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10-14-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE(October 14, 2008)
JANET CANCELS EVEN MORE SHOWS: Tour now set to resume tomorrow (Oct. 15) in Washington D.C. *Her undisclosed illness apparently still in effect, Janet Jackson has postponed more shows on her Rock Witchu tour, the latest being Monday's scheduled concert in Verona, NY. Her camp claims the tour will resume tomorrow night (Oct. 15) in Washington D.C., however, her scheduled Thursday (Oct. 16) gig at New York's Madison Square Garden has been moved to Nov. 1. Jackson was originally scheduled to hit the road again Saturday night in Uncasville, CT after an illness on Sept. 29 in Montreal caused her to be briefly hospitalized. The Grammy winner was forced to postpone subsequent shows in Philadelphia, Boston, Greensboro, N.C., Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The remaining tour dates are: Washington, DC Verizon Center (October 15) East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center (17) Atlanta, GA Philips Arena (19) Houston, TX Toyota Center (21) Dallas, TX American Airlines Center (22) Kansas City, MO Sprint Center (24) Tulsa, OK BOK Center (26) Auburn Hills, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills (28) New York, NY Madison Square Garden (November 1)
*A Nigerian man was shot three times with an air pistol on a London street yesterday for wearing a t-shirt bearing the image of U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. The alleged attacker eventually left the shop but was waiting for Egwuatu outside with "a threatening-looking dog and holding a gun behind his back," the paper reported. Egwuatu, a married former street warden, zipped up his jacket to cover Obama's face and started walking to his car. The suspect followed Egwuatu and pulled his gun as he was opening the car door. After pleading with the man to leave him alone, Egwuatu started his car. That's when, according to the Daily Mail, the attacker fired three times, hitting Egwuatu in the face, hand and shoulder. Egwuatu sped away in his car and called for help. He was taken to the hospital and later sent to have a piece of metal removed from his jaw. Egwuatu told the Daily Mail: "He was telling me that he was going to kill me. I couldn't believe it was happening - and just because I was wearing an Obama T-shirt. He was trying to make me walk somewhere quieter, saying: 'I've got something for you,' and 'I'm going to kill you.'" He added: "Obama inspires me, his educational track record alone is quite unbelievable - that is why I was wearing the T-shirt. I did not think for one minute it could stir up such powerful feelings of hatred and I never said a word to him." The Daily Mail reports: "To the untrained eye, ball-bearing guns like the one used in the attack look every bit like a real firearm. The potentially lethal weapons are often converted by criminals to fire real bullets, and can be bought easily in high-street shops and on Web sites. As of press time, no arrests have bee named. Detectives described the attacker as white, in his mid-30s, around 6ft tall with short ginger hair, wearing a grey camouflage jacket and combat trousers. He had a white and tan dog with him. Anyone with information can call police on 020 8284 8760, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
*The son of late rapper Eric "Eazy E" Wright and a number of celebrities helped get out the vote in Compton over the weekend by joining voter registration campaign "My Hood Votes," founded by journalist Jasmyne Cannick. “My Hood Votes is us representing us. It's us going out and talking to each other the way that only we can about the importance of having some involvement in the political process,” Lil Eazy E told AllHipHop.com, adding that Nov. 4 will be his first time voting in an election. “My pops loved Compton. I love Compton. This was the perfect opportunity to get it crackin' in my hometown with my family and take it into the streets.” “Over the course of the presidential and vice-presidential candidate’s debates, it’s become crystal clear that both Democrats and Republicans are focused on one segment of the American population, the middle class," Cannick said. "Hence, the absence of any mention of the word poverty, even though it is a way of life for more than 37 million people in this country. So while the candidates continue to be focused on the wealthy and middle class, in L.A., I've been focused on the hood.”
*The New York Post is reporting that Chris "Ludacris" Bridges was denied entry into one of 12 secret societies at Yale University after mistaking it for a literary club.
*Rapper Eminem is scheduled to throw a release party for his upcoming book "The Way I Am" on Oct. 21 at an undisclosed location in New York, reports Allhiphop.com. The 208-page book from Dutton Adult, a division of The Penguin Group, is described as a collection of the Detroit rapper's personal stories, photographs, artwork, never-before-seen lyrics and reflections. Due in stores the same day as the release party, the book comes with a DVD featuring unreleased interviews and personal footage of Eminem. THE-DREAM PREPS NEW ALBUM FOR DECEMBER: Sophomore set 'Love vs. Money' includes 'good ol' baby-making' track. *Singer-songwriter The Dream is readying the release of his sophomore album, "Love vs. Money," on Dec. 16 via Def Jam, reports Billboard.com. "In the beginning I was just having fun. I didn't want people thinking too hard, I just wanted them to gravitate toward my lyrics," says the-Dream. "But this time my vocals are different. I've definitely grown in my singing."
*Kim Kardashian said she was only joking when she referred to her boyfriend Reggie Bush as "hubby" in a recent post on her Web site. The term sent rumors flying of a secret marriage between the socialite and the New Orleans Saints running back. But she clarified to WENN: "I said hubby as a joke. ... He said, 'Don't use boyfriend, it's so typical.' He said, 'Write hubby or baby.' Everyone thought I was married."
*Open auditions have been scheduled for the three leading roles in the forthcoming national tour of Dreamgirls, according to an announcement from producer John F. Breglio, reports Broadway.com.
*Reality show star Reverend Run has confirmed what many folks believed about the so-called beef between 50 Cent and Kanye West last year – it was a publicity stunt designed to sell records. 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, vowed to quit the music business if his album "Curtis" lost out in the charts to West's "Graduation," both released on Sept. 11, 2007.
*British rapper M.I.A., whose sampled voice is the chorus of radio's hottest single "Swagga Like Us," has confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child. "I'm creating a baby," the 31-year-old singer told Pitchfork Media. The news follows success of her biggest single to date, "Paper Planes," which received a sales boost with its presence in the trailer for "Pineapple Express." She and fiancé Ben Brewer, lead singer and guitarist of The Exit, kept the due date and the baby's sex a secret, but they made sure their fans knew they are serious about having a child.
*Rick Ross has been added as a headlining performer for the Give Back Concert Benefit for The Dr. Donda West Foundation, formerly known as The Kanye West Foundation. The concert, also done in partnership with the Live to Give Campaign, will take place on Nov. 4 at Ibiza in Washington, D.C. and will feature election night coverage and a number of surprise guests, with Ross being the first celebrity confirmed, reports allhiphop.com. General admission is $85.00 with all proceeds going to the Dr. Donda West Foundation, Rick Ross Charities, and the Antawn Jamison Foundation. Sources told AllHipHop.com that Kanye West will be overseas touring on election night, but attendees will be able to view an exclusive video tribute he taped, for private viewing only.
*Actor Dennis Hopper, best known for his 1969 road film "Easy Rider," says he's praying for a victory by Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama on Nov. 4 after voting Republican in 1988 and 2000. "I voted for Bush, father and son, but this time I'll vote for Obama," he told journalists Monday at the opening of a show on his life and work at the Paris cinematheque. "I was the first person in my family to have been Republican," he added, according to the Associated Press. "For most of my life I wasn't on the left." "I pray God, Barack Obama is elected," he said, criticizing the current administration's many "lies."
*You get a good idea just how hard it is being a Muslim in America since 9-11 thanks to Preacher Moss, Azhar “Az” Usman and Mohammed Amer, the trio of young Chicago area comedians featured in this enlightening concert flick. In much the way that The Original Kings of Comedy did for blacks, and The Kims of Comedy did for Asian-Americans, Allah Made Me Funny is a flick designed to make you laugh while looking at the lighter of side of life from the perspective of a specific minority. Az wonders onstage why so many people think attending a “madrassah” has anything to do with radical Islam, when that’s simply the Arabic word for school. Meanwhile, Mohammed, whose mother was disappointed with her son’s political brand of comedy, says he’s not afraid of offending the government since he’s Palestinian and has no country to be deported to. Preacher blames Muslims for their present unpopular plight, because they don’t try to overhaul their image through advertising and lobbying like other ethnic groups. Besides taking shots at themselves, these caustic comics joke about an array of subjects ranging from Jesus to Jews to the Bollywood movie formula to feeling left out at Christmas to ridiculous names of rap stars. While not as consistently hilarious as either the Kings or Kims of Comedy, Allah Made Me Funny is generally in good taste and is amusing enough to remain recommended as a worthwhile diversion. Three Muslim Rodney Dangerfields complaining about not getting any respect on account of their religion.
To see a trailer for Allah Made Me Funny, visit:
*This charming screwball comedy generates plenty of laughter while simultaneously ever so subtly addressing several sobering themes. It’s based on a semi-autobiographical tale by Scott Prendergrast whose own brother was stop-loss into a tour of duty in the Middle East. He co-stars opposite Lisa Kudrow who exhibits her trademark charm, perfect comic timing and an endearing emotional range in a role intermittently calling for a certain gravitas. The story revolves around emotionally and financially challenged Leslie Between working full-time and raising their two boys (Cameron Wofford and Landon Henninger) alone, the frazzled mom barely has any downtime to relax, let alone worry about Noah’s safety. The sort of help she doesn’t exactly need arrives when her unemployed brother-in-law, Salman (Prendergrast), shows up needing a place to crash, having recently been fired from an entry-level position as a clerk at a copy store. He proves to be so pathetic as a babysitter, that she instead finds him a job at her real estate company as its corporate mascot, Kabluey. Much of the ensuing slapstick emanates from his interacting with strangers while standing on the street passing out flyers at the height of summer in a heat-seeking baby blue outfit covering him from head to toe. Meanwhile, there is a disarming darkness and depth to Leslie’s character, whose evolution hints at the plausible plight of countless similarly-situated Army wives in real life. Excellent (4 stars) To see a trailer of Kabluey, visit: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o24NNR8o9a0
*Although it is estimated that some 90% of registered African-Americans voters will vote for Senator Barack Obama come November 4th; conversely, approximately 10% will not. In an election that may come down to a small amount of percentage points if "The Bradley Effect" (pre-election polling versus actual returns) plays a role, the importance of the "10%" can't be overstated. Who makes up this 10% and what is their litmus test in assessing the best candidate for him/herself individually and African-Americans collectively?
By DeBorah B. Pryor *For many, the Presidential Debate between Senators Barack Obama and John McCain presented yet another opportunity for the public to dialogue on why they are in support of their favorite contender. Those still sitting "on the fence" may have also been provided reasons to step down. While we converse about which candidate offers the strongest argument on the two most important issues facing our nation today: foreign policy and the economy, and become more informed about how the strategies of the new administration will impact the residents on Main Street, African American democrats should not feel compelled to insert, "...and it's not just because he's Black" in defense of their support for Barack Obama. This ‘extra push' for authenticity is unnecessary. Barack Obama has earned the right to be here. Of course a decision this important should not be made "just because he's Black." If this were the case, wouldn't Jesse Jackson have been a more viable contender 20 years ago? Surely, we are aware that Senator Obama's being Black--in the White House--won't do a damn thing for his ability to repair the extensive damage that has been done by the Bush Administration over the past 8 years; No more than being White has contributed to President Bush's inability to do the job right. At this point, anyone, African American or other, who does not -- at the very least -- recognize Barack Obama as a force in this race...a more than formidable opponent ... is either blind or stupid by choice. The man has been educated at the finest schools; has been an aggressive community organizer, civil rights attorney and legislator even prior to being instated as a state senator. He has devoted at least 20 of his 47 years to public service. Who can deny the appeal of this sharp, focused, charismatic individual - who clearly turns the eyes of the McCain camp green because he manages to incite rock-star enthusiasm wherever he appears? Who can ignore the fact that this man, in spite of his own affluence, has managed to remain in touch with the psyche of middle class America; and is able to eloquently express truth on its behalf? No further need for authenticity is necessary. He has earned his right to be here. With an ‘eye-on-the-prize' focus that has never wavered, the Obama camp has installed and maintains an unprecedented, inclusive grassroots campaign that has empowered Obama constituents and made them active team members; instead of side liners who are called upon only when a donation is needed. Yes, the ‘everyday Joe' now looks forward to the daily emails from Obama or Joe Biden; Michelle Obama or other campaign members, to give them their "next assignment." Washington should really be thanking this man. Win or lose, he has single-handedly revitalized the peoples' interest in the political process. How long has it been since we've felt this excited about choosing a president? Don't strain your brain, it's been a while. Let's face it, anyone with even a modicum of good sense, regardless of party affiliation, has to admit that this man has earned the right to be here. In spite of the numerous attempts by his opponent to sway him, and retaliate with counter-attacks, he has shown himself to be a class act that John McCain can only dream of becoming. It is the response to such actions that provide audiences with insight on the type of leader a person will be. African Americans should be nothing but extremely proud of this strong presidential contender. And as we near the November 4th date, and continue to converse with people of all races and persuasions about the importance of seating this man in the White House, we should feel free to reiterate the brilliant qualifications that have earned him the right to be there; Qualifications which, by the way, have nothing to do with the proud fact that he is Black. DeBorah B. Pryor is a Los Angeles based writer and founder of the Public Speaking for Private People workshops. She is a partner in The Bio Shop, a public relations firm and former editor of the music industry trade publication, Black Radio Exclusive (BRE) magazine. She is a frequent contributor to Lee Bailey's Electronic Urban Report (EUR). Her website is http://www.dpryorpresents.com/ or email deborah@dpryorpresents.com
AIP is the third largest political party in Alaska. Since the 1970’s the AIP has pushed for a legal vote for Alaskans to decide whether or not residents of the 49th state can secede from the United States. Although AIP leadership is indecisive over whether Gov. Palin was a card carrying member of the AIP, they agree Todd, her husband of twenty years, definitely was a member. The couple attended the 1994 AIP convention in their hometown of Wasilla and the governor addressed that same group earlier this year at their annual convention. In case you don’t know the history of present day Russia, it was part of the former Soviet Union until 1991 when political and social discord created faction groups. One of those groups formed what is recognized as an independent country called Chechnya. During recent interviews by television news anchor Katie Couric, Palin sited Alaska’s proximity to Russia as her foreign affairs experience. At the time it seemed comical. Looking back at her AIP affiliation, Palin might have more interest in Russian than she’s willing to admit. Of all the questions the media has asked of Palin, I want to know what attracted her to the AIP, and are her Republican objectives tied to the AIP? Political and religious affiliations are two freedoms Americans enjoy. But the last person I want leading me – in politics or the pulpit – is a hypocrite. My momma used to say “go where you say and say where you’re going.” I’m not sure where Palin wants to lead this country. Social justice advocate Randall Robinson once said he never ran for political office because it took too many favors to get elected creating too many debts owed. If Palin gets into the White House on the tails of McCain and the Republican Party what debts will she have to repay? Dexter Clark, vice chairman of the Alaska Independence Party recently spoke of Palin as if his party membership was responsible for her political ascension. The video of his speech was archived on YouTube, but it has been removed. Here’s a partial transcript of what Clark said: “Our current governor, we mentioned at the last conference, the one we were hoping would get elected, Sarah Palin, did get elected. “ “There’s a joke, she’s a pretty good looking gal, there’s a joke going around (that) we’re the coldest state with the hottest governor.” And there was a lot of talk about her moving up. She was an AIP member before she got the job as a mayor of a small town – that was a non-partisan job. But you get along to go along – she eventually joined the Republican Party, where she had all kinds of problems with their ethics, and well, I won’t go into that. She also had about an 80% approval rating, and is pretty well sympathetic to her former membership.” There could be more to Palin’s political agenda than she has revealed. McCain claimed he had prior knowledge of all of Palin’s political baggage when she became his running mate, including allegations that Palin unfairly fired an underling. Recently a bi-partisan panel found that Palin violated ethics rules and misused her authority against a state commissioner. Palin was accused of illegally firing the state Director of Transportation because he refused to fire Palin’s ex-brother-in-law, a former state trooper. Several Alaska state and local officials said McCain did little to no research on Palin before he announced her as his vice presidential running mate. I guess McCain was distracted by her beauty. His lack of due diligence is further evidence of poor judgment. And if McCain is elected the next president of the United States, his poor judgment most likely will put us all at risk.
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