big bounce in polls. Anywhere from five to ten points, depending on the poll you watch. Some want to tie it to the lack of confidence in the President’s bailout proposal. It also could be a lack of confidence that McCain had any sort of impact on the bailout (passing or failing). From my perspective, it’s the American public being dismissed as so unintelligent and naïve that they can’t tell the difference between who won and who lost. Despite a race that’s closer than it should be because a Stanford study finally confirmed what black people knew six months ago, that race is a larger than previously acknowledged factor in this Presidential race, there is still something to be said about continuing to tell people—regardless who they support—not to believe what they see. This era of political relativism that suggests the truth is relative, and reality is a figment of one’s imagination, is why we’re at war and the economy is the floor. Even still, Bush, and now McCain, have the unmitigated gall to ask you, “Who do you believe, me or your lying eyes?” Well, put it this way, a whole bunch of people are starting to believe their lying eyes after last Friday. People are tired of trying to make sense out of nonsense, sense out of pretense and sense out of misfeasance. That’s why the Wall Street bailout made no sense to most Americans. We’re giving $700 billion to the same guys that stole us blind, took our homes and mismanaged the economy? The American people said it in virtual unison, “Reward malfeasance. That doesn’t make any sense.” The blind now see, and the deaf now hear and that bodes well for Obama.
As much as the right wants to manipulate the change message, the same message can’t come close. Though they’d like to make you think it’s close. It’s not. They can’t saying reality isn’t real, no matter how it makes you feel. The American people have been shocked into reality and the first Presidential debate of the fall couldn’t have come at a better time, in the midst of Palin-mania and McCain hysteria, where the substance message was being lost to the same substance-less conversation that elected George W. eight years ago. As much as the pundits want to make you think this debate was a tie, we know better. Tie goes to the runner.
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 ROBERTSON TREATMENT (AMERICA’S PREMIER URBAN LIFESTYLE COLUMN) : EDITION 11, ISSUE 12 - Pop Critic and Journalist Elvis Mitchell Takes on the African American Experience
*For journalist Elvis Mitchell, telling great stories is more than a passion, it’s his way of life. He has spent years as one of America’s premier film critics at leading newspapers like the Fort Worth Telegram and the Detroit Free Press, before landing in the top seat as the chief film critic for the New York Times. Mitchell has now expanded his creative pursuits into other forms of media that include radio, where he’s the host of the KCRW’s pop culture and film interview program “The Treatment,” and television where “Elvis Mitchell: Under the Influence” airs on Turner Classic Movies. His latest project, “The Black List,” made with director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders features such luminaries as Richard Parsons, Colin Powell, Toni Morrison and even former Guns and Roses front man Slash, discussing race and culture. The Robertson Treatment recently met up with Mitchell to discuss his projects.
Robertson Treatment: Explain your motivations for creating this show?
Elvis Mitchell: I'm a film critic, but first and foremost I'm a black audience member, and wanted "The Black List" to be the kind of thing I'd never seen before. I knew what I had seen in documentaries, and often documentaries on African Americans perpetuate the victim mentality, or suggest that black people can't get through the day without a social welfare infrastructure. I felt this film should be an answer to many of those archetypes, starting with the title, which is a way of reclaiming the negative, as much of African American culture has been. It's an unsentimental look at the pleasure African Americans take in their success, and telling their own stories about achieving their goals. That starts with no crosscutting between interview subjects, to my deciding that I should never be seen in the film so that the audience is concentrating on the subject. There are no distractions, just a purity as each subject offers him or herself up to the audience. The film is even conceived so that there is no audience surrogate -- such as me, nodding sagely as each person speaks -- but just the direct communication as each person speaks directly to the camera.
RT: How did you go about the selection process for the subjects involved in the project?
EM: Part of that process involved us trying to get the most eloquent and provocative people, in an attempt to break away from the kinds of expectations people might have about such a film. That's most specifically reflected in the choice of the opening subject -- he was chosen as a shot across the bow, and a way of making clear this was not the usual look at black people that viewers have been conditioned to watch.
Given that the guiding philosophy behind the project was to offer a perspective on the African American experience in the 21st century, we tried to touch on as many disciplines and points of view as possible.
RT: What statement do you seek to make by assembling such an interesting mix of personalities?
EM: I always thought of the film in this way; if you walked into a party and saw all of the subjects, what do they have in common? They're African Americans -- to have that kind of diversity strike the viewers squarely between the eyes, and for them to note the things that the subjects have in common and the things that make each of them differ.
RT: After your interviews for The Black List did you discover a core value or belief system that the subjects had in common?
EM: They were all indomitable to me, and sometimes that fire was spoken as clearly as Susan Rice's saying that when she got mad she just worked harder and better. Or, on the other side politically, Colin Powell taking affirmative action dismissals in stride and saying that things had been imbalanced towards whites for years, and still working hard. An Olympian amount of discipline, and self-confidence in what they had to offer, as well as a sense of themselves in terms of the history of their fields of endeavor and what they had to contribute. Despite their talents, none took the effort needed to succeed lightly. And they all have healthy sense of humor about themselves, too.
RT: What do you want audiences to get from this project?
EM: I'd like to see "The Black List" function as a catalyst for further conversation, so that people understand that we ignore race as an issue at our peril. Bill T Jones talks about fatigue over black rage, and I think there's been a similar kind of exhaustion over the fact that race is still a dividing line. Maybe the film will encourage healthy conversation about this topic, rather than wishing it away.
RT: Tell us about your other upcoming projects.
EM: With any luck, one of those upcoming projects will be continuing with "The Black List" and ensuring that it gets seen by as many kids in schools around the country as we can manage. The educational aspect of the project is something that has been a goal of the Freemind Ventures guys -- Mike Sloane, Scott Richman, Chris Mckee, Payne Brown -- from the outset.
The Black List is currently airing on HBO.
BEST BETS (HOTELS)
Avenue Hotel, Chicago
During my recent trip to Chicago to participate on a panel for the Unity Conference, I had the great pleasure to be hosted by the Avenue Hotel. Located in the very center of Chicago’s magnificent Miracle Mile, the property offers efficient service, convenience and affordable elegance for business people and leisure travelers alike. From the moment I entered the lobby area, I was immediately impressed by the swift service from the bellmen to front desk staff. Making it to my room I was again impressed with it’s appointment, space and views of Chicago’s incredible skyline. With offerings that include a more than adequate room service menu, a well-appointed workout facility and business center, count on the Avenue to provide you with the best bet for your time and money as you plan your next rip to Chicago. Visit: www.avenuechicago.com for more information.
BEST BETS (NEW MUSIC)
In today’s age of techno inspired singers, it’s always impressive to find a new artist with the raw talent to really deliver. That’s certainly the case with D2G recording artist, Niyoki (pronounced Nie-yo-kee), who arrived on the gospel scene with her debut release, MY EVERYTHING, and is now back with her follow-up, Rest. With her incredibly rich, contralto-to-mezzo-soprano vocal range, Niyoki more than capably handles the material on this CD, which brings together musical influences covering R&B, jazz, rock and hip hop. From my favorite track, “Joy,” to the hauntingly beautiful “I Will Rest,” and the praise and worship of “All That I Have,” this CD provides an excellent platform for this talented artist to prove that she has what it takes to make it to the top of the game in gospel. An impressive project for all demos. Grade: A
AUTOMOTIVE SPIN: 2008 KIA SPORTAGE
Wow Factor: I had a great driving experiences behind the wheel of this SUV. With its ample space and sharp on the road handling, the 2008 KIA Sportage is a multi-purpose vehicle that performs well on a variety of road terrains. With its strong and attractive exterior, the 2008 model turns a few heads as well, which is always an added boast to a driver’s ego.
Ride: Equipped in your choice of 4-cylinder and V6 engine specifications, the Sportage averages 20-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway, which is excellent value for a vehicle of its size. Add-value comes from the Sportage’s four-speed manual transmission and superior front and rear suspension system that offers drivers easy handling on everything from steep inclines to busy city streets. With its sturdy build this SUV will provide drivers with a smooth, in-control feel on the road.
Comfort: The Sportage’s comfortable seats adjustable seats are comfortable and provide easy access to navigational and radio controls, which is a big deal when you’re driving at night or in potentially hazardous road conditions. Another feature that I really like was the lower anchors and tethers, which is a big plus for children.
Spin Control: With a list price starting at $16,675 the Kia Sportage will provide an extraordinary return on your investment. Perfectly suited for both everyday and off the road tasks, the Sportage represents the kind of SUV that road warriors are looking for today. Grade: B+
Visit www.robertsontreatment.com
Copyright, 2008 Robertson Treatment, LLC
REGGAE UPDATES FROM JAMAICA: Tami Chynn 'Freezes' Billboard chart; Queen Ifrica joins VP records; Mikey Spice drops new album; Lil Wayne's no-show;
By Kevin Jackson
Jamaican singer Tami Chynn scores Billboard Dance chart hit with Frozen
*Singer Tami Chynn has logged her first entry on any Billboard singles chart. Frozen, her duet with hip hop star Akon has jumped from number 16 to number 11 on Billboard's Dance Music Club Play listing. The track is also burning up dance radio, as it hops to number 20 on Billboard's Dance Music Airplay tally.
"I am really excited about all that has been happening. The album is coming and the video with Akon is also coming. I know the fans have been waiting for both but you know how it goes sometimes when it comes to the record label," Chynn said in an interview at a cocktail reception hosted by Pepsi Jamaica at Carlos Café recently.
Chynn is featured along with international dancehall artiste Shaggy and hip hop star Akon in the new Pepsi commercial. Chynn is heard singing the Carl Douglas 1974 hit Kung Fu Fighting. Asked how she felt about the turn of events, Chynn said "I am very excited about this. Pepsi is a huge brand and I always thought that this would come later in my career. The fact that they have taken a chance on an unknown artiste and two Jamaicans at that; this is very big."
Signed to hip hop star Akon's Kon Live label which is distributed by Universal Music's Geffen imprint, Chynn said the Pepsi deal came about after her manager Jules Dougall met with Ellen Healy the Director of Sports and Entertainment at Pepsi-Co in the UK. "My manager met with Miss Healy through Akon and we kept in touch. The discussions went back and forth until they finally made a decision," Chynn explained.
Chynn, whose sophomore album Prima Dona is set for an early 2009 release, is going on tour with New Kids on the Block and UK pop star Natasha Bedingfield next month. "I am really excited about the tour and it's already sold out. I grew up on New Kids on the Block and their music. It's just amazing," Chynn said excitingly.
Prima Dona, according to Chynn, will feature the Frozen single as well as a collaboration with Voicemail titled Watch Me Wine. "The song with Voicemail is very vibesy and exciting. Voicemail really represented," she said.
Chynn, who currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia - says her favorite Pepsi television commercial was We Will Rock You which featured Beyonce, Pink and Britney Spears. "That commercial was really epic. Lots of girl power," said Chynn.
Queen Ifrica joins VP Records roster
Queen Ifrica who has been making strong moves on the local and international circuit with her brand of reggae offerings, has reportedly signed with New York based independent label, VP Records. Ifrica who was on her way to Washington DC earlier this week when this column caught up with her, was in high spirits about the recent turn of events, as far as her career is concerned.
‘We just seal off the deal with VP and the album will be released soon. It ago nice and you ago love the title’, said an excited Queen Ifrica.
Tiffany Mea, publicist at VP Records’ New York office confirmed the signing of Queen Ifrica to the label.
With a string of hits permeating the airwaves and the charts since mid last year, Queen Ifrica (real name Ventrice Morgan) says she handles her success by being remaining focused. ‘I just appreciate the fact that after being in the industry for so long, people are finally accepting you. I kinda feel humble about all of this’, said Queen Ifrica.
Bubblers including Below the Waist, Daddy Don’t Touch Me There, Mi Nah Rub, and Randy have had their field day on the charts within the past year. Her latest sizzler Keep it to Yourself for producer Don Corleon is already waging an attack on the charts.
‘Mi just give thanks for all that has been happening, because you that the kind of music that I do, doesn’t really get the overwhelming support right away. As a female it give a lot of people including other female artistes, some form of encouragement’, she added.
Queen Ifrica’s debut VP Records album is earmarked for release in the first quarter of next year.
Reggae crooner Mikey Spice to drop new album on October 28
Singer Mikey Spice’s latest album produced by Lloyd Campbell for Joe Frasier Productions, is coming to a record store near you on October 28.
Walk a Mile is the first collaborative album between Mikey and Campbell since 2001.
Tracks include A Little Love (a remake of Jimmy London’s 1970’s chestnut); I Cry , You Cry; Happy Hour; Two Spliff Tail; Pull it Up; and Hanging On to You.
Mikey Spice is best known for hits including Born Again, Grab You Lass and Come with Louie Culture and a remake of Practice What You Preach.
Lil Wayne a no show at major concert the Bahamas
A highly publicized concert for which many showgoers had paid hundreds and even thousands of dollars
