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CELEBS REACT TO OBAMA WIN: Oprah, Diddy, Madonna, Kanye, Moore, Lohan, Clooney, others quoted.

 *Stars were aligned for Barack Obama Tuesday night following the announcement of his victory in the presidential election.

 Oprah Winfrey, who has raised money for the Illinois democrat, could not hold back the tears while attending the victory rally in Chicago's Grant Park.

       "I was so, so, so excited and then just sort of a calm came over me,"
she told TV's The Insider. "It feels like it actually is kind of real, so it feels great." Asked what this means for the country, she said, "It means democracy at its finest. It's just the best. We did this. America did this."
      
       Kanye West, whose mother Donda died last November, posted a portrait of the President-elect on his blog with the message: "HI MOM, OBAMA WON!"

       Diddy, who turned 39 on Tuesday, delayed his usual birthday bash with the hopes of having a grand birthday/Obama celebration the next night. He gave this promise for the inauguration: "I will definitely DJ at the party for free."
      
       TLC's Chili was quoted by E! Online as saying: "This is amazing.
…Never thought I'd live to see this."
      
       Rap mogul Russell Simmons told E!: "The vision of the hip-hop generation and its young people is in full and glorious effect tonight.
While many older Americans, who marched and struggled so hard so Senator Obama could run for president of the United States never dared to believe in his candidacy's real potential, young people, particularly the hip-hop community, had faith and their imagination became our reality."
      
       The New York Daily News' Rush & Malloy column collected quotes from celebs around the Big Apple following Obama's announcement as president.
      
       "I'm so excited right now," Ethan Hawke told the paper at Comedy Central's blast at The Park. "I got up at 7:20 this morning, and I voted for Barack. I haven't had this much optimism in a long time. Tonight is historic!"

       Studio boss Harvey Weinstein, who hosted two election bashes in years past where he left in tears, said: "It's a great day for America." The movie mogul had invited the Clintons to his fete at Public House, but they'd stayed home to watch the results in Chappaqua.
      
       Actors James Franco, Josh Lucas and Jessica Alba did attend Weinstein's bash, and when someone put Fox News on the tube, Lucas yelled out, "Change the f-----g channel!" Alba told us, "I was surprised that McCain brought race into his speech. I guess he was trying to bring people together."
      
       Model Veronica Webb, at designer Tracey Reese's party at her shop, told the Daily News: "We've just moved to New York, but we voted in Florida, where it really counted."
      
       Amber Lee Ettinger, aka "Obama Girl," burst into tears at the barelypolitical.com party at NY hotspot Haven when her "crush" was named the new president. "This is the day I've been waiting for," she said.

       In a video posted on YouTube, Madonna claps her hands and declares, "This is a historical evening! ... We are lucky to be sharing it with each other!"

       George Clooney said in a statement: "I congratulate President-elect Obama on his historic victory, and now it's time to begin unifying the country so we can take on the extraordinary challenges that this generation faces."
      
       Lindsay Lohan, who just wrapped a stint on ABC's "Ugly Betty," wrote on her MySpace page: "OBAMA IS OUR PRESIDENT!" and said that everyone who voted, "no matter their choice ... should be proud for voting in the first place."
      
       Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore responded on his Web site, saying, "Who among us is not at a loss for words? Tears pour out. Tears of joy. Tears of relief. A stunning, whopping landslide of hope in a time of deep despair."
      
       E! Online reported Courteney Cox and husband David Arquette hosted an Obama victory party Tuesday night at their Beverly Hills home. Sources say that Jennifer Aniston, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher were among those in attendance.
      

DIDDY CAPTURES HIS VOTE ON FILM: Birthday boy takes camera into the booth.

 *A bevy of cameras captured Sean "Diddy" Combs as he cast his vote Tuesday for Barack Obama.

 The rap mogul was filmed standing in line at his polling site, a school in midtown Manhattan, and then followed as he disappeared behind the booth's curtain. A camera for the Associated Press managed to shoot him from under the booth's dividing wall as he completed his ballot and took a picture of it to document history. [View clip below.]

       "People died for us to have this right," the rap mogul said in this clip. "So to exercise this right today is to give back to Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks and everyone who fought for us. As a representative of the youth vote, you know, I think this year we're going to shock the world and break all the numbers, all the records ever."

       Referring to the black community, Diddy said, "We're not going to vote for anyone just because they're black. We're going to vote for the best candidate. He has to be extra qualified for us to vote for him."

IT'S 'OPRAH UNLEASHED': TV host finally free to gush over Obama on talk show; Wednesday's broadcast was day one.

 *Wearing a t-shirt that read "Hope Won," Oprah Winfrey was extra happy on her talk show Wednesday in a broadcast dedicated to new President-elect Barack Obama, whom she has ardently supported throughout his road to the White House.

 "I have two words for you America, Mr. President!" she shouted to audience cheers at the open of Wednesday's show, which featured a panel of prominent Americans - including Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Rep. John Lewis and feminist Gloria Steinem - to discuss Obama's historic win.

       Before introducing the segment, Winfrey addressed supporters of John McCain, saying she understands that they might be feeling disappointed over Obama's win.  "I'm telling you, if this was not the outcome, I would be doing this show from Northwestern hospital with a drip today," she said.
      
       "During this long campaign, I made a vow in the beginning to not use my show as a platform, so I kept my mouth shut and supported Barack Obama as a private citizen," she added. "Today, though, the election is over, and I'm unleashed!"
      
       On Tuesday night, national television cameras caught the avid Obama supporter in tears while listening to his victory speech in Chicago's Grant Park.

 "It feels like hope won," the TV icon told Britain's BBC that night.
"It feels like there's a shift in consciousness. It feels like something really big and bold has happened here, like nothing ever in our lifetimes did we expect this to happen."

WILL.I.AM DEBUTS NEW OBAMA SONG: 'It's a New Day' follows up February's viral hit 'Yes We Can.'

 *Will.i.am has created a new song about Barack Obama to follow up "Yes We Can," his previous ode to the Illinois senator who on Tuesday became the 44th president of the United States.

 "This was inspired by America," the Black Eyed Peas leader told The Associated Press Tuesday night of his song "It's A New Day." "It's about Obama winning, and really paying tribute to those people who are responsible for that happening, and that's the American people.

       The clip was due to premiere Wednesday on his Web site dipdive.com.
Once again, Will.i.am enlisted fellow celebrities, asking them to send him their video testimonials: He spent part of Election Night editing them so he could debut the final product the next morning.
      
       "The whole thing is really for people to leave testimonials, to create a page and leave testimonials on how they feel about this American accomplishment," the music star explained.

       Will.i.am's video for "Yes We Can" featured celebrities such as Ryan Phillippe, John Legend, Scarlet Johansson and others giving vocalizations to an Obama speech over will.i.am's music. It was a viral hit when it debuted in February, getting millions of views online.
      

OBAMA'S WIN LEAVES USHER 'SPEECHLESS': Singer jokes he would've left the country had McCain won.

 *Usher was moved beyond words over Tuesday's historic victory of President-elect Barack Obama, telling Access Hollywood: "I'm speechless, honestly. I don't even know what to say."

       Somehow finding his voice, Ursh told the TV show: "Barack Obama doesn't represent a color. He represents change. I think this sets us off in the right direction in terms of change of tone. … The fact that so many people were encouraged by [his] words … by his message. It was never self-serving, it was always for country. Country first!"
      
       In terms of his own personal reaction to the outcome of the election, the 30-year-old added: "Man, this is incredible, after a lot of campaigning, and then a lot of prayer … It's so incredible to see that this historical thing has happened, man."
      
       "Before it was a thought of what happens if he doesn't win," the singer continued. "The public service that went into this and the encouragement that's come out of it, it's just incredible to see it happen."

      
       The musician also revealed he was prepared to uproot himself temporarily had things turned out differently.
      
       "In the event he didn't win, I gave some thought to leaving the country," he conceded before happily interjecting that such a drastic measure would not be necessary. "I'm proud to be an American."

JANET JACKSON ABANDONS TOUR: Camp decides to cancel instead of reschedule postponed dates.

 *RollingStone.com is reporting that Janet Jackson has ended her Rock Witchu Tour early following a number of issues, including a reported bout of vertigo that led to several cancelled dates.

 The pop star has decided to cancel all of her postponed dates instead of rescheduling them, bringing the tour to a sudden close. Jackson's team blames the cancellations on "conflicts in the singer's schedule."

       News of the cancellation follows the announced departure of opening act LL Cool J, reportedly due to all of the postponed shows.

       In all, seven shows have been cancelled, including stops in Montreal, Boston and Philadelphia.

HUDSON WANTED MOM OUT OF NEIGHBORHOOD: People close to singer say she was worried for her mother's safety.

 *Friends of Jennifer Hudson's family were interviewed this week by WENN to shed light on the type of neighborhood that surrounded the house where her late mother, brother and nephew resided.

       Darnell Donerson, 57, and Jason Hudson, 29, were found shot to death inside of the house on Oct. 24. The body of Jennifer's 7-year-old nephew was discovered three days later in an abandoned SUV several blocks away on Chicago's South Side. The boy had also been shot.

       "Jennifer knew all about the violence," family friend Sharita Dickey says. "She was able to get out, and wanted to take her mama with her, but Darnell said no."
      
       Hudson's second cousin, Reverend Krista Alston, adds, "Jennifer is hurting and asking why this happened. She's asking why she didn't do more to persuade Darnell to move away. It was Darnell's decision to stay here in Chicago. This was her home and her family were here."
      
       Police continue to interview person of interest William Balfour, the estranged husband of Hudson's sister Julia.

WE REMEMBER: Soul singer Nathaniel Mayer dies following series of strokes.

 *Soul singer Nathaniel Mayer, best known for his Top 40 hit "Village of Love" in 1962, has died from complications following a series of strokes, his representatives said on Tuesday. He was 64.

       Mayer died on Saturday in Detroit, according to a blog posting on his MySpace page. He suffered a stroke in April, and his representatives said at the time that doctors were optimistic that he would recover. But the announcement of his death said that he suffered many months of complications and illnesses.
      
       A devotee of James Brown, Mayer largely abandoned the recording business after "Village of Love," but returned in 2004 to record the album "I Just Want To Be Held" for boutique Mississippi label Fat Possum Records.
      
       He released a follow-up in August 2005, "Why Don't You Give It To Me?" (Alive Records), helped by a crew of young punk and soul revivalists, including Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach.
      
       Funeral arrangements for Mayer are pending.

SONY CLASSICS BUYS 'SOUL POWER' DOC: Film features James Brown, B.B. King, Bill Withers and others at 'Zaire '74' concert.

 *Sony Pictures Classics has picked up North American rights to the R&B star-studded rockumentary "Soul Power," which features performances from James Brown, B.B. King, Bill Withers and others at the historic "Zaire '74"
concert in Africa.

       The 12-hour, three-night long event was held alongside the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, a bout detailed in the Oscar-winning documentary "When We Were Kings."
      
       Sony Classics also picked up Latin American rights to "Soul Power,"
which premiered this fall at the Toronto International Film Festival, reports the Hollywood Reporter.

ERIQ LA SALLE BACK AT 'ER' TO DIRECT: Former star of NBC drama to call shots in upcoming episode.

 *Original "ER" cast member Eriq La Salle will sit in the director's chair for an episode scheduled to air during February sweeps, reports Variety.

       The actor left the long-running NBC drama in 2002 to write and direct TV and features.
      
       "In the years since Eriq left 'ER' he's established himself as a very accomplished director," the show's exec producer David Zabel said. "We're all thrilled to have him contributing a different talent to a show that he's already contributed so much to."

       La Salle's recent directing resume includes two episodes of "Law & Order: SVU" and "Without A Trace." as well as the HBO film "Rebound."
      
       La Salle's next on-camera appearance comes in March via the Hallmark Channel original movie "Relative Stranger."

MICHELLE OBAMA ON DISPLAY IN NYC: Exhibit at the New Museum in Manhattan features painting of future First Lady and Sasha.

       *An exhibition featuring the works of artist Elizabaeth Peyton includes an oil painting of soon-to-be First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughter Sasha, reports the Associated Press.
      
        Unveiled Wednesday at the New Museum on Manhattan's Lower East Side, "Michelle and Sasha Obama Listening to Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention" depicts the little girl reclining on her mother's lap as Michelle Obama listens intently to her husband accepting the Democratic nomination at August's convention in Denver.
      
       The painting is part of a larger exhibition of Peyton's work that opened last month and will run through Jan. 11. It was painted in August from a photograph and added to the exhibition Wednesday, a day after Obama was elected president.
      
       The portrait has already been sold. Museum officials, however, declined to disclose the price or the buyer's name.
      
       The image also appears in this month's W magazine.

BADU SAYS STOP HATING ON HER PREGNANCY: Singer attacks critics who take issue with her out-of-wedlock situations.

 *Erykah Badu has a few choice words for critics angered over her decisions to have three children out of wedlock by three different artists.

       The singer, who has kids by OutKast star Andre Benjamin and rapper The D.O.C., was reportedly taken aback when she read nasty online comments about her decision to have another baby -- reportedly fathered by Jay Electronica.
      
  "How dare you disrespect the queendom?" she blasted back on her Web site. "I've never been so disgusted in all of my life. ... (You can) kiss my black placenta.

       "Every relationship I've ever been in was because I loved the person dearly and was dedicated to us exclusively for a number of years.
      
       "The fathers of my children are my brothers and friends. We have a great deal of respect for one another and always will. ... Would it look better to marry and divorce and marry again? Would that be morally correct?"

NEW TYRA-PRODUCED SHOW TO BEGIN JAN. 5: 'True Beauty' features Ashton Kutcher as co-producer.

 *The new reality show from executive producers Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher has just received a plum slot on ABC's winter schedule, reports Variety.

 Titled "True Beauty," the series will make its debut on Monday, Jan.
5 at 10 p.m. following the two-hour season premiere of "The Bachelor." 

       The following week, "The Bachelor" will shrink down to its normal 90-minute frame, leaving room for "Samantha Who?" in its regular 9:30 p.m.
slot. "True Beauty" continues at 10.
      
       ABC has kept details of "True Beauty" under wraps. But, the show from Warner Horizon, Bankable Prods. and Katalyst, revolves around people who live in a house together and compete in a beauty pageant.

OMARI HARDWICK CAST IN TNT PILOT: 'The Line' stars actor as an undercover LAPD officer.

       *Actor Omari Hardwick, best known for his role as a paramedic in the TNT series "Saved," returns to the cable channel in the upcoming drama pilot "The Line," according to the Hollywood Reporter.
      
       Executive produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, "Line" is a character-based police drama that revolves around a squad of undercover LAPD officers as they walk the line between doing their job and being seduced by easy money.

       Hardwick will play Ty, an undercover cop with complex criminal aliases who is a model suburban husband on the outside.

        The pilot will be directed by Danny Cannon and written by Doug Jung and Jonathan Littman.

50 CENT'S RISE TO 'POWER': Rapper's new MTV reality show debuts tonight.

 *Rapper 50 Cent's reality show "The Money and the Power" will make its world premiere tonight at 10 p.m. on MTV.

        The show features 14 "wannabe moguls" in a competition to earn a $100,000 investment from the rapper - who will act as a mentor, sharing his business savvy with the competitors.
      
       The first of many physical challenges given to the players throughout the season comes on tonight's episode, as the two teams must navigate their way to their Brooklyn base - dubbed Camp Curtis - while chained together.
      
       According to MTV, the show will also feature cameos by LL Cool J, Aubrey O'Day and Lloyd Banks. [View trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZqdxYu0ZTI.]  

ITTY BITTY BITS: Election Night ratings; Obama's Cali office sued; Tommy the Clown sued; Rihanna reps Gucci charity.

       *AP is reporting that 78.6 million people tuned in to Election Night returns Tuesday across 14 broadcast and cable news networks. ABC News, with Charles Gibson leading a team that broadcast from New York's Times Square, won bragging rights with 13.1 million prime-time viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. That topped CNN's 12.3 million and NBC's 12 million. CNN essentially doubled its audience from the 2004 Election Night, reflecting how cable is increasingly the go-to choice for television news. NBC had 15.2 million viewers four years ago, when Tom Brokaw and the late Tim Russert led in the ratings.

 *TMZ.com is reporting that a man has sued Barack Obama's campaign office in California in L.A. County Superior Court on claims he was stiffed out of money for selling flyers. Fidel Rodriguez says he sold $10,000 worth of postcards, paper flyers and other advertising materials to Californians for Obama and Californians for Change, but has yet to be paid the $4,740 balance.

       *A lawsuit has been filed in L.A. County Superior Court against Krump star Tommy the Clown, and the director of a documentary starring the dancer, alleging breach of contract and interference with existing contractual relations, reports TMZ.com. California corporation Krown Towers claims it contributed $30,000 to make the 2005 movie "Rize" -- and in turn was promised 25% of its net revenue, which it never received. Krown's suit targets Lions Gate Films, Thomas E. Johnson AKA "Tommy The Clown," director David LaChapelle and other individuals responsible for the non-payment.

 *Rihanna has been crowned the face of Gucci's new campaign for The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The pop superstar will front the Italian designer's Tattoo Heart range of products, reports WENN. A quarter of all profits made from the line will be donated to the children's charity. Gucci creative director Frida Giannini said Rihanna's "strong personality" was a good fit for the cause, because "a musician and a beautiful woman was the perfect icon for this campaign."

EUR DVD REVIEW: Kung Fu Panda
Charming Animated Adventure Starring Jack Black Comes to DVD DVD Review by Kam Williams

      *Po (Jack Black) is a clumsy panda who works in his family's noodle shop in an idyllic oasis known as the Valley of Peace.

      Instead of concentrating on customers, the young Kung Fu fan always seems to be dreaming of studying martial arts alongside the Furious Five, a legendary quintet comprised of the Tigress (Angelina Jolie), the Crane (David Cross), the Praying Mantis (Seth Rogen), the Viper (Lucy Liu) and the Monkey (Jackie Chan). However, Po's so uncoordinated that he's embarrassed to share his secret desire with his father (James Hong) who expects his son to take over the restaurant when he retires.

      This all changes the day elderly Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim), a sage sensei, has an eerie premonition about Tai Lung (Ian McShane), a former protégé of his gone bad. He has a hunch that the treacherous leopard has escaped from prison and is headed back to the region with revenge in mind.

      So, in accordance with an ancient Chinese prophecy, Oogway stages a formal ceremony to name a Dragon Warrior to defend the kingdom. Everyone expects him to pick from among the Furious Five, but a comedy of errors leads to his settling on Po, a late-arriving spectator who makes an attention-grabbing entrance.

      Afforded an opportunity of a lifetime, Po enlists the assistance of Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) to prepare for the big showdown. If you're at all familiar with the overcoming the odds fight genre, you know exactly what's involved, a rigorous regimen featuring trademark tableaus ranging from Rocky's one-handed pushups to The Karate Kid's balancing himself on one foot.

      An uplifting animated cross of Rocky and The Karate Kid certain to inspire and delight another generation of impressionable youngsters.

Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG for martial arts action.
Running time: 88 minutes
Studi Dreamworks Animated Home Entertainment

DVD Extras: Filmmakers' commentary, "Meet the Cast," "Pushing the Boundaries," "Sound Design," 'Kung Fu Fighting' music video, "Mr. Ping's Noodle House," "How To Use Chopsticks," "Conservation International:
Help Save Wild Pandas," "Dragon Warrior Training Academy," printables, weblinks and DreamWorks' animated video jukebox.

To see trailers of Kung Fu Panda, visit:
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi933888281/
and http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi330432793/

REV. AL  SHARPTON: Barack Obama's historic achievement: It's an inspiring day, but civil rights march must continue

     *Barack Obama's candidacy has changed forever the landscape of America because now all parents, regardless of race, can say to their children that if you work hard and sacrifice, study and help others, you can become President.

      That is an amazing testament to the transformational character of Obama's White House run.

      And the country as a whole should be proud because Obama's candidacy was never truly hobbled or engulfed by the issue of race. Instead, the American people adhered to the Rev. Martin Luther King's standard that a man be judged by the content of his character rather than the color of his skin.

      Some will argue that Obama's candidacy represents the official beginning of a "postracial" era in America, where neither race nor civil rights claims are relevant. Others will claim that Obama now trumps whatever cards I and other civil rights leaders may possess.

      Such arguments misread the racial tea leaves swirling through America.  The fact remains that, although the nation is willing to make important and laudatory exceptions to the "race rule," it still exists.  African-Americans are not treated equally as a people and must struggle for equality every day. This doesn't change after Obama's remarkable run.

      Consider that a recent national poll showed that 40% of white people held a negative view of African-Americans as a people. This view will not disappear because of Obama, and should he struggle going forward, those negative views against blacks would rise dramatically.

      Further, the issues that stoke the smoldering embers beneath the discussion of race and racism are still with us even while Obama soars. Just last year, hangman nooses dotted the countryside of the very states that Obama campaigned in so effectively. The tragedy of Sean Bell, the innocent man gunned down by police, happened during this election season. The Jena 6 case (in which black teenagers were treated much more harshly than their white counterparts despite causing similar mischief) and the Genarlow Wilson case (in which a teenager got a prison sentence for having oral sex with a fellow teenager) are both signs of an unequal justice system slow to change.

      Further, closing the education achievement gap between black and white students, perhaps the civil rights issue of our generation, will not happen solely because a black man is a national leader of unprecedented stature.

      Significantly, to expect that a President Obama would be the right person to lead the fight for civil rights in America because he is black is to exacerbate these combustible race problems and widen the chasm between blacks and whites. Why? Because white people would quite fairly resent such a unilateral, herculean effort by a national leader who is also African-American. Justifiably or not, Obama would be viewed by many as self-dealing.

      Yet if Obama stays mute on race issues, his exalted public position will do nothing to improve the lives of people of color whose rights are being violated daily. In that instance, leaders like me must keep him accountable, because to allow Obama to ignore the plight of black America would fan the flames of racial injustice.

      We should have always understood that whoever our first black President would be, he would be leader of all the people, not just black America.  Further, we must recognize that without the appropriate consciousness-raising by civil rights leaders, race issues could either doom such a leader to a failed one-term presidency or doom America to remaining hostage to its inglorious racial past.

      Both options are untenable and threaten to divide us further along racial lines.

      So, although Obama's candidacy has fantastically and forever shattered the shackles in the American psyche that a black person can't make it in America, it says nothing - yet - about what blacks as a people can achieve, particularly when we are viewed skeptically by so many.

      And until we have reached that tipping point where race does not negatively affect millions of people of color - as opposed to just one - there is still much more work for me and other civil rights leaders to do.

Sharpton is president of the National Action Network.

# # #

Source:
Rachel Noerdlinger
Vice President of Communications
Reverend Al Sharpton Media
revalmedia@yahoo.com

or

Rita Abrahams
Communications Associate
sharptonmediateam@gmail.com

THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: 'Soul Men,' starring Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac finally hits theatres November 7th; and, Fresh new voice of Leigh Jones on her debut 'Music in my Soul' is released on Peak Records

By Eunice Moseley

The 'Soul Men' motion picture finally hits theaters, the last project of both Bernie Mac and 'soul man' Isaac Hayes

   "We were trying to find a project Bernie and I could do together," said Golden Globe nominee Samuel L. Jackson who co-stars with Bernie Mac in the new Dimensions Film/MGM, "Soul Men." "His manager came up with the concept of 'grumpy old soul men' on the road. I wanted good music, the O'Jays and Gladys Knight and the Pips."

   Director Malcolm Lee (Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins) and producers David Friendly (Little Miss Sunshine), Steve Greener (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and Charles Castaldi (The Best Men) got together and made it happen. They enlisted writers Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone for the script; a script Samuel says he stayed on, but Bernie Mac stayed off, and they enlisted legendary Stax Records for the music archives.

   In the comedy "Soul Men" you will see what made Bernie Mac one of the 'kings of comedy.' His timing and punchlines, many of them off-script, will have you laughing throughout and the music from days past will have you reminiscent, especially if you are over 30.

   For those new to the Stax Records sounds it will make you want to go out and buy the soundtrack which includes some of its hits. You will hear Isaac Hayes (Stax Records legendary artist) singing "Never can Say Goodbye;" Anthony Hamilton singing "Soul Music;" John Legend sings "I'm Your Puppet;" Ryan Shaw on "Memphis Train;" Sharon Leal on "Comfort Me," and Chris Pierce and Leela James on "Private Number."

   Samuel and Bernie play Louis Hinds (Samuel) and Floyd Henderson (Bernie) a popular singing duo back in the day, who started out as a group with lead singer Marcus Hooks (played by John Legend) before he left, making them a duo. After the death of their former leader, the two, who had parted ways years ago and had never spoken since, reunite for a tribute concert to Marcus held at the legendary Apollo Theatre. They spend five days on the road and during that time they comically hatch over a 20 year grudge.

   "I heard John Legend music playing when I was meeting with Malcolm," said producer Charles Castaldi. "We wanted someone we could make old, as oppose to someone old we had to make younger. (After John Legend's song went off) I said that I wish I could get someone like him, turned out that he wanted to do it and was available."

   Castaldi said that this is the first film where Bernie carried the movie and in tribute to Bernie, who passed away August 9th shortly after filming, at the end of the film we get to see Bernie doing stand-up.

   "Bernie always had a positive attitude," film director Malcolm Lee said about his experience with the late comedian/actor. "He didn't like to rehearse. When we were rehearsing the first scene in the movie in the apartment he kept saying 'I'm saving it.' You have to let them (comedians) loose, I learned that from 'Undercover Brothers' with Eddie Griffin and Dave Chappelle, and some with 'Roll Bounce' with Mike Epps, he didn't do anything close to the script!"

   Also in the "Soul Men" motion picture is Sharon Leal (Dream Girls) who plays Cleo Whitfield, daughter to Louis Hinds (Samuel); Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) who plays Danny Epstein; Adam Herschman (I Now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry) plays Phillip Newman; Affion Crockett (Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins) plays Lester; Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie) plays Rosalee, and Isaac Hayes (Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning singer/composer/musician) plays himself.

   Choreographer Jamal Sims (Step Up 2: The Streets) helps Samuel and Bernie with the dance moves. Samuel L. Jackson said, 'I didn't worry about it (his vocals), because it wasn't Samuel singing, it was about Louis singing. I didn't know he (Bernie) could sing and dance. If there was a movie that (shows) Mac's talent, this will be the one."

   "Soul Men" is in theaters nationwide as of November 7, 2008.

The new voice from Leigh Jones is like music for your soul

   Imagine Mariah Carey singing Jazz and Blues...now you have some idea what new artist Leigh Jones brings to the music scene. Leigh Jones brings a fresh new voice to the industry table through her Peak Records debut releases titled "Music In My Soul."  Her sound is a melting-pot of Jazz, R&B, Blues, Soul and Pop.

   A Los Angeles native, Leigh met Kerry Gordy (son of Motown founder and hit maker Berry Gordy) and together they began a journey that took seven years.

   "I recorded over 70 songs," Leigh Jones said about preparing for her debut release. "When I first started I had a specific thing in mind. We wanted to mix Blues and Jazz…We meet people…we strayed."

   The result is an album with a fresh sound I know will result in her making a spot for herself in the music history books.

   "Both my parents are musicians, my dad use to sing in a group," Jones said. "Dad brought the Jazz and my mom listened to the Beach Boys. I performed a Pointer Sister song in a (first grade) talent show. I sang lots of Natalie Cole, Pointer Sisters and Mariah Carey."

   "Music In My Soul" is mainly written by Jones and Kerry Gordy with Gordy co-producing almost the entire CD. Kerry and Leigh tried different styles, for she is so versatile, they were looking for a Neo/Soul sound. You judge for yourself when you heard the album, how would you describe her sound?

   "(Some labels) looked at me and said, 'show some stomach and dance,' and I said, 'no,'" Leigh laughed while telling me of her frustrations, before meeting Kerry Gordy, in trying to become a recording artist.  "So they sent me on my way. I was introduced to Kerry and sung for him. From that day on we have been partners, developing a bond. Kerry saw something in me, took the time to find out 'what is Leigh Jones.'"

   My favorites on this impressive album is the title track, "Music in My Soul;" "All this Love" a cover of the Eldra DeBarge hit which is co-produced by Wayman Tisdale; "Cold in L.A.," the Bluesy "I'm Leaving You," co-written by Kerry; the Jazzy "Same Game," and "Who, What, Why" co-written and produced by Kerry Gordy.
 

GLENN'S STRATEGIES FOR WELL-BEING: Cold or Flu?: How to tell the difference

      Both viral and bacterial infections will make you feel sick and they share many of the same symptoms. But, did you know that:

A cold or flu virus usually lasts only up to 10 days while illnesses caused by bacteria usually last more than two weeks?

Cold and flu symptoms - runny noses, watery eyes, dry coughs, sore throats, chills, aches and pains - are caused by viruses, not bacteria?

Adults who have a sore throat without significant fever most likely do not have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat? - their disease is more likely to be caused by a virus. Most coughs do not need an antibiotic?

      Although disease-causing bacteria and viruses cause many common infections, these organisms are not the same. Bacteria can live and are found both inside and outside the human body. Viruses, on the other hand, are much smaller in size than bacteria and cannot survive outside the body's cells. Bacteria contain the genetic material they need to reproduce, while viruses need to invade healthy cells to reproduce.

      Most bacteria are harmless to humans. In fact, many are quite beneficial. The bacteria in the environment are essential for the breakdown of organic waste and the recycling of elements in the biosphere. Bacteria that normally live in humans can prevent infections and produce substances we need, such as vitamin K. Bacteria in the stomachs of cows and sheep are what enable them to digest grass. Bacteria are also essential to the production of yogurt, cheese, and pickles. Some bacteria cause infections in humans. In fact, they are a devastating cause of human disease.

      One very common type of bacterial attack is tooth decay. Even though not immediately apparent, bacteria that have been allowed to accumulate on the surface of teeth metabolize the sugar in the foods we eat. The organic acids released by the bacteria have a corrosive affect on the enamel surface of our teeth. And several recent studies have shown a link between dental disease and coronary heart disease.

      Simply put, viruses cause viral infections, and bacteria cause bacterial infections. But they're also different in other ways. Viruses are capsules of genetic material (DNA or RNA). They're much smaller than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not "living" organisms. So they require living hosts - such as people, plants or animals - to multiply. Viruses may eventually kill their host cells or become part of these cells' genetic material. Some viruses are spread directly from person to person (contagious), such as influenza and the common cold. Other viruses, such as West Nile virus and yellow fever, are not.

     Sometimes it's difficult to tell. The following are some basic guidelines regarding some of the most common illnesses:

Colds and flu - Viruses cause these illnesses. They cannot be cured with antibiotics. Both children and adults should consider being vaccinated with the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Ask your doctor or pediatrician.
Cough or bronchitis - Viruses almost always cause these. However, if you have a problem with your lungs or an illness that lasts a long time, bacteria might actually be the cause. Your doctor might decide to try using an antibiotic.
Sore throat - Most sore throats are caused by viruses and don't need antibiotics. However, strep throat is caused by bacteria. A throat swab and a lab test are usually needed before your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for strep throat.
Ear infections - There are several types of ear infections. Antibiotics are used for some, but not all, ear infections.
Sinus infections -A runny nose and yellow or green mucus do not necessarily mean you need an antibiotic. It is normal for mucus to get thick and change color during the course of a viral infection. For some long-lasting or severe cases, your doctor might decide to prescribe antibiotics.

     Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria. They do not work against any infections caused by viruses. If you have a viral infection, antibiotics will not cure it, help you feel better, or prevent someone else from getting your virus.

      Usually, antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt or change in a way that makes a specific antibiotic less able to kill them or stop them from growing. These "resistant" bacteria survive and multiply-causing more harm, such as a longer or more severe illness, more doctor visits, and the need for treatment with a more expensive and more powerful antibiotic. Over time, more and more bacteria are becoming more and more resistant to some of the most commonly used antibiotics. As this happens, fewer antibiotics are able to treat common, severe, and even rare illnesses caused by bacteria.

      Many people have asked me to explain the difference between a cold and the flu.. I hope this helps:

If you have a cold:

Your illness will usually begin slowly, two to three days after infection by the virus. It will normally last only two to seven days.
You will most likely first notice a scratchy, sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose.
You may get a mild cough a few days later.
Adults and older children usually don't have a fever, but if they do, it will be very mild.
Infants and young children, however, sometimes have fevers up to 102 degrees F.
 

If you have the flu:

You will have a sudden headache and dry cough.
You might have a runny nose and a sore throat.
Your muscles will ache.
You will be extremely tired.
You can have a fever of up to 104 degrees F.
You most likely will feel better in a couple of days, but the tiredness and cough can last for two weeks or longer.
 

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician.  It is neither intended, nor implied, to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Remember, I'm not a doctor. I just sound like one.

Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible.
 

Glenn Ellis, author of Which Doctor?, lectures and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics, including health education and health promotion.

E-mail me at info@glennellis.com

For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com

InSYnC WITH D. YATES: Technology's Newbies

      *Welcome back gadgeteers! I took some time off to focus on the election. I'm so glad I did, we have the first African American President! I could rant and rave about this since its so monumental, but its time to bring my head out of the clouds and back to reality. While there has been a lot going on in the world, there has also been a lot going on in the wonderful world of electronics. Let's check some of it out.

     Two major phones were released in the last couple of weeks that are definitely worth discussing.

      First up, Sprint's Touch Diamond. I got this phone the week after it came out. It's a cool phone. It has 4GB of internal memory so there is no need for an external memory card.  The Touch Diamond has a new interface, which is definitely an improvement over the original Sprint Touch, but it still has some issues that could potentially be fixed with a software update. However, at this point, I am beginning to realize that nothing that is man made is perfect. Physically, it's a pretty sleek device. It's way smaller than the Iphone 3G, and comes with a burgundy colored back, which I really could live without, but you can't have everything. Except for the advanced user interface, this phone still sports Windows Mobile 6.1, which has become the standard for the majority of smart phones. While it is very efficient, Microsoft's target audience isn't the hip consumer, but rather the businessman, quite opposite of Apple's target audience. So while this phone is sleek, don't expect it to replace your Ipod or MP3 player. There is the Touch HD for that… but we'll talk about that next week. For a full review, visit: http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=5275 or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35q4g6dZdM8

      Next we have the highly anticipated G1, Google's first attempt at a cell phone. This phone is supposed to be the next hottest thing on the block. Its rival is indeed the Iphone. Now, I haven't played with this phone yet, as a matter of fact, this phone was released a couple of weeks ago. The one thing that entices people about it is that it has an open-ended platform. Meaning that almost anyone can create any program and it can be used on the G1. So no need to jail breaks it with extra software. T-Mobile will be the first company to have the prestigious honor of releasing this HTC manufactured phone. Many first impressions suggest that while the phone is operationally capable of doing things, the iphone can't, it's not that attractive. Check out this review for your self and you be the judge.  For a full review, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHaVgD9eV-0

As always, please let me know what you think and remember if you need help with your gadgets… hit me up at gadgetguyconsulting@gmail.com… YES WE DID!