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11-13-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
WOMAN FOUND DEAD NEAR PAULA ABDUL'S HOME: Thirty-year-old former 'American Idol' contestant described as a Paula stalker.
*A woman who was found dead in a car outside "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul's house Tuesday evening was identified by authorities as a fan and former contestant on the Fox competition show.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's office says relatives of 30-year-old Paula Goodspeed positively identified her body Wednesday morning. Police suspect her death was a suicide, though no official cause has been determined. TMZ.com is reporting that the cause of death may have been a drug overdose.
Goodspeed auditioned for the fifth season of "American Idol" but was rejected by judges Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson following her rendition "Proud Mary." [View clip here:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx66m_paula-goodspeed-proud-mary_fun.]
"I really like Paula Abdul a lot. She's really cool," said Goodspeed when asked about her inspiration during the audition process. "I'm a really big fan, and I made life-sized drawings of Paula. I've been drawing ever since I was a little kid, and my first drawing was of Paula Abdul."
According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, Goodspeed's parents called them at 3 p.m. to report her missing and to disclose that she "had an unnatural obsession" with Abdul and could be outside the celeb's home.
Abdul was not home when the woman was found, but released a statement saying she was "deeply shocked and saddened."
DIARY OF A MAD BLACK LAWSUIT: Woman sues Tyler Perry for copyright infringement; trial began this week.
*Producer/writer/actor Tyler Perry faces federal charges in a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by a woman who claims his 2005 film "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" was copied from an original story she wrote in 1990.
Donna West, who filed the May 2007 lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Marshall, Texas, says "Diary" is based on an original story she wrote entitled "Fantasy of a Black Woman" back in November 1990. The lawsuit names Perry individually, his company Tyler Perry Studios, and Lionsgate Entertainment, according to Marshall's KSLA News 12.
In the lawsuit West says she obtained a copyright for her story in March 2006, even though Perry's movie was released in February 2005. Perry's lawyers claim West has no legal ground because she did not register her work until after the alleged infringement.
West is seeking damages plus profits made by Perry in the movie. KSLA News 12 reported that Perry was in Marshall Tuesday for jury selection in the trial. Opening arguments in the case are set for Dec. 3 at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Marshall.
SUGE KNIGHT SUES KANYE WEST OVER 2005 SHOOTING: Death Row co-founder blames rapper for lax security.
*Former Death Row mogul Marion "Suge" Knight is suing Kanye West for allowing a gunman to slip past security and into his 2005 pre-MTV VMA bash, which ended with Suge getting shot in the upper right leg.
According to the lawsuit filed on Sept. 12 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles, Suge is also blaming West for the loss of his 15-carat, $135,000 diamond stud earring, which Suge says went missing during the incident.
According to TMZ.com, Suge "is suing for all his bullet wound-related expenses and for damages for the loss of use and enjoyment of the earring."
The Web site reported, "Even though Suge is bankrupt, he's worked out a deal with the court that will allow him to keep a percentage of any dough he collects from the suit."
SMITHSONIAN TO RECREATE OBAMA FIELD OFFICE: Museum curators collected souvenirs from Va. operation for 2015 opening.
*One of the Virginia field offices in Barack Obama's presidential campaign was raided of its furniture and other items by curators at the Smithsonian Institution for use in a future exhibit, reports the Associated Press.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture, slated to open in 2015 on the National Mall, nabbed items that had been headed for the trash can — such as election maps, strategy boards, campaign literature and even a Lazy Boy chair from Obama's campaign office in Falls Church, Va. — shortly after the election.
A 21-year-old undergraduate from George Washington University ran the office, which focused on reaching a culturally and ethnically diverse range of voters to help elect the first black president. Many of their campaign signs read "Koreans for Obama" and "Latinos for Obama."
"In this very uplifting way, it seemed to be a reflection of the spectrum of people who make up the larger American community," said Jacquelyn Serwer, the museum's chief curator. "We want people, whether you're African American or not, to see yourself in the stories we're telling."
Curators on Wednesday thanked Obama's Virginia staff for saving the items. Virginia was a key swing state for Obama's win. He was the first Democratic presidential candidate to win there since 1964.
The museum is collecting as many as 100 items from the campaign office, though some will remain in an Obama volunteer's garage until the Smithsonian can find a place to store them.
The museum also is looking to grab objects from a campaign office in Colorado, to show the differing appeals from Virginia to the Rocky Mountains, and may pursue items from Obama's campaign headquarters in Chicago, Serwer said.
BEYONCE, SOLANGE SET FOR NBC'S XMAS SPECIAL: Al Roker to host 76th formal tree lighting ceremony.
*Beyonce, her sister Solange Knowles and Tony Bennett are among the celebrities who will be on hand for NBC's annual "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" telecast.
Hosted by Al Roker, this 76th formal tree lighting ceremony will also include the Jonas Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., David Cook and Rosie O'Donnell, the network announced Wednesday.
Other scheduled performers include Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, "America's Got Talent" winner Neal E. Boyd and the Broadway Kids, students in a performing arts program founded by O'Donnell. They will perform from Rockefeller Center's Art Deco plaza in the heart of Manhattan.
The live, hour-long special airs 8 p.m. EST Dec. 3.
KEKE PALMER'S NICK PREMIERE BREAKS RECORDS: 'True Jackson, VP' debut pulls network's biggest live action audience ever.
*Keke Palmer's new Nickelodeon series "True Jackson, VP" premiered to the channel's largest live-action series premiere audience ever for kids 6-11 (2 million), tweens 9-14 (2 million) and total viewers (4.8 million).
Palmer plays 15-year-old True Jackson, who ends up getting a job as Vice President of the Youth Apparel department of a fashion company called Mad Style.
She later finds out that some of the work environment is just like high school complete with mean girls and bullies.
MAURICE GREENE DISCUSSES 'DANCING' RUN: Ousted track star says experience was a 'blessing.'
*ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" lost former track-and-field star Maurice Greene this week, leaving retired NFL star Warren Sapp as the lone surviving athlete in the weekly ballroom dance series.
Described by fellow contestant Lance Bass as "everybody's buddy," Greene and his professional partner, Cheryl Burke, were eliminated Tuesday after receiving a total score of 48 out of 60 from judges for their quickstep and paso doble routines.
"I had a lot of fun," an upbeat Greene said after being eliminated. "I made a lot of new friends out here. I learned how to dance out here in front of millions of people every night. I had a great time."
After the show, he told E! Online, "It was a blessing for me to make it each week and that I stayed on the show. I had a wonderful time...and I wouldn't take anything back."
The four remaining celebrity contestants — Sapp, Bass, model-actress Brooke Burke and "Hannah Montana" actor Cody Linley — will compete in the semifinals.
Previously dismissed were: actresses Susan Lucci and Cloris Leachman; singer Toni Braxton; chef Rocco DiSpirito; reality TV star Kim Kardashian; actor Ted McGinley and comedian Jeffrey Ross. Greene's fellow Olympian, volleyball player Misty May-Treanor, dropped out of the competition after rupturing her tendon.
CHEETAH GIRL PHOTO DRAMA A HOAX?: Usmagazine now reporting that Adrienne Bailon and Web site teamed for 'PR stunt.'
*Usmagazine.com is reporting that the nude photos of Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon that were reportedly taken from her stolen laptop was all "just a PR stunt."
Bailon and JJsDirt.com founder Jonathan Jaxson leaked the story that racy shots were stolen from her laptop "purely to get attention," the Web site quotes of a source. In an interview with a local CBS affiliate, Jaxson confirmed they made up the scandal "to juice" things up.
Added Jaxson (who helped Kim Kardashian through her own nude pic drama): "What better way to do that than to say that nude pictures could have been stolen from her laptop?"
TMZ.com reported Sunday that the nude photos of Bailon, 25, were stolen from her laptop in late October while she waited for a flight at New York's JFK Airport.
NFL'S LARRY JOHNSON SUED BY ACCUSER: Woman claims he spat a drink in her face and threatened to kill her boyfriend.
*Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has been sued by a woman who accuses him of spitting a drink in her face at a bar and threatening kill her and her boyfriend.
Ashley N. Stewart, 24, filed the lawsuit Monday claiming negligence, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
She seeks punitive damages and attorney fees, reports the Associated Press. Johnson was charged last month with simple assault for the incident that occurred Oct. 10 at Kansas City's Club Blonde.
"This is not about money," said Kirra N. Jones, Stewart's attorney. "My client has worked her way through school. She's in the Air Force, National Guard. She's a hardworking student and this really came as an unfortunate incident in her life. But you know what? She's a fighter. She's willing to be the person who finally makes Larry Johnson answer for his repeated bad behavior."
According to the lawsuit, Johnson offered to buy Stewart a shot of alcohol on Oct. 3, but she declined. A week later, she alleged, Johnson became belligerent toward her and said, "All I wanted to tell you is I'm going to kill your boyfriend."
Stewart claims Johnson also said, "I'm gonna kill you, too. First I'm gonna kill your boyfriend, then I'm going to kill you and that's a promise."
She says that as she was backing away from him, Johnson took a drink from his glass and spit it in her face, then his two bodyguards tackled her.
The suit claims that Johnson tried three more times to spit on Stewart as he was walking to his car with his bodyguards.
It was the fourth time in five years that Johnson has been accused of assaulting a woman. He has a Dec. 4 court date for allegedly pushing a woman's face at another Kansas City night spot in February.
STATE FUNERAL DISCUSSED FOR MIRIAM MAKEBA: Body of 'Mama Africa' arrived in South Africa Wednesday; band members detail her collapse.
*As the body of South African singing legend Miriam Makeba returned home from Italy on Wednesday, local citizens were calling for the beloved international icon to have a state funeral.
As of press time, the South African cabinet was discussing such a ceremony for Makeba during its weekly meeting.
"There is no doubt that the whole question of whether Mama Africa should receive a state funeral will definitely come up," said arts ministry spokesman Sandile Memela. "A decision has not yet been made but it is hoped that at the end of the meeting... we'll know what the plans are."
Makeba suffered a heart attack shortly after a performance on Sunday evening in southern Italy in support of author Roberto Saviano’s campaign against the Camorra, the local version of the Mafia. She was 76.
The singer's band, who returned to South Africa on Tuesday, gave details of the star's final concert to the local media.
"She was enjoying herself," Zamo Mbutho, a background singer and composer with the band, told a Sowetan newspaper. The audience had loved her performance, although she played fewer songs than originally planned. She finished off with "Pata Pata," one of her best known hits, he added.
"After the song she thanked the audience, blew kisses at them with a radiant smile and left the stage. As she went past me, she put the mic on the drum. As she went down the stairs, she fell," said Mbutho.
"It was the first time she left alone," guitarist Mandla Zikalala told the Star.
SAMUEL L. JACKSON JOINS CAST OF 'BLOWN': Actor plays man trying to destroy London.
*Samuel L. Jackson, currently starring opposite the late Bernie Mac in "Soul Men," has just signed on for the action thriller "Blown," opposite Jim Caviezel ("The Passion of the Christ").
The Martha Fiennes' film centers on Will Matlock (Caviezel), a top MI5 operative whose routine investigation of a global corporation leads him to discover an imminent terrorist attack.
Jackson will play Julian Lezard, the businessman who engages him in a high-stakes game of wits and deception. Matlock must attempt to stop him before he destroys all of London, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
TIMBALAND TO PRODUCE ROCK-THEMED FEATURE: Music veteran making his first leap into film.
*Music producer Timbaland, born Tim Mosley, is making his first foray into Hollywood as executive producer of the upcoming feature "Vinyl," according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Timbaland's Mosley Media Group is teaming with Effie T. Brown's Duly Noted Inc. to produce the film, which follows five young women facing life-altering decisions about their relationships with members of a rock band.
Writer-director Richard Zelniker's film is set to begin shooting in the spring, with Brown, Marcus Spence and Timbaland's wife, Monique Idlett-Mosley producing.
The Mosleys plans to promote the film with behind-the-scenes content designed for mobile devices.
JANET JACKSON PATIENT ABOUT BABIES: Singer says, 'I just think when the stars are aligned it will happen.'
*In the new issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine, Janet Jackson talks about the importance of waiting for the right time to start a family with longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri.
"At some point it's coming. When? I have no idea," said the 42-year-old singer. "He has been past ready. He's just waiting for me; I'm the one holding up the whole thing.
"Everyone tells me that there will never be a good time, that I will always be busy, but I just think when the stars are aligned it will happen."
Jackson sparked baby rumors last month when she postponed a string of dates on her Rock Witchu tour after falling ill. It was days before her camp announced that she was suffering from vertigo. The entertainer recently announced that she would not make up the tour's cancelled dates.
TEXAS FOOTBALL PLAYER CUT OVER OBAMA SLUR: Longhorn's comment on Facebook cost him spot on the team.
*A backup center for the University of Texas football team was kicked off the squad over a comment posted on his Facebook page about President-elect Barack Obama.
According to reports, Buck Burnette updated his Facebook page shortly after the election to write that "hunters should get their guns" now that Obama has been voted into office.
The page has since been deleted from Facebook, but the Austin American-Statesman says that before it was taken down, Burnette wrote an apology that said, "Clearly I was in the wrong for what I did and I apologize for being a sore loser."
The 6-2, 305-pound offensive lineman has been apologizing ever since. He posted a mea culpa on the Longhorn fansite Orangebloods.com, which read, in part:
"I sinned against man and God posting what I did. That statement breeds hate and it was never my intention to cause those controversial feelings. The people who know me and know my heart will know this to be true. I have received tremendous support from both black and white players on my team and for that I am truly grateful. For those that remain offended, I hope that over time you will be able to forgive me."
MIJAC SELLS NEVERLAND TO HIMSELF?: TMZ says the title was transferred to a company half-owned by the singer.
*TMZ.com is reporting that the title to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch was transferred Monday to a company called Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC.
However, Sycamore is a joint venture between Michael Jackson and a division of a company called Colony Capital, the Web site explains. Colony Capital owns the Las Vegas Hilton, the Red Rock Country Club, and other Las Vegas properties.
TMZ has previously reported that Colony Capital bailed out the King of Pop by buying his $23.5 million Neverland mortgage.
"The man behind Colony Capital, Thomas Barrack, Jr. is a Vegas mover and shaker, and there's a buzz in Vegas that Jackson could end up performing at the Hilton and living in the Red Rock Country Club," reports TMZ. "So now, Neverland is owned by both Jackson and Barrack's company."
TMZ also reported that the property in Santa Barbara County, Calif. will drop its Neverland tag and be renamed the Sycamore Valley Ranch.
BEN HARPER HAS A NEW BAND: Musician recording new album and plans promotional tour in December.
*Alternative rock artist Ben Harper is currently working on his new album "White Lies for Dark Times" with backing band Relentless7, reports Billboard.
The album is due in May via Virgin and finds Harper backed by guitarist Jason Mozersky, drummer Jordan Richardson and bassist Jesse Ingalls, the latter two of the Los Angeles band Oliver Future.
The group debuted Oct. 29 during a Beastie Boys-led "get out the vote" show in Youngstown, Ohio, and will be back on the road starting Dec. 3 in Solana Beach, Calif.
A Harper spokesperson says the artist's longtime band, the Innocent Criminals, has not broken up and that Harper simply wanted to try something different this time around. His last album, 2007's "Lifeline," has sold 173,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Here are Relentless7's tour dates:
Dec. 3: Solana Beach, Calif. (Belly Up Tavern) Dec. 4: Los Angeles (Spaceland) Dec. 5: Los Angeles (the Mint) Dec. 7: Santa Cruz, Calif. (the Catalyst) Dec. 8: San Francisco (the Independent)
ITTY BITTY BITS: ODB bio; 'Billary's' black support; Ne-Yo on 'Rosie Live'; Beyonce at 'AMA' and 'TRL'; Joe the Faker; Rihanna's lingerie.
*In the upcoming book "Digging for Dirt," a biography of late rapper Ol Dirty Bastard, his one-time lawyer Robert Shapiro describes the insanity of working with him on several cases. He tells author Jaime Lowe the rapper would "talk in jive talk" and "come into court with two different shoes, labels with price tags attached . . . It's possible his behavior was a result of mental illness. One time he had his hat on backward, had on two different shoes, and he stood with his back to the judge with his hat facing the judge as if he was looking at the judge."
*The New York Post is reporting that African American support for Bill and Hillary Clinton has dwindled in their own Harlem neighborhood, based on their reception at Monday's 200th anniversary of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. Page Six said: "One prominent member of the African-American community told us, 'We all saw their tepid support for Barack Obama and we heard what they said during the primaries.' When Hillary was announced to the crowd - which included Jennifer Holiday, Cicely Tyson and Andre Leon Talley - the reception was 'courteous, but not nearly as exuberant as it used to be,' an attendee reports. 'Nothing compared to the applause she would have received a year ago. People are still salty.'"
*Ne-Yo is booked to perform on Rosie O'Donnell's one-hour NBC special, "Rosie Live," which aims to bring back the variety format reminiscent of "The Carol Burnett Show" with comedy sketches and musical numbers. Alanis Morissette will also perform on the program, which will air live from New York's Little Shubert Theatre on Nov. 26.
*Beyonce has been added to the list of performers for this year's American Music Awards, to be held Nov. 23 in Los Angeles and broadcast live at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. Also part of the performing lineup: Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift and Rihanna. Annie Lennox is to receive the AMA's Award of Merit. Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the 36th annual event. Other performers include Kanye West, the Jonas Brothers, Ne-Yo and Miley Cyrus.
*Beyonce is also set to perform at Sunday's final airing of MTV's "TRL," along with 50 Cent, Fall Out Boy and the Backstreet Boys. Justin Timberlake, Kid Rock, JC Chasez, Christina Aguilera, Travis Barker, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, Hilary Duff, Fred Durst and Korn's Jonathan Davis will also be on hand. "TRL" debuted in September 1998 amid the teen pop music craze led by Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync. Various hosts from throughout the show's history will also be on hand for the finale.
*The New York Post's Page Six is reporting that the man identified as Joe the Plumber at Jay-Z's 40/40 club over the weekend was actually a lookalike. The fake Samuel Joe Wurzelbacher reportedly fooled patrons and staffers alike, as folks swarmed around him to take photos and workers gave him drinks on the house.
*Chris Brown recently bought his girlfriend Rihanna over $1,000 worth of delicates during a stop at Sydney store Ariane Lingerie, reports WENN. The outlet is also reporting that Brown has signed on to launch his own line of lingerie.
EUR DVD REVIEW: The Perfect Holiday
Syrupy Christmas Comedy Starring Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut Comes to DVD DVD Review by Kam Williams
*Nancy (Gabrielle Union) has had her hands full raising three kids alone since her divorce from J-Jizzy (Charlie Murphy), a self-absorbed rap star. Since he doesn’t devote enough quality time to them, she’s ended up overburdened and neglecting her own needs.
This state of affairs hasn’t been lost on her youngest, Emily (Khail Bryant), who whispers to Santa Claus a Christmas wish for a man to make her mom happy again.
What the little girl doesn’t know is that Benjamin (Morris Chestnut), the mall Santa whose lap she’s sitting in, just happens to be a very handsome hunk underneath the fake beard and red fat suit. More importantly, he’s available and instantly smitten as soon as he looks over and gets a load of Nancy.
The problem is that Benjamin is just seasonal help and, after Christmas, he’ll be back at his more mundane job as an office supply salesman, although he does dream of becoming a famous songwriter. So, even after he does summon up the courage to approach Nancy in street clothes at the cleaners, he’s still suffers from low self esteem, he hightails it out of the store before she can respond.
Thus unfolds the underlying premise established at the outset of The Perfect Holiday, one of those syrupy sweet romantic comedies which keeps a pair of lovebirds obviously meant for each other apart via a series of frustrating circumstances. In this case, the flies in the ointment are Benjamin’s shyness, Nancy’s cluelessness, her son, John-John’s (Malik Hammond), attempt to sabotage the relationship, and her ex’s interference, too.
Despite a supporting cast with Katt Williams, Faizon Love, Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard, the picture belongs to Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut, who certainly generate the romance genre’s requisite chemistry.
I saw mommy kissin’ Santa Claus, ghetto style.
Good (2 stars)
Rated PG for mild epithets and suggestive humor.
Running time: 96 minutes
Studi Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Extras: Producer’s commentary, video diary and “The Making of” featurette.
To see a trailer for The Perfect Holiday, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KZpcZkNtNM
EUR DVD REVIEW: This Christmas
Dysfunctional Family Dramedy Due on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*For the first time in years, the Whitfields are returning to L.A. for a family reunion being hosted by their mother (Loretta Devine) with the help of her boyfriend (Delroy Lindo).
But each of her kids arrives not only with luggage but burdened by emotional baggage, so there are pressing issues which need to be addressed before they can all enjoy the Christmas celebration
Uncompromising Kelli (Sharon Leal) has a very successful professional career in New York City, but no man in her life, because she’s picky and refuses to settle. Meanwhile, Melanie (Lauren London), in from Atlanta, is a free-spirited undergrad in her seventh year at Spelman College where she keeps changing her major.
She’s brought along her latest boyfriend (Keith Robinson), a pre-law major at neighboring Morehouse College. Arriving from San Francisco is eldest sister, Lisa (Regina King), who is stuck in a bad marriage to a wife abuser (Laz Alonso) with a mistress (Amy Hunter).
As for the Whitfield males, there’s hot-headed Claude (Columbus Short) who’s ashamed of his white girlfriend (Jessica Stroup). Quentin, Jr. (Idris Elba) is a struggling jazz saxophonist who has disappointed his mother by following in his failure of a father’s footsteps. Finally, there’s Michael (Chris Brown), the baby, a talented teen still living at home who’s been blessed with a beautiful singing voice. Yet, he’s been reluctant to pursue his dream due to his mother’s aversion to show business.
This wholesome family flick does a decent job of interweaving the strands of the leads’ predicaments in an entertaining fashion, even if the goings-on tend to be more cartoonish than credible. Miraculously, the assorted skeletons are revealed and dealt with satisfactorily, ultimately enabling the very contented Whitfields to gather around the dinner table for a closing Kodak moment on Christmas day.
Very Good (3 stars)
Rated PG-13 for sexual content and violence.
Running time: 119 minutes
Studi Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, Chris Brown music video, cast commentary with Sharon Leal, Lauren London and Regina King, and “The Making of” featurette.
To see a trailer for This Christmas, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqsf5qeP2CQ
THE ROBERTSON TREATMENT (America’s Premier Lifestyle Column) Edition 11, Issue 15: Jada Pinkett-Smith – Hollywood’s Golden Girl Speaks Out!
*After nearly 20-years in entertainment, Jada Pinkett-Smith has created an enviable position for herself in Hollywood. She is married to the number one box office star in the world, (Will Smith), the mother of budding actors (Jaden and Willow), and a star in her own right with key roles in a growing list of A-list films like “Ali,” “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolution”. Along with her husband, she’s also a principal partner of Overbrook Entertainment, one of Hollywood’s leading management and production companies. The Baltimore native has traveled a long way since her first starring role in “Menace to Society,” but thankfully, she still knows how to keep it real. The Robertson Treatment recently had the opportunity to talk with this beautiful sister about her life and career as the new Queen of Hollywood.
How do you balance being a wife, mother, in-demand actress and producer?
Well, one of things is that I have a lot of help. I have a great husband and my mother is very helpful with my children. But what I really feel that keeps me going is joy. What I’ve learned in my life is that I really can do as much as I want to do and have as much as I want to have. As long as I’m happy, I’m really motivated. So I’m not willing to compromise. I want to be a great mother; I want to be a great wife and I want to have a great career; and I feel like I can have all those things and not compromise one area of my life. This is my life and I am determined to have all the things that I want in my life.
What have you been up to over the past year?
I just directed my first feature and I’m now working on a new TV show called “Time Heals” for TNT. Our production company released two films this year that I’m really passionate about, the “Secret Life of Bees” and “Lakeview Terrace”. I’m very pleased that Will and I were able to get them both made. We are very lucky to be at a point where we can go to go to the studios and they can trust us enough to green light our projects and get it done. For me “Secret Life of Bees” was a project that I am very happy to see out there. I hope to continue to help bring projects like that for African Americans and other audiences. I’m just trying to be creative and expansive across the board.
What are your thoughts about the election?
I have hopes and very big and grand expectations. Everybody knows that I am a big Barack and Michelle fan. I am just inspired by the idea that change is very possible and in my opinion Obama inspires that idea.
What exciting places have you and Will traveled to recently.
Will and I just got back from Africa, where we went to Tanzania and spent some time literally in the bush. Every time I go to Africa, it’s an epiphany and a very spiritual experience. When I step foot on African soil I feel like I’ve returned home. Africa and African people are one of the most spiritual places that I had the pleasure of visiting. Will and I try to make it there at least once a year.
What was it like to play a “big girl” in your new film “Madagascar 2”?
I’ve always been that girl who wanted more body so this was a great opportunity for me. I’ve got a character who has “body”, so it was my dream came true. I think that my character sends a really wonderful message for a lot of adults and children that your body is what you have and that you have to be happy in your own skin. Happiness comes from within, self-love comes from within, and if you can truly authentically love yourself that will exude and permeate through the physical universe and allow you to attract people that will love you. That’s who Gloria is—she’s a loveable, hefty momma.
Gil Robertson IV
Best Bets: Music – “Back to Now” (Verve) – Labelle
The slogan “good things come to those who wait,” is certainly apropos for fans of the popular soul-music trio Labelle, who after a 30-year recording absence reunite for the new CD, “Back to Now”. With production chores taken up by Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean and Gamble & Huff, this record shimmers from beginning to end as it aptly showcases the timeless talents of these legendary divas. This is no Supremes reunion; Sara, Nona and of course, Patti are provided with equal time to lend their raw and soulful pipes throughout the 10-track selection that seamlessly blends a mix of soul, gospel and funk genres. If it sounds like I’m gushing, it’s because I am… “Back to Now” is excellent and will leave Labelle’s fans new and old waiting for their next record. Grade: A
AUTOMOTIVE SPIN - Saturn Vue Hybrid
Wow Factor: Let’s face it, given the sagging economy and growing environmental concerns, it’s time that everyone get with the realities of the day and adapt to more efficient and affordable rides. As expected, GM leads the way with this new crossover that’s outfitted with break-through technology features that offer drivers the best of both worlds.
Ride: Featuring a 2.4L DOHC EOTEC, VUE Green Line Hybrid System and a 4-speed, hybrid enabled automatic transmission, the Saturn Vue Hybrid offers a more than adequate ride on city streets and off-road conditions. Drivers will also appreciate the manually adjustable seats that offer great viewing flexibility for a variety of road conditions.
Comfort: Continuing with its environmental theme the Saturn offers environmentally friendly cloth front bucket seats and front pass folding flat seats in the rear. My ride earned extra points for its Driver Information Center, which was put to great use during my road trip. Another big plus was my ride’s dash that offered easy access to gauges and controls.
Spin Control: Priced at an affordable $24,000 and offering an impressive 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, the Vue Green Saturn Hybrid provides welcome relief in our age of high coast gas. GM has definitely got it right with this model, which performs well under a variety of road conditions, and provides great versatility for busy drivers.
Grade: B+
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BETWEEN THE LINES: That One': PRESIDENT-Elect Barack Obama and the Fulfillment of Unreasonable Expectations
*The day we all thought we'd never see became a reality this week as the nation took a major step toward racial reconciliation in entrusting the country's national government to a black man.
President-elect Barack Obama, soon to be President Barack Obama - doesn't that have a fantastic ring to it - a man who John McCain once called "that one" - is now the one who has been charged to lead the nation, over the next four years, out of a host of global and domestic quandaries.
The significance of this cannot be quantified as we've seen over the last few months that race is still a major barrier in America.
Affirming one is not the same as affirming all, and President-elect Barack Obama has now fallen into that "special" category that Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Will Smith and Oprah Winphry (at least until she endorsed Barack) all rose to where they weren't viewed in the context of race, being instead viewed as post racial Supermen or Superwomen, "transformative figures" that transcend race by virtue of their dominating excellence whereby their skills and public acceptance won't allow for them to be limited to their race (by their reluctance to speak to race) and the negative perceptions of their race.
"That one," President Barack Obama, proved he was special in being able to achieve what few thought was achievable, the first fulfillment of what will certainly be many expectations, some reasonable-many unreasonable, of an Obama administration. Expectations by Blacks, Whites and others rooted in certain perceptions. The expectations will be larger than the job of President itself.
As we witnessed in this campaign cycle, it's not that negative perceptions of black people/black communities don't exist-it's just many singular examples of excellence rose above what we know to be the constraints of race and racism in America. The perception is that if one is able to do it, all should be able to. In theory, that is correct.
In practice, fear of competition and systemic and institutional racism prevent it. Then there are those who feel that centuries of racial abuse and subjugation should be ignored, a perception that Blacks should "get over"
slavery and segregation, despite advantages passed down to them.
Blacks who succeed, do so not by overcoming equal odds but by overcoming overwhelming odds in avoiding the traps that often prevent the fulfillment of even reasonable expectations. And they are held to a different standard when they do rise to the top. That's why this moment is so exceptional.
While understanding this great moment in the nation's history cannot be quantified, it most certainly can be qualified in a very real context as to what we all now expect from the nation's latest "Superman." His challenge is greater than the others who simply had to transcend sport or entertainment.
Barack Obama has to transcend the negative global perceptions of America and the very real socio-economic problems most Americans face.
That's pretty heavy lifting. Regardless of who won, the next President faces a host of unreasonable expectations. President Obama certainly will.
Like most African Americans who succeed in the mainstream, President Obama will be under extreme scrutiny. He will be watched by Whites to make sure he's not being "too racial" toward Blacks and other minorities. He will be watched by African Americans to make sure he remains true to the game in addressing issues that most adversely impact black communities, namely poverty (which Barack rarely spoke to in the campaign), joblessness, economic subjugation and educational disparities. The expectations of Blacks and Whites are divergent and in some instances, opposing. The whole debate around wealth redistribution have deep racial roots. President Obama can stick his toe in that water, and maybe his foot, but certainly not his leg, meaning he can help the middle class get out of their economic quandary but reaching too far toward helping the poor and impoverished could be problematic. Capital reinvestment in Wall Street will be an expectation to revive the economy, but capital access for Main Street, or the "Average Joe (or Jane)" that he and McCain so frequently referenced during the campaign, is an expectation that many are waiting to see if an Obama administration can fulfill. Then there are the wars that continue, and the ones yet to come, that President Obama will expected to exit with dignity that no other President had exit strategies for - certainly the most unreasonable expectation that President Obama will face. You get the picture. The expectations won't stop.
Let's celebrate this phenomenal achievement in American history, but let's also stay rooted in a reality that President-elect Barack Obama is not Superman. Just a man who overcame super odds to beat the systemic, institutional and social structures that served as impediments to achieving what no African American had ever been able to achieve, being elected President of the United States. Now comes the expectation that he will be able to fulfill all of the nation's unreasonable expectations. We know it is unreasonable to expect he will solve all the nation's problems. The expectations of this President will be like no other. But we're glad to see this day, that a black man has the opportunity to, at least, try to fulfill these expectations. God is real.
Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum (www.urbanissuesforum.com) and author of the new book, Saving The Race: Empowerment Through Wisdom. He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: John Legend evolves with new CD release: and, Jazz pianist Marcus Johnson releases a three CD-set sold exclusively in Circuit City stores
By Eunice Moseley
John Legend evolves with new album on Columbia Records
*“When I was a kid I played the piano. (People) got excited when I’d get up and sing,” said platinum singer/songwriter John Legend (John Stephens) said about his musical beginnings.
A Kanye West artist, John said singing is his first love. In fact, he was given the name “Legend” by his neighborhood friends because of his voice.
“Legend is a nickname my friends call me. They thought I was old school…because of the way I sing,” John said. “So they called me Legend, then they went from Legend to John Legend… and I have been trying to live up to that ever since.”
With John’s new album, “Evolver,” on GOOD Music/Columbia Records you will hear “a little” of the old John Legend you’ve come to know, but you will heard more of a new John Legend, focused mainly on his vocals, with the piano secondary (even in his performances).
The first single, “Green Light,” is already a hit. It features Andre 3000 (OutKast) and is truly a party number that makeS you move, it made Andre moved to want to contribute to it. He raps in a familiar Andre 3000 style that reminds me why he is one of my favorite Hip-Hop artists.
“I was honored that he wanted to do it,” Legend said about doing the impossible, getting Andre on his album. “I am a fan and was excited ….towards the end he was having fun.”
John also has Estelle on “No Other Love.” Pharrell penned John’s “It’s Over.” He also partners with BuJu Banton on “Can’t Be My Lover,” a reggae flavored dance hall number. Will.i.am produced “I Love, You Love” and “Satisfaction,” and another surprise on the “Evolver” album is Brandy who is sounding real good and very mature on “Quickly.”
“Brandy is one of my favorite (female) singers,” John said when asked why he featured Brandy, one of “my” favorite female vocalist, of all the female singers out there now that he could have asked. “People (need to be) reminded of it (that she has an awesome voice).”
I agree with John when he told me this album has a lot of energy and I will add that it also has a lot of new sounds. Aside from the songs mentioned, which are all my favorites, I am also impressed with “Good Morning,” which is currently playing on smooth jazz radio stations; “If You’re Out There,” which he sang at the Democratic National Convention, and “This Time.”
John Legend started out as a song writer and musician for artists such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys and his label’s president Kanye West. John signed to West’s indie label G.O.O.D. Music in 2004. By December 2004 he was releasing his debut, “Get Lifted,” that garnered the hit “Ordinary People” and eight Grammy Award nominations.
Legends’ sophomore album “Once Again” was released in October, 2006 resulting in an RIAA platinum certification, two Grammy Award nominations and two hits, “Save Room” and “Heaven.” John went on to win a Grammy for the song, “Family Affair,” on the Sly & the Family Stone tribute album on Epic/Legacy Records.
Jazz pianist Marcus Johnson presents a three CD-set on Three Keys Music
“There is a lack of music for 35 and above,” musician and label owner Marcus Johnson said about his latest project, a three CD-set “Marcus Johnson presents For the Love of Chill, Romance and Standards.”
Johnson said one of his business associates asked him what if they could get a three CD-set distribution deal, and they did, with Circuit City.
“The three CDs are the top three selling CDs,” Johnson says about the success of the project at the mega-retail store.
In fact, just fresh from the “Chill, Romance and Standards” CDs release Marcus said that they are asking for another three CD-set.
“Now we’re talking to other companies. This gives testament to my team,” Marcus said, giving credit for the early success of the three albums - which took two years to record - to his staff.
On the “Marcus Johnson presents For the Love of Romance” CD, dressed in a beautiful sexy red cover, it has such love songs as “My Funny Valentine,” featuring the vocals of YahZarah; “Midnight,” featuring Shayne G.; “Love,” featuring Frank McComb, and “In You There is Me.” Also on the CD is Three Keys’ Alyson Williams and Stoney Ellis. One of my favorites on this album is “The Puzzle” which gives me a vision of ballerina dancers.
On the “Marcus Johnson presents For the Love of Chill” CD, dressed in a creative sky-blue cover, you’ll find that it is full of smooth Jazz. If you are a Marcus Johnson fan then you know he can do just about any Jazz style there is, this CD has Marcus chilling, a great “smooth driving on-the highway” sound. Some of my favorites on this CD are “Plush,” “Thrust of Hope,” which has a futuristic sound, and “Latin Funk.”
“Marcus Johnson presents For the Love of Standards,” packaged in a sweet purple cover, is all about traditional Jazz sounds. On this CD Marcus covers again “My Funny Valentine,” one of my favorites on the CD, because he has the piano literally singing the words. Also I love “On Green Dolphin Street,” which features the vocals of Michael Price, is a Broadway tune and I envision Fred Astaire dancing down “Dolphin Street” in the rain; “The Song is You,” featuring Three Keys’ Bobby Lyle, made me want to scat, but I decided to leave that to Ella Fitzgerald, and “There is no Greater Love,” which also features Lyle is a very nice finger snapping cut.
For more on the “Marcus Johnson presents For the Love of Chill, Romance and Standards” visit www.catchtheflo.com or www.threekeys.com.
JASMYNE CANNICK: Skin Folk and Kin Folk
*By now, I am sure that you are aware of the fallout over the Nov. 4 election results that passed Proposition 8, an amendment to the state constitution to make marriage legal only between one man and one woman. And I have no doubt that many of you reading this op-ed were a part of the 69 percent of Blacks who supported the measure.
In the following days since then, Blacks have become the scapegoat for a poorly developed and executed campaign. From protests in Westwood that saw Blacks being accosted in their cars and called the n-word to Black gays and lesbians themselves being targeted and told that it’s because of “your people that Prop. 8 passed”—much like the racist comments from members of the Democratic Party upon the realization that Senator Hillary Clinton wasn’t going to get the nod—the gay community showed America how they really felt about Blacks and it didn’t matter if you were gay or straight.
While I am aware of the racism that exists within the gay community, I am not blind to the homophobia that exists within the Black community.
Look—we really need to get over this issue of gay marriage. I mean really, at the end of the day how does the fact that two people want to get married affect your life? Is it taking food off your table and out of your mouth? The roof over your head? Are gays getting married the reason why Black men are being incarcerated at a rate higher than any other race? Is it the reason why more Black kids are dropping out of school and picking up guns? Is it the reason why you are unemployed and without healthcare? No, I didn’t think so.
Once again, we allowed others to come into our community and dictate to us what our agenda should be. We allowed white conservatives to purchase our pulpits and then dutifully volunteered to spread their message of divide and conquer. But what’s really baffling and equally troubling to me is that Black people collaborated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) who for nearly 150 years through the Mormon Church taught that all Blacks were cursed, uncouth, uncomely, wild, and ‘seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind’…among other things.
Like with the Minutemen and the issue of immigration, Black people once again made alliances with people who on any other issue we are usually standing opposite…polar opposite. Simply put—we were used.
On Nov. 4, 70 percent of the 6 percent of Blacks that make up California’s population went to the voting booth and voted for Senator Barack Obama for President and Yes on Prop. 8, while in the booth next to them, their white conservative counterparts voted for Senator John McCain and Yes on Prop. 8.
The same energy we put into getting out the yes vote on Prop. 8 would have been better spent on getting Black people organized to push for better grocery stores in our neighborhoods and better schools for our children. How come we can’t collectively demonstrate the same kind of organization we had for Prop. 8 when it comes to the issues we actually have control over and have a much more profound impact on our day to day lives?
If your reasons for voting yes on Prop. 8 had more to do with your moral values and religion, I want you to consider this. If you think I am going to hell for being a lesbian, then let me go to hell. God doesn’t need your help and voting yes on Prop. 8 isn’t going to get me there that much faster or stop me from being a lesbian.
If your child can walk past crackheads, prostitutes, and gangbangers on their way to and from school everyday, and not be pushed into taking drugs, finding a pimp, or joining a gang, then why would you think that allowing gays to get married would all of a sudden make your susceptible to being gay? Your child has a better chance of picking up your habit of smoking cigarettes or overeating and being obese and diabetic, than all of a sudden becoming gay.
What voting yes on Prop. 8 did do was allow white conservatives to divide our community at a time when we barely make up 10 percent of the electorate vote in California. It showed them that they can still pull our strings and that money talks—no matter what the issue. You might not have gotten paid for your yes on Prop. 8 vote, but believe me when I tell you
millions of dollars were poured into Black communities on this issue.
It is not a good feeling for Black same-gender loving people who stand side by side with the Black community as a whole on any other issue to wake up to the fact that their friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives voted against them, nearly 2 to 1. Especially when you add the fact that we’re fighting the white gay communities racism as well.
I for one am tired of being in the middle. I am tired of working my ass off for and in a community of people who I love but who at the same time may respect my work, but not my person or my right as a person to love who I want. I don’t live in West Hollywood, I live right here next door to you, and that’s the case for most Black same-gender loving people.
We are not only your hairdressers and choir directors. We are also your teachers, doctors, lawyers, lawmakers, activists, neighbors, and co-workers. We are your daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We are your family. We are the tennis players on the court next to yours who have to listen to you call our brothers faggots and sissy’s. We are the listeners on the other end of the radio who wake up to hear the same person who smiled in our face yesterday talk about how our lives are
immoral.
Look no one is telling you want to believe in. If your religion or moral values dictates to you that marriage should be between a man and a woman, that’s your business—don’t make it mine. Because the same book that you use to condemn my life and justify your voting for Prop. 8 is the same book given to Black people by the Massuh that validated his mistreatment
of his slaves. Keep it real. It was the Bible that white people used to tell Black people that they were to be treated as property rather than human beings.
I am not asking you to like the fact that I am a lesbian or even agree with it. What I am asking you to do is think about the fact that discriminating against lesbians and gays affects the Black community as well. It affects me and people like me. People who have been and will continue to be an essential part of the Black community. To the extent that
my words have any influence at all on you, please remember that today it’s my life that’s up for the popular vote and tomorrow it could be yours. When tomorrow comes, where would you want this Black lesbian to stand? With my white gay counterparts or with my Black family?
Celebrated Black author Zora Neal Hurston, who was also a lesbian, once said, “Not all my skin folk is my kin folk.”
I need for my skin folk to be my kin folk and so do other Black lesbian and gay brothers and sisters.
Jasmyne Cannick is a critic and commentator based in Los Angeles who writes about the worlds of pop culture, race, class, sexuality, and politics as it relates to the African-American community. Her work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and Ebony Magazine. A regular contributor to NPR’s ‘News and Notes,’ she was chosen as one Essence Magazine’s 25 Women Shaping the World. She can be reached at www.jasmynecannick.com.
HEALTHY YOU!: How to become heart healthy.
*Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans? According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health most people do not even know that they are at risk. Heart disease develops over many years, and is caused by narrowing and clogged blood vessels that are also known as arteries. Clogged arteries increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Prevention is key! There are a number of things that you can do to to improve your heart health by making wise lifestyle choices, and paying close attention to your risk factors. According to NHLBI risk factors are traits and habits that make you more likely to develop heart disease. For instance, research suggests that men 45 and older, and women 55 and older are at risk for developing heart disease. Risk factors also include family history and personal lifestyle habits. Ask questions about your family history. Does your mother or father have a history of heart disease? If so, at what age where they diagnosed. Family history, unfortunately, cannot be changed, but being aware of medical challenges can help you focus on making changes that you can control.
Here are some things that you can do that may help decrease your risk of heart disease. Increase physical activity. Start by taking a 30 minute walk each day. Modify your diet. Stop smoking. Decrease dependence on sodium and salt for food flavoring, use herbs instead. Add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Share your knowledge with friends and family, work together to create a healthier lifestyle. Get kids involved at an early age. Lead by example. If you make healthy lifestyle choices, they are more likely to follow your lead.
The following guides were provided by NHLBI to assist you in your quest to becoming heart healthy. Click on the hyper links below to learn more about heart health and your community.
VERONICA'S VIEW: A Brighter Future for Daughter Denied
Veronica Hendrix
*This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental – preface from the book Daughter Denied.
When the young women of Brighter Future, a transitional program for single and homeless women and their families, gathered in the conference room of the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA on a hurried Monday evening, they seemed filled with reluctant anticipation. This was their first book club meeting. And reading a novel was a first in the lives of some of these young women, particularly a book whose subject was as personally compelling as it was decidedly painful.
They each filed into the room quietly, about ten young women of diverse ethnic backgrounds whose average age was twenty-three. As they took their seats, each was visibly clutching the book of the hour, Daughter Denied, written by author and playwright Alretha Thomas who was their special guest speaker. The books were generously donated by gospel singer Anna Moore who thought that the story of a young girl’s tumultuous journey to adulthood would not only be something they could relate to, but one that would inspire them.
Alretha appeared to sit comfortably among the young women. She was poised, well coiffed and well-heeled. She had spoken before many book clubs and given countless interviews while promoting her book across the nation. But this audience was unlike any other she had addressed before. They were young women whose lives had been impaled by drugs, neglect, homelessness, family violence and sexual abuse much like the characters in Daughter Denied and to the surprise of the young women of Brighter Future, much like Alretha’s life.
“A lot of events in my childhood inspired me to write this book. Although there is a lot of truth in it, it’s fiction and not a memoir,
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