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SERVICES SET FOR HUDSON FAMILY MEMBERS: Plus, police confirm suspect refused lie detector test; Ryan Seacrest offers condolences.
*Funeral services have been set for Jennifer Hudson's three relatives who were shot and killed last week in Chicago, reports the Associated Press.
A funeral home announced Thursday that services for Hudson's mother, brother and nephew will be held on Monday morning at Apostolic Church of God on Chicago's South Side. The service will be closed to the public.
Meanwhile, Chicago police have confirmed earlier reports that William Balfour, a person of interest in the murders, was cooperating with investigators until asked to take a lie detector test.
The 27-year-old stepfather of Hudson's nephew and estranged husband of her sister, told detectives he had a good relationship with the Hudson family, but he stopped talking when detectives asked him to take the polygraph test, a police official told the Associated Press Wednesday.
Balfour has been at the center of the investigation since shortly after the bodies of Hudson's mother, 57-year-old Darnell Donerson, and brother, 29-year-old Jason Hudson, were found Friday inside their home on Chicago's South Side. The body of Balfour's stepson, 7-year-old Julian King, was discovered Monday in an SUV on the city's West Side. All three shooting deaths have been ruled homicides.
Balfour had not been charged as of press time Thursday. Investigators were still gathering evidence and following up on leads, the official said.
However, the official said police do not believe anyone else was involved in the killings.
It is possible that someone else drove the SUV with the boy's body inside and parked it on the West Side, the official said, but Balfour is "the only suspect in the killings (and there is) nothing to link a second individual" to them.
In other Hudson news, "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest says he is praying for Hudson, a season 3 finalist, during this difficult time.
"I sent her an e-mail to share my sorrow for what she went through and asked her if there was anything we could do," Seacrest told People.com.
"It's horrible."
MULTIPLE OBAMA EFFIGIES REPORTED: Incidents increase after effigy of Sarah Palin in Calif. was not ruled a hate crime.
*Effigies of Barack Obama were hung on the University of Kentucky campus and outside a home in Indiana this week after authorities said an effigy of Sarah Palin in California was offensive, but not a hate crime, reports the Associated Press.
A life-sized likeness of Obama was found hanging from a tree with a noose around its neck Wednesday at the University of Kentucky. University President Lee Todd said he planned to apologize to the Obama family on behalf of the school and that he is "personally offended and deeply embarrassed by this disgusting episode."
Federal authorities have been notified, Todd said. He said the effigy violates the university's code of ethics and won't be tolerated.
In Clarksville, Ind., Kirk Deddo strung an Obama doll up by a noose from a tree on his lawn and called it a Halloween decoration, saying it was the most frightening one he could find, WNDA-TV in Indiana reported.
Deddo said the effigy had nothing to do with race, and he put it up because he doesn't like Obama's stance toward the military.
"Electing Obama as president would be the scariest thing in the world," he told the station.
News of the Obama effigies came as the FBI and police in Los Angeles said they aren't treating a Palin doll dangling from a noose in West Hollywood, Calif., as a hate crime because it was part of a Halloween display.
"I'm not defending this; I'm not criticizing it. It doesn't rise to the level of hate crime," L.A. County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore told The Los Angeles Times. "Now, if there was a crime against bad taste ..."
JERMAINE CONFIRMS JACKSON 5 REUNION TOUR: Michael and Janet are also on board to hit the road next year – so he says.
*Jermaine Jackson says he and his famous siblings will reunite for a long-rumored family tour that will include the brood's most famous offspring, Michael and Janet Jackson.
"This has been a long time coming for the Jackson family to get back together," Jermaine told the Australian Associated Press. "It is just the timing, so what we've been doing is working on the music and all the logistics.
"It is going to be more like a family affair, Janet's going to open and, of course, the original Jackson 5 ... Michael, Randy and the whole family ... We're in the studio, we're planning on being out there next year."
Jermaine confirmed the rumor while in Sydney this week for a TV industry function.
L.A. RADIO JOCK CHANGES NAME TO 'BARRACK': KJLH DJ formerly known as Guy Black says he's dead serious.
*A radio DJ in Los Angeles has decided to change his radio tag from Guy Black to what he claims is his real name, "Barrack" Black (with two "r's"), but insists it has nothing to do with Sen. Barack Obama's historic run for the White House.
"But I tell you one thing," he jokes to EUR's Lee Bailey, "If you see Barack, tell him to holla at me because I have some pretty good name stickers and pins for him if he ever needs some" - but with a slightly different spelling.
"I use two "r's,' He uses one," he explains. "I thought it would be a good idea to finally use my other name on the air, and it's Barrack Black, until after Nov. 4. I might go to January 21st with it. I haven't decided yet."
Black said listeners are actually embracing the new moniker.
"People love it. They call me Barrack everywhere I go now," he said.
"It's a pretty good thing because no one else would ever call me Barrack before I said it on the air. Now people realize I'm serious about it. It's a great name.
"It's just perfect timing, is what they've been telling me. So I like the fact that they're acknowledging that a man has to be who he wants to be. So that's who I am, Barrack Black."
ICE CUBE BRINGS COP COMEDY TO NBC: Rapper to exec produce and write project under his Cube Vision shingle.
*Ice Cube is making another foray into television as the writer and executive producer of an hour-long buddy cop comedy for NBC.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the artist's production company Cube Vision has teamed with Universal Media Studios to produce the untitled project. The rapper's Cube Vision partner Matt Alvarez will also serve as an executive producer.
NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios chairman Ben Silverman said he had been aggressively pursuing Cube to create an action comedy for the Peacock.
"As we continue to expand our roster of diverse talent both on-camera and behind the camera, a guy like Ice Cube, who’s multitalented, is someone we really wanted to be in business with," Silverman said. "He’s had an amazing career, to have gone from NWA to this."
Cube is not attached to star in the project, but NBC brass is hoping that the hip-hop star, actor and writer will put in some face time down the line, perhaps even in the pilot.
"We really want to capture his voice and his eye for talent, and his producing acumen," Silverman said. "If he appeared in the pilot or series, we’d be really excited about that."
Cube's TV resume includes serving as an executive producer for Showtime’s version of "Barbershop," and for the FX reality series "Black. White."
GRIER BEGS BLACKS NOT TO MESS THINGS UP FOR OBAMA: 'Chocolate News' bit urges African Americans not to act a fool until after election.
*Via his new Comedy Central show "Chocolate News," comedian David Alan Grier is literally begging all African Americans to refrain from doing "stupid sh*t" until after Nov. 4.
"We are on the precipice of history," Grier says directly into the camera. "We are within spitting distance of putting a brother in the White House, but right now, Barack's chances are shakier than Whitney on the pipe!
So black people, I am begging you, until Nov 4, stop doing stupid sh**!"
"Chocolate News" airs 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays. View Grier's plea to all black people (from the Oct. 29 show) below/here: http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=189876
SAMUEL L. JACKSON IN 'LAST DRAGON' REMAKE: Actor to play 'Sho'Nuff' in Columbia's updated version of 1985 film.
*Samuel L. Jackson will suit up as the infamous Sho'Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem in Columbia Pictures' remake of the 1985 cult classic "The Last Dragon."
"I'm a huge fan of the original and look forward to bringing Sho'Nuff into the 21st century," Jackson told the Hollywood Reporter.
Columbia's updated version will be along the same lines of the original, centering on young martial arts student Leroy Green in his quest through the streets of New York to achieve the highest level of martial arts accomplishment, known as the Last Dragon. Those who achieve the high ranking possess the Glow, making them the greatest fighter alive.
The original, which also starred Taimak and then-Prince protégé Vanity, was released in March 1985 by TriStar Pictures. Julius Carey III, who portrayed Sho'Nuff in the original film, died in August of complications from pancreatic cancer.
DR. DRE SUES BOOK AUTHOR: Producer's accuses former friend of stiffing him on a loan.
*Dr. Dre has filed a lawsuit against the author of the book "Rollin' With Dre," claiming he loaned the writer money and has yet to be paid back.
TMZ.com is reporting that the lawsuit, filed this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accuses Dre's former friend, Bruce Williams, of failing to pay back a loan worth $101,377.85.
The book, released last March, detailed Williams' years working alongside the artist, whose real name is Andre Young. Williams described himself as Dre's go-to guy for over 16 years.
Additionally, "Rollin' With Dre" touches on the producer's personal and professional life, as well as discussion about some of the more mysterious events in his hip-hop circle, including Death Row's internal operations.
JANET JACKSON EDITS CONCERT FOR DETROIT: Singer removes racy segment to comply with Michigan state law.
*Janet Jackson decided to cut a racy segment from her concert in Detroit Tuesday to comply with a Michigan state law that prohibits simulated sex acts in a public performing space.
Billboard.com reported that the Palace of Auburn Hills approached Jackson's camp with concerns about the three-song "Discipline" segment Tuesday afternoon. An arena spokesman said "we explained the law, asked her not to do it, she complied. We did not ask her to cut the song. That was her call."
Jackson's manager Kenneth Crear said in a statement: "Janet did not want to disappoint her Detroit-area fans again, so we adhered to Michigan's state ordinance and trimmed the 'Discipline' segment of the show so it would not be canceled."
During the segment in question, Jackson pulls a male fan from the crowd, ties him down and "molests" him while her dancers mime various sexual acts, including masturbation.
During her encore Jackson apologized for cutting the law-breaking portion of the concert, telling the 8,000 fans at the 21,000-seat venue: "We hope you enjoyed the show we gave you."
The decision to drop the saucy routine comes four years after her breast was flashed in a "wardrobe malfunction" during the Super Bowl halftime show.
Jackson's Detroit show was a make-up date for an original Sept. 27 gig that was one of several postponed when she was sidelined with a bout of migraine-induced vertigo.
'THE WIRE'S' CHAD L. COLEMAN HEADS TO FOX: Actor joins cast of new sitcom set on spaceship.
*"The Wire's" Chad L. Coleman is leaving inner city Baltimore for outer space in the new Fox comedy "Boldly Going Nowhere," from the trio who created FX's "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."
The 20th TV-produced sitcom is about what happens day-to-day on an intergalactic spaceship helmed by the rogue Capt. Ron Teague, played by Ben Koldyke.
Coleman has been cast as Cobalt, the self-absorbed, intimidating head of security for the spaceship.
The actor was last seen as Dennis "Cutty" Wise in HBO's "The Wire," which "you wouldn't normally say it in the same sentence with a broadcast comedy, but we've been going for fresh faces and strong actors," said executive producer Rob McElhenney.
VICK DENIED VIDEO-CONFERENCED GUILTY PLEA: Virginia court rules jailed quarterback must appear in person.
*Michael Vick's request to enter a guilty plea to state dogfighting charges via video conferencing was denied Thursday during a hearing in Virginia, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Surry County Circuit Court judge Sam Campbell ruled that Vick must appear in person to enter a plea. He set a court date of Nov. 25, and ruled that Surry County must pay to transport Vick from prison in Leavenworth, Kansas for the hearing.
The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback is currently serving a 23-month sentence on felony charges related to dogfighting. The state case charges Vick with one count of torturing and killing dogs and a count of promoting dogfighting. Each carries a maximum five-year prison term.
A plea agreement has been reached and signed by all parties. Surry County Commonwealth Attorney Gerald Poindexter has said that under the terms of the deal, Vick will receive a three-year suspended prison term and a $2,500 fine. The fine will be suspended if Vick pays court costs and maintains good behavior for four years.
Vick’s attorneys, Billy Martin and Larry Woodward, felt a plea by video would save time and expense. However, Poindexter balked at the idea, leading to Thursday’s hearing.
“This has been a long and very difficult road for Michael,” Martin said. “He has been incarcerated for over a year and hopes to bring closure to this case.”
ZOE SALDANA READS 'PALMS': Actress books role in indie satire of Los Angeles stereotypes.
*Zoe Saldana has joined the huge ensemble cast of "Burning Palms,"
writer-director Christopher Landon's satire of Los Angeles stereotypes as told through five interlacing stories.
Each of their characters confronts taboos and an uncertain, often darkly humorous fate, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Dylan McDermott, Lake Bell, Nick Stahl, Paz Vega and Shannen Doherty also star in the film, which is being produced by Oren Segal, Steven Prince and Jason Hewitt.
"It's kind of like a John Waters version of 'Short Cuts,'" said Segal. The segments are based on popular stereotypes of West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Westwood and Holmby Hills.
The cast also includes Adriana Barraza, Colleen Camp, Jamie Chung, Robert Hoffman, Peter Macdissi, Emily Meade, Anson Mount, Rosamund Pike, Austin Williams and Tom Wright.
Principal photography is under way in Los Angeles and moves to Baton Rouge, La., next week. Saldana will next be seen on the big screen as Uhura in "Star Trek."
LIL WAYNE WITNESSES SON'S BIRTH: Plus, rapper denies reports of signing with Jay-Z's Roc Nation.
*During a performance at Power 105.1's Powerhouse concert in New Jersey Tuesday, Lil Wayne told the crowd all about his recent experience in the delivery room for the birth of his second child.
"I delivered him. I held the left leg the whole time," Wayne said of Dwayne Michael Carter III, born at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. "It was nasty, very nasty, but it was wonderful. Oct. 22, 9:25 a.m., 7 lbs., 12 oz.
He's the best thing to ever happen to me, next to my daughter.
Wayne's 8-year-old daughter, Reginae Carter, belongs to Wayne and his high school sweetheart Antonia "Toya" Johnson. The identity of the newborn's mother has not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Allhiphop.com is reporting that reps for the rapper have denied reports that he has signed with Jay-Z's newly launched Roc Nation label.
MediaTakeOut.com had a headline earlier this week that read "Lil Wayne to Join Rocafella…Bryan 'Baby' Williams Sold the Rights to Wayne for $5 Million."
Not true, according to Wayne's camp.
DONNIE KLANG DENIES MAKING RACIST COMMENTS: Diddy's 'Making the Band 4' artist releases statement refuting Internet story.
*"Making the Band 4's" Donnie Klang is calling reports that he made racist comments on a radio show "completely fabricated" in a statement released Thursday by his reps.
"A popular Web site posted a completely fabricated story about me yesterday, and now it's circulating around the Internet," Klang said in the statement. "It is important for me to speak to my fans and let them know that the story is 100% fiction. It's completely made up!"
The original story reported that Klang made racist comments about Diddy, Day 26 and Danity Kane during an interview Tuesday night with a radio station in Long Island, NY. The Web site then provided the following transcript of the alleged interview:
Radio Host: How is it working with Diddy?
Klang: I get asked this question a lot and I never really been honest with myself or the fans but I’m going to tell you the truth … it's hell working with Diddy, he never really gives you a say dealing with your career – it's always what he wants. He is trying to make me something I’m not. He wants me to act black … I’m not sure why maybe because the majority of the Bad Boy family is black. I’m not really sure if this is the place for me anymore, but I’m trying to work through this and to tell you the truth it's really hard to work with black people in general.
Radio Host: Wow you just put it all out there and you made a very strong comment about black people which I’m sure is gonna cost a lot of controversy.
Klang: Well I’m being honest.
Klang, continued in his statement Thursday: "I love all my fans and all people of various racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. I would never, in any way, say anything racially derogatory. In addition, I love my Bad Boy family and have nothing but love for the entire label and staff.
Don't believe the lies! The story is absolutely false."
JADAKISS PRESSURED TO CHANGE CD TITLE: Rapper said original name 'wasn't testing well at retail.'
*Rapper Jadakiss had to change the name of his upcoming album, originally titled "Kiss My Ass," after retail stores gave his label negative feedback. The CD will now be called "The Last Kiss."
"I had to change the name of my album. 'Kiss My Ass' wasn't testing well at retail. Not even with the exclamations or none of that," he told WENN. "So we had to switch it to 'The Last Kiss.'"
Jadakiss says he understands that the title could be a bit misleading.
"Some people asked me is it my last album," he said. "Nah, it's just ... the first album was 'Kiss The Game Goodbye,' the second one was 'The Kiss of Death,' so this one was 'The Last Kiss.' It's the closing of a trilogy.
"It's the last time 'Kiss' is going to be in the album titles. This is why this is 'The Last Kiss.'"
AFRICAN AMERICAN GOLF DOCUMENTARY PLANNED: Feature will air on Golf Channel during Black History Month.
*The Orlando Business Journal is reporting that the Golf Channel is partnering with Moxie Pictures to produce a documentary focusing on African American golfers in honor of Black History Month.
The feature, "Uneven Fairways," will use archival footage to follow the stories of men and women athletes who fought racism and other challenges to play the game of golf.
“These are inspiring stories of golfers who overcame great odds just to create a tour where they could compete,” said Page Thompson, president of Golf Channel in a statement.
The feature will air on Golf Channel Feb. 11 in high definition.
JOHNNY MATHIS EXPANDS TOUR: Crooner's schedule in North America extends through next spring.
*Legendary crooner Johnny Mathis has added shows to his current North American tour, stretching the trek well into spring of 2009, reports Live Daily.
Mathis' leisurely schedule has amounted to two to four concerts per month since the summer. He kicks off another string of shows Nov. 6 in Cleveland before stopping in New York, California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey and Ontario through early April.
The itinerary, listed below, includes two-night stands in Windsor, Ontario; Santa Rosa, CA; Palm Desert, CA; and Atlantic City, NJ.
Mathis is supporting his April release, "A Night to Remember," which comprises a host of classic hits including "Walk On By," "Just The Two Of Us" and "The Closer I Get To You." The record features such guest stars as Kenny G, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, Dave Koz and Mone't.
The itinerary for Johnny Mathis' "A Night To Remember" tour is listed below:
November 2008
6 - Cleveland, OH - Palace Theatre
8 - Utica, NY - Stanley Theater
21, 22 - Windsor, Ontario - The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
December 2008
6, 7 - Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
13 - Temecula, CA - Pechanga Casino Theatre
January 2009
6 - Fort Worth, TX - Bass Performance Hall
8 - San Antonio, TX - Majestic Theatre
23, 24 - Palm Desert, CA - McCallum Theatre
February 2009
14 - Melbourne, FL - King Center for the Performing Arts
16 - Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
March 2009
13-14 - Atlantic City, NJ - Tropicana Hotel and Casino
April 2009
2 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theatre
4 - Morristown, NJ - Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
OBAMA BITS: Infomercial/Daily Show ratings through the roof; CodeBlackTV.com's Film Collection; LeBron & Jay-Z in Cleveland; Frampton's yard signs;
*Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama drew an estimated 33.6 million people for his half-hour informercial Wednesday night, according to Nielsen Media Research. The 8 to 8:30 p.m. ad ran simultaneously on CBS, NBC, Fox, BET, Univision, MSNBC and TV One, and aides said it cost the campaign roughly $4 million. It profiled several Americans struggling with a tough economy, with Obama explaining his plans to address each hardship. The spot had its biggest audience on NBC, with 7.7 million viewers.
*Wednesday's broadcast of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," featuring an appearance by Barack Obama, was the most-watched and highest-rated episode in its history with 3.6 million total viewers. The episode beats the prior most-watched episode record set on Oct. 8 – when Jon's guest was Obama's wife, Michelle – by 700,000 total viewers. To view Sen. Obama's interview on "The Daily Show," click here: http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=189761&title=barack-obama.
*On Monday, www.codeblacktv.com will premiere a poignant new short film series entitled "The Inspiration of Barack Obama: Yes We Can Film Collection." The series follows several individuals inspired to vote for Barack Obama, and will air from 1 a.m. EST on Nov. 3 through the following 24 hours until Election Day, Nov. 4.
*Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James took to his home court Wednesday night to host a free concert by Jay-Z for Barack Obama. Nearly 20,000 fans filled Quicken Loans Arena for the "Last Chance for Change" rally, which began after Obama's 30-minute TV ad was shown on a giant screen above the stage, reports the Associated Press. "I want everybody in here, moms, dads, aunts, uncles to get out and vote," James said. "November 4th is the most important day of our lives." He then introduced Jay-Z, who performed his biggest hits before ending with his own plea to voters. "Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk, and Martin walked so Obama could run," the rapper said. "Obama is running so we all can fly, so let's fly."
*British rocker Peter Frampton, best known for his 1976 hit "Baby, I Love Your Way," has gone public with his frustration over folks who keep stealing his Barack Obama yard signs. The Associated Press says the Grammy winner is one of a few Obama supporters in the upscale and predominantly Republican Cincinnati suburb of Indian Hill. Frampton, 58, was so angry that he called the Cincinnati Enquirer asking to be interviewed. He said he became a U.S. citizen so he could vote, but the violation of his rights to free/political speech "bugs" him. Frampton said he has installed a video camera to catch the thieves.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Source re-launch party; KDAY drops Mo'Nique Show; Rosario denies rumors; Laila posts baby pics; 50 Cent, Beyonce on last 'TRL.'
*L. Londell McMillan, the new co-owner and executive publisher of The Source, was to host a re-launch party for the magazine last night at Home on West 27th Street to promote the I Am Change political group. The guest list included Queen Latifah, Gayle King, Lil' Kim, and Fabolous, reports the New York Post. McMillan, an entertainment lawyer who counts Stevie Wonder, Prince and Spike Lee as clients, took the magazine out of bankruptcy in August. The Source's previous owners, David Mays and Ray "Benzino" Scott, were pushed out in 2006, after Benzino forced editors to plug his rap group, Almighty RSO.
*AllAccess.com is reporting that Los Angeles urban station KDAY (93.5 The Beat) has dropped Syndication One's "Mo'Nique Show," which had been airing in the extended midday time slot from 1-4 p.m. Until a permanent replacement has been determined, the station has gone local and music-intensive in middays.
*Rosario Dawson is denying reports that she got engaged to her DJ boyfriend Mathieu Schreyer. "Oh my God, I'd be getting calls from my grandmother being like, 'Mija! How come I had to read this first?'" the 29-year-old actress told People. "Believe me, no." Dawson says they are dating, but not planning a wedding. They've also been spending time together helping with voter drives for next week's election.
*Laila Ali has posted new photos of her son Curtis Jr. on her blog: The little one was born last month weighing in at 6.8 lbs. and measuring 19 inches long. Click here to take a peek: http://lailaali.com/index.cfm?pn=1=view=PHOTO=401158=400248=374
*50 Cent, Fall Out Boy and the Backstreet Boys are the latest artists confirmed to perform on MTV's "Total Finale Live," joining Beyoncé on the two-hour special marking the end of the network's "Total Request Live." Original host Carson Daly will return to co-host the big finale, alongside current host Damien Fahey. "Total Finale Live" will air Sunday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can also expect in-studio appearances from Ludacris, Mariah Carey, Diddy and Snoop Dogg. Former "TRL" VJs Dave Holmes, Jesse Camp, La La Vasquez and Hilarie Burton will also be on hand.
DEPRESSION HIDDEN IN BLACKS WITH HEART DISEASE: Condition often goes untreated, according to new study.
*Reuters reports of a new study that suggests African Americans with heart disease are as likely to suffer from depression as their white counterparts, but they are less likely to be on medication for it.
The study of 864 adults with coronary heart disease found that 35 percent of African Americans and 27 percent of whites had symptoms of depression. Yet black patients were less than half as likely to be on an antidepressant medication.
The findings are important, the researchers say, because depression in people with heart disease has been linked to a two- to four-fold higher risk of complications. Studies have found that depressed heart disease patients have higher risks of a heart attack or stroke, and may die earlier than those without depression.
"Undertreatment of depression is a serious clinical issue," Dr. James Blumenthal, one of researchers on the current study, said in a statement.
These latest findings suggest that black heart patients, in particular, need better diagnosis and treatment of depression, according to Blumenthal and his colleagues at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.
The study included 727 white patients and 137 black patients seen at Duke for coronary heart disease. All completed a standard questionnaire used to screen for depression. Blumenthal's team found that depression was similarly common among black and white patients, and the severity of their symptoms was comparable as well. However, while 21 of depressed white patients were on an antidepressant, only 12 percent of black patients were.
The difference was greatest among men; 43 percent of moderately to severely depressed white men were taking an antidepressant, versus 22 percent of their black counterparts.
The researchers are not sure why the racial disparity exists. They lacked information on the study patients' health insurance, so it's not possible to tell whether differences in coverage are a factor. Nor do they know whether doctors were less likely to prescribe to black patients, or whether African Americans were less likely to want an antidepressant.
Blumenthal pointed out that therapies other than antidepressants may be helpful for heart disease patients' depression. He is currently conducting a study comparing aerobic exercise with drugs in treating depression.
"We clearly need to do a better job of recognizing and treating depression, especially in heart patients," Blumenthal said. "We need treatments that work, treatments that are acceptable to patients, and treatments that are actually incorporated into medical practice."
OPENING THIS WEEK: Kam's Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun For movies opening October 31, 2008
by Kam Williams
BIG BUDGET FILMS
The Haunting of Molly Hartley (PG-13 for violence, terror, teen drinking, brief profanity and mature themes) Haley Bennett handles the title role in this horror flick about a 17 year-old’s desperate effort to escape from Satan after she learns that her parents once entered into a pact with the Devil in order to safe her life.
The Other End of the Line (PG-13 for suggestive material) Globalization romantic drama about a credit card company operator (Shriya) from India who travels from Mumbai to San Francisco to rendezvous with a customer (Jesse Metcalfe) she fell in love with on the telephone. Catch is, he thinks she’s American.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (R for graphic nudity, pervasive profanity, explicit sexuality and crude humor) Kevin Smith directs this romantic comedy about a couple of cash-strapped platonic friends (Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks) who make a pornographic film to solve their money woes only to find themselves falling in love with each other. Cast includes Justin Long, Jason Mewes, Craig Robinson and Traci Lords.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
The First Basket (Unrated) Hoop documentary explores the impact of pioneer Jewish athletes on the evolution of basketball from a street game played in inner-city tenement alleys to the phenomenally-popular professional sport loved the world over.
The Matador (Unrated) Toreador documentary chronicling David Fandila’s three-year quest to become the world’s top-ranked matador by besting bulls in rings in Spain and Latin America.
Monks: The Transatlantic Feedback (Unrated) Musical bio-pic about a counter-Beatles rock group, started in the Sixties by five American GIs stationed in Germany during the Cold War, generally credited with creating the industrial, punk, heavy metal and techno sounds.
My Name Is Bruce (Unrated) Bruce Campbell plays himself in this comedy about a B-movie, horror flick star who finds himself forced to play his most famous role in real-life by fighting a monster wreaking havoc in a small town in Oregon.
One Day You’ll Understand (Unrated) Holocuast docudrama, based on Jerome Clement’s autobiographical novel, set in the Eighties, recounting a Frenchman’s (Hippolyte Girardot) obsession with determining what happened to his Jewish grandparents who perished in a concentration camp during World War II. (In French with subtitles)
Splinter (R for violence, gore and profanity) Horror flick about a young couple (Jill Wagner and Paulo Costanzo) on a camping vacation who join forces with their carjackers (Shea Whigam and Rachel Kerbs) when they find themselves being pursued by a voracious parasitic creature.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose - a cause to pursue, a person to love, a goal to achieve." — John Maxwell
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Oct. 31: Rapper Rob Van Winkle (Vanilla Ice) is 41.
Nov. 1: Rapper Willie D of the Geto Boys is 42.
Nov. 2: Singer Earl "Speedo" Carroll of The Cadillacs and The Coasters is 71. Singer Alvin Chea of Take 6 is 41. Rapper Nelly is 34. Rapper Prodigy of Mobb Deep is 34.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Ladies, do you need another pair of shoes? If so, here's a site with shoes in all colors and styles (www.headoverheelzonline.net/).
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Oct. 31, 1899: W.F. Burr patents railway switch.
Nov. 1, 1910: Activist W.E.B. Dubois begins publication of the NAACP monthly magazine, Crisis.
Nov. 2, 1954: Charles C. Diggs Jr. of Detroit elected Michigan's first black congressman. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
