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12-18-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
AKON PLEADS GUILTY TO TOSSING FAN: Singer avoids jail time in plea bargain entered Wednesday.
*Singer Akon pleaded guilty to harassment Wednesday for throwing a fan off stage during a concert last year in Fishkill, New York.
Under the plea deal, he will serve no jail time as long he performs 65 hours of community service and pays a $250 fine.
The 35-year-old singer tossed a teenage boy off the stage during a June 2007 concert at Dutchess stadium near Poughkeepsie. Another member of the crowd said she suffered a concussion when the teen landed on her.
Witnesses said a spectator threw an object at Akon during the show. After he asked the crowd to point out the culprit, a security guard picked up a 15-year-old boy and sent him up to the stage. Akon hoisted the teen onto his shoulders and flung him back into the crowd. The incident was caught on several camera phones and was posted on the Internet.
After the plea, Akon shook hands with Anthony Smith, the now 16-year-old fan, and apologized to him and his parents. The artist would not speak to reporters after the hearing, but Andrea Zellan, his lawyer, issued a written statement saying, "We are pleased that the case has been resolved and Akon looks forward to putting this unfortunate incident behind him."
Akon, born Aliaune Thiam in Senegal, was originally charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment.
SIMON COWELL DISCUSSES DEATH OF PAULA FAN: 'Idol' judge also dismisses Paula's allegations that producers put her in danger.
*During a telephone conference call with press on Wednesday, "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell said the alleged suicide of former contestant and diehard Paula Abdul fan, Paula Goodspeed, hit the production very hard.
“You’re talking about a human tragedy,” Cowell told reporters. “It hit us like an express train. It upset me a lot.”
Cowell said he couldn't remember Goodspeed from her strange "Idol" appearance, but his memory was jogged after footage of her audition flooded media outlets last month – when she was found dead of apparent suicide in a car near Abdul's Los Angeles home.
“I don’t remember to be honest with you. We’ve seen a lot of people. when I saw the clips back on the news I remembered it.”
While he didn’t recall if Paula Abdul had asked producers not to let Goodspeed into the audition room—as she claimed in a recent radio interview—he said Abdul could have stopped the audition at any time.
“All you’ve got to say is ‘Stop filming, I need to speak with the producers.’ That didn’t happen. But I only remember from what I saw [in news clips],” he said.
He also stressed that Abdul would not have been in any immediate danger during the audition: “There are a minimum of seven security guards in the room. You don’t see them, but they’re everywhere.”
On Monday, series executive producer Ken Warwick said, "I would definitely not put a dangerous person or person I thought was remotely dangerous in front of the judges."
Cowell said the entire experience has led him to stop and think about his blunt comments to off-key contestants.
"I have thought long and hard about this...I think we will continue in the way we have always done. We have tried to have a sense of humor. The show is not an inherently mean show. It is an American dream show where the whole purpose is to find somebody who through the process becomes a star," Cowell said.
As for the actual "Idol" show, Cowell said he would love to have Beyonce and Britney Spears appear as guests during the upcoming eighth season, which begins Jan. 13. Both appeared earlier this year on his British show "The X Factor."
ARETHA, WYNTON, BADU IN N.O. JAZZ FEST: Annual event announces lineup for April run at Fair Grounds.
*The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will mark its 40th birthday this spring with a star-studded lineup that includes Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Matthews Band and Erykah Badu.
Also confirmed to appear are Ben Harper, Common, Etta James, Earth, Wind & Fire, Booker T. Jones, Allen Toussaint, Buddy Guy, Tony Bennett, Dr. John, the Neville Brothers and Bonnie Raitt.
The event will be held the weekends of April 24-26 and April 30-May 3 at Fair Grounds Race Course. For ticket information, visit http://www.NOJazzFest.com.
Sugarland, Joe Cocker, Wilco, James Taylor, Kings Of Leon, Pete Seeger, Spoon, Emmylou Harris, Los Lobos, Drive-By Truckers with and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings round out the lineup.
VICK MAY MOVE TO HALFWAY HOUSE IN JAN: Lawyer for jailed NFL star makes statement to bankruptcy judge.
*Jailed NFL star Michael Vick could be moved from a federal prison in the Midwest to a Virginia halfway house by Jan. 20, one of his attorneys told a federal bankruptcy judge Tuesday.
The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback is serving a 23-month prison term in Leavenworth, Kan., for financing a dogfighting ring and is scheduled to be released from federal custody around July 20.
Last month, Vick also pleaded guilty to a state dogfighting charge, avoiding more prison time. The case's resolution also cleared the way for his early release from prison and possible transition into a halfway house.
Vick's camp says his long-distance absence has complicated his bankruptcy proceedings in Virginia, so they are working to get him moved to the state, said Michael Blumenthal, one of Vick's bankruptcy attorneys.
Conversely, the bankruptcy case might complicate plans for Vick's transfer, reports the Associated Press. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Frank Santoro ordered that paperwork must be completed to ensure Vick's appearance at a bankruptcy hearing set for Jan. 30 in Newport News. That paperwork could take weeks to process and could delay the halfway house program, Blumenthal said.
Blumenthal on Tuesday asked Santoro to postpone the hearing by a week, which would improve the chances of Vick being transferred before his required appearance in bankruptcy court. Santoro refused.
"Mr. Vick came into this court voluntarily," the judge said. "I am not going to try to schedule around what may or may not be the convenience of Mr. Vick."
Santoro also rejected a financial disclosure statement Vick filed in the bankruptcy case and ordered him to submit a new one by Jan. 5. Major creditors had objected to the statement, saying it lacked sufficient detail about his finances and failed to back up his statement that he believes he will resume his NFL career after his release.
Santoro scheduled a new hearing on the disclosure statement for Jan. 30. He ordered Vick to appear that same day for a hearing on whether a trustee should be appointed to take control of his assets.
TRACY MORGAN TAKES IN 'ROOMMATES': Actor to star in and produce comedy for Paramount.
*"30 Rock" actor Tracy Morgan will star in and produce "Freshman Roommates," a comedy feature inspired by the ubiquitous e-mail scams purporting to be sent by a Nigerian prince looking for help in accessing his fortune.
The film for Montecito and Paramount Pictures asks the question what if one of the emails isn't a scam. The story kicks off when a young man answers one such email during a drunken stupor. Soon thereafter, the spoiled son of a deposed African dictator (Morgan) shows up at his door, looking to secure his inheritance.
TJ Miller ("Cloverfield") will co-star in the film, which was written as a starring vehicle for Morgan by standup veterans John Mulaney and Nick Kroll, reports Variety.
Morgan is producing via his Street Life banner. The actor most recently appeared in the Sony comedy "First Sunday" and lends his voice to the Disney CGI picture "G-Force," which opens July 24.
EMANUEL CLEAVER II ON OBAMA PRESIDENCY: Kansas City's first black mayor warns African Americans not to have unreasonable expectations.
*Writing in Wednesday's Washington Post, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver seeks to temper high expectations many African Americans may have of the nation's first black president, Barack Obama.
"I want to remind all those who strongly support the president-elect and wish desperately for him to succeed: If you like the honey, don't kick over the beehive," Cleaver said.
The congressman noted that he writes from experience. As the first black mayor of Kansas City, African Americans had soaring expectations for him, too, but he was unable to satisfy them all.
"Obama will fall short of fulfilling the considerable hopes and dreams of the minorities who supported him, just as we could not fulfill those of ours," Cleaver wrote.
Read Cleaver's full Washington Post op-ed piece here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/16/AR2008121602478.html
LIL WAYNE SUED OVER 'DYING': Rapper accused of using sample without permission.
*Lawyers for Lil Wayne have asked for more time to produce documents in a lawsuit that accuses the artist of copyright infringement, reports the Associated Press.
The federal lawsuit filed in May claims Lil Wayne did not get permission to sample Karma Ann Swanepoel's song "Once" in his track, "I Feel Like Dying." [Scroll down to listen to song.]
According to the lawsuit, Lil Wayne's label, Cash Money Records, tried but failed to negotiate a license to use Swanepoel's song before millions of people purchased downloads of "I Feel Like Dying."
In the Dec. 16 court filing, Lil Wayne's attorney asks a judge in New Orleans to extend a Friday deadline for turning over documents and other material requested by lawyers for Urband & Lazar Music Publishing, reports the AP.
Lil Wayne: "I Feel Like Dying": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuyEgvCVYd8
SNOOP AUCTIONS HIS STUDIO SHED FOR CHARITY: Money will benefit his Youth Football League.
*Snoop Dogg is hoping to raise money for his Youth Football League by putting his garden shed – where he has recorded many of his song - up for auction on eBay.
He tells E! News, "I've had this shed since the turn of the century. I've beaten over 1,000 people in Madden in it, watched football game tapes, seen the Lakers win championships, and, most of all, written hits in it."
The shed is personally signed by Snoop for the winning bidder, for whom he has this message: "Enjoy it. And let the legend live on, ya dig?!"
Click here to visit the eBay page:
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZsnoopQ20doggQ20shedQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ The auction ends on Sunday (Dec. 21). At press time, bidding was up to $1,225.00.
SOULJA BOY'S 'ANIMATED SERIES' DUE IN JAN.: Rapper's label to release first webisode based on the teen rap sensation.
*A cartoon based on rapper Soulja Boy Tell 'Em will make its Internet debut next month for a three webisode run.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, "Soulja Boy Tell 'Em: The Animated Series" will be introduced in the first music video that follows this week's release of Soulja Boy's second album, "iSouljaBoyTellEm."
Due to premiere in late January, three episodes of the Web series will mix animation and live action. The narrative follows an animated version of Soulja as he returns to high school.
Alfonso Ribiero ("The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air") plays the school principal; all of the kids in the series will be animated.
BENNETT'S DUKE ELLINGTON ART IN SMITHSONIAN: Painting reflects their longtime friendship; unveiling due in April.
*Tony Bennett has donated his original watercolor painting of Duke Ellington, titled "God Is Love," to the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, marking the legendary crooner's third painting that has been included in Smithsonian collections.
In 2006, Bennett's oil painting of Central Park was accepted into the Smithsonian American Art Museum's permanent collection and in 2002, his portrait of Ella Fitzgerald was acquired by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
Martin Sullivan, director of the National Portrait Gallery said, "We are thrilled to have this painting. Think of it: Anthony Benedetto -- Tony Bennett -- the son of Italian immigrants, portraying his mentor Duke Ellington, the grandson of a slave. There was great affection between these two outstanding contributors to America's musical heritage."
Bennett added: "It is an enormous honor to now have three of my paintings in collections at the Smithsonian and it is something that I would never have imagined when I started out as a young child drawing with chalk on the sidewalks of my hometown in Astoria, Queens. Painting has been a lifelong passion of mine and the portrait of Duke Ellington is my favorite painting of all and it is a thrill to know it will have a permanent home at such a prestigious institution as the National Portrait Gallery."
Both natives of Queens, N.Y., Bennett and Ellington had a longtime friendship. They performed together on several occasions and Bennett recorded a tribute CD to him, "Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot and Cool," released in 1999.
Bennett's "God Is Love." depicts Ellington with a bouquet of pink roses in the background, which represents Duke's habit of sending the singer a dozen pink roses when he wrote a new song. The painting will be presented in a special ceremony in April 2009 at the National Portrait Gallery, which will mark the 110th anniversary of the composer's birth.
PETA NAMES LEONA LEWIS 'PERSON OF THE YEAR': British pop star chosen for her 'kindness to animals.' Singer gave up meat at 12.
*People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has announced British pop sensation and longtime vegetarian Leona Lewis as its Person of the Year.
The "Bleeding Love" singer, who gave up meat when she was 12-years-old, is an avid anti-animal cruelty campaigner and refuses to wear fur or leather. The animal rights organization crowned the star their top celebrity of 2008, taking over from fashion designer Stella McCartney.
PETA Europe Director Robbie LeBlanc says, "Leona Lewis is admired for her beautiful voice, but it's her kindness to animals that makes her a superstar in our book."
Earlier this year, the singer turned down $1.5 million from London retailer Harrods to open its summer sale because it remains as the only U.K.
department store to still stock fur.
BLUES MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCES NOMINEES: Mannish Boys lead with six; Buddy Guy, B.B. King also receive multiple nods.
*The group Mannish Boys received six Blues Music Awards nominations to lead the pack for next year's ceremony, to be held May 7 in Memphis.
Tied with four nominations each are slide guitar legend Elvin Bishop, pianist Eden Brent, songstress Janiva Magness, soul man Curtis Salgado, and former truck driver Watermelon Slim.
Buddy Guy is nominated for three awards and B.B. King for two, reports the Associated Press.
Mannish Boy's nominations include best band, traditional album and album of the year in addition to individual nominations for band members Richard Innes (drums), Kid Ramos (guitar), and Larry Taylor (bass).
The awards ceremony and concert, at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, will be broadcast live by Sirius XM Satellite Radio's B.B. King's Bluesville channel. The Blues Music Awards will be shot in HD for a DVD to be released in the fall of 2009.
You can vote online for your favorite blues musicians by visiting the Blues Foundation's website: http://www.blues.org/bluesmusicawards/vote.php4.
BUN B, TIMBALAND LEND GINUWINE A HAND: Producers collaborate with singer on comeback album.
*Ginuwine's R&B comeback is receiving a significant assist from former collaborator Timbaland and Dirty South rap titan Bun B, reports Allhiphop.com.
All three are collaborating on the singer's forthcoming CD "The New Beginning," which will be released via Notifi Records, with distribution through Asylum. The effort will be Ginuwine's sixth studio album and first release in four years.
"I have been touring and working on various projects the last couple of years and pondering what I wanted my next moves to be,” says Ginuwine, who rose to stardom in the late 90s with the release of "Pony."
“I didn't want to rush into just doing what a label told me to do but rather take time to be creative and find music and projects that I have creative control over," he said. Notifi is giving me the support and creative freedom to record the sounds I think best represent me."
Also lending production talent are Bryan Michael Cox and Warren “Oak” Felder, who is responsible for Chris Brown's latest single, “Superhuman” featuring Keri Hilson. Ginuwine has also tapped RL of the group Next, writing team The Clutch and Johnta Austin as songwriters for the project. Bun B is the lone guest appearance that has been confirmed.
"The New Beginning" is due out during the second quarter of next year.
MIKE JONES TO ENDORSE NEW COGNAC LINE: Rapper to team with company for promotional events and concert tour.
*Houston rapper Mike Jones has been tapped by ProConcept Marketing Group, Inc. to endorse the exclusive collection of cognacs from the "House of Dobbe'," the company announced.
Jones will collaborate on marketing ideas and participate in promotional events in timing with national music tours and unique engagements. Also, special promotional events will be structured in selected markets.
The artist is in the midst of Dobbe' Cognac's premiere promotional engagement at Planet Hollywood's Club Asia in Las Vegas. The joint promotion began on Dec. 1 and ends tomorrow (Dec. 19) with a grand Dobbe' Model Talent event.
Also, Dobbe' Cognac will collaborate with Jones during the Super Bowl for a special promotional event to plug the line of cognacs and his new album, "Voice of the Streets," due in February.
"This opportunity could not have come at a better time, with the launch of my new single ('Next to You' feat. Mya)," Mike Jones stated. "I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do what I love; produce hot music and engage in business opportunities. The story of this product fits my life. I had to work extremely hard to be a success in the music industry, and will give the same level of commitment to House of Dobbe'."
OBAMA BITS: Time's 'Person'; more Cabinet choices (one from GOP); Blago update; Chappelle, Patti Austin at inaugural gigs; Obama action figure.
*Time magazine has announced that President-elect Barack Obama is its 2008 Person of the Year after he became the first African-American to win the White House. "In one of the craziest elections in American history, he overcame a lack of experience, a funny name, two candidates who are political institutions and the racial divide to become the 44th president of the United States," the magazine said. Click here to see never-before-seen photos of Obama in Time's pictorial: "Obama: The College Years."
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1866765,00.html
*Barack Obama announced Wednesday his choices of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack to be agriculture secretary and Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar to lead the Interior Department. "It is time for a new kind of leadership in Washington that's committed to using our lands in a responsible way to benefit all of our families," Obama said in a news conference, his third in as many days to announce Cabinet choices.
*It was reported late yesterday that Obama plans to choose a second Republican for his Cabinet in a press conference scheduled for later today. Illinois congressman Ray LaHood will reportedly be named transportation secretary. He'll join defense secretary Robert Gates (a holdover from the Bush administration) as the lone Republicans in Obama's Cabinet – so far.
*Obama said Wednesday he wants very badly to discuss the investigation into charges that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich schemed to sell his Senate seat to the highest bidder, but has been told by the U.S.attorney to keep quiet for another week. "There's been a lot of speculation in the press that I would love to correct immediately," Obama told reporters. He said his team is "abiding by the request of the U.S. attorney" to not release the results of his internal investigation, already compiled, until next week. "It's not going to be that long," Obama said.
*Comedians Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook and Paul Rodriguez were reportedly invited to perform at various inauguration events in Washington. The New York Post reports: "We're told they've been practicing their punch lines at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. Chappelle said: 'The economy is so bad, terrorists are bombing their own countries because they can't afford to come here.'"
*Patti Austin says she will definitely be performing at thr Inauguration, although "she can not announce exactly where or what event she will be performing at," according to an email from her camp. She says she'll sing "We the People," a tune penned specifically for Austin by the songwriting team of Marilyn and Alan Bergman. "[It] is the perfect tune to celebrate this new chapter in all of our lives," says Austin.
*Jailbreak Toys is offering a Barack Obama doll in time for Christmas. The six-inch action figure is priced at $12.95 and, according to gossip blogger Janet Charlton, "are flying off the shelves at stores in New York." Click here to order:
http://www.jailbreaktoys.com/The_Obama_Action_Figure_p/ob000.htm
ITTY BITTY BITS: McCoy kissed a girl and he liked it; SIRIUS XM brings back Strobe & Backspin; Iceman's honorary degree; Vince Young sues.
*Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy reportedly popped the question to his longtime girlfriend Katy Perry, who shot to sudden stardom this year with her pop hit "I Kissed A Girl." According to the New York Daily News, the two were in Paris recently for a romantic getaway when McCoy kissed Perry with a diamond engagement ring in his mouth.
*SIRIUS XM Radio on Wednesday announced the return of two music channels by popular demand - The Strobe (disco) and Backspin (classic dance and old school hip-hop) - beginning Thursday, Jan. 15. Additionally, The Beat Morning Show will launch on BPM on Jan. 15. The daily show will feature popular dance hits and be hosted by former Beat program director Geronimo. The Backspin channel will be the home of several specialty shows, including Ladies' First with Monie Love and Zulubeats with Afrika Bambaataa, Mick Benzo and The Cutman LG.
*George Gervin, NBA Hall of Famer and former Eastern Michigan University basketball star, will receive an honorary bachelor's degree Saturday (Dec. 20), during halftime of the EMU men's basketball game the Convocation Center. "The Iceman" is a nine-time NBA All-Star best remembered by his signature finger-roll. He is scheduled to speak with both the men's and women's basketball teams during his visit to EMU. Additionally, autographed Gervin posters will be given away to the first 1,500 people to enter the Convocation Center. Tickets can be purchased by calling 734.487.2282 or visiting http://www.emueagles.com/.
*Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young is suing three Texas men for copyrighting his nickname "INVINCEABLE" and initials "VY" the day after he won the Rose Bowl in 2006. According to TMZ.com, "Young's lawyer tells us, the football star can't get deals with Reebok and video game makers, among others, because the defendants won't give up their claim to "VY" or "INVINCEABLE." According to Vince's attorney, one of the defendants is Enos Cabell, who played third base for the Houston Astros in the '70s.
EUR DVD REVIEW: Daryl Hall & John Oates: Live at the Troubadour
Hall & Oates Concert DVD Features Group's Greatest Hits
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*Since the early Seventies, Daryl Hall and John Oates have been a veritable hit making machine, producing dozens of dance tunes which reached the top of the pop and R&B charts.
Still together after first teaming up in Philly forty years ago, the talented singing/songwriting duo returned to the stage of The Troubadour, the Los Angeles nightclub where they were the opening act when they got their big break there as virtual unknowns in 1973.
Though now a little long in the tonsils to hit the high notes anymore, the pair brought along a back-up band to record 19 new versions of their perennial crowd pleasers in front of a live audience, including "Rich Girl," "Maneater," "Out of Touch," "Kiss on My List," "Private Eyes," "She's Gone," "Say It Isn't So," "I Can't Go for that," "One on One" and "Sara Smile" among others.
Be forewarned: this DVD is recommended for ardent fans curious to see what the 21st edition of Hall & Oates sounds like. While the guys certainly are gung-ho and throw themselves wholeheartedly into the concert, they quite evidently are considerably older and quite frankly no longer have either the same stamina or vocal range to deliver as phenomenal a show as they once could.
Still, the DVD is a pleasant enough diversion for a nostalgic walk down Memory Lane. Just don't be surprised if this film has you breaking out their original CDs so you can enjoy how great the group sounded in its prime.
Very good (2.5 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 120 minutes
Studi Shout! Factory
To see a clip of Hall & Oates performing Sara Smile, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3C5BWaziMY
TERAJI P. HENSON: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Interview with Kam Williams
The Curious Case of Taraji Henson
*The name Taraji P. Henson and Academy Award are being whispered in the same breath in the wake of her compelling performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button where she holds her own opposite several Hollywood heavyweights, including Brad Pitt and Oscar-winners Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton.
Previously, Taraji has for some reason remained under the radar despite delivering critically-acclaimed work in picture after picture, from Baby Boy to Hustle & Flow to Smokin' Aces to Talk to Me to The Family That Preys.
In 2009, the versatile thespian is slated to star in Not Easily Broken with Morris Chestnut, in Hurricane Season with Forest Whitaker, and in Once Fallen with Ed Harris.
Here, she talks about her powerful portrayal of Queenie in Benjamin Button, the screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale about a man born old who gradually grows younger year by year.
Kam Williams: Hi Taraji, thanks for the time again.
Taraji Henson: Oh, no problem.
KW: Who did you base your character Queenie on?
TH: Queenie was pretty much on the page. Eric Roth is a brilliant scriptwriter. All the words were there. I just had to do a little bit of research to make her real. That entailed researching each decade that I live in in the film and studying what happens to the body as it ages and decays.
KW: How about preparing to play Brad Pitt character's adoptive mother?
TH: The mother stuff I know, because I'm a mom. Nurturing? I got that.
KW: Speaking of mothering, how's your son Marcel doing?
TH: He's doing great, thanks, and making me very proud.
KW: What was it like being directed by David Fincher?
TH: Wonderful, because he really pays attention to the smallest of details. He leaves no stone unturned. He goes over every little aspect, each grain of salt. That's why the film is so brilliant.
KW: After watching it, it's so rich I sensed that I'll have to see it at least one more time to catch everything.
TH: Probably so.
KW: Do you think the picture is going to generate a lot of Oscar buzz?
TH: I'm told that it already is, but I leave that up to the big guys.
KW: You've been nominated for an NAACP Image Award a couple of times before.
Do you think this performance might finally put you over the top?
TH: I don't even mess with that.
KW: I have to ask you how you feel about Obama's win.
TH: I am over the moon. Over the moon! I just knew it wouldn't happen. I'm telling you, in the beginning, a lot of my friends and colleagues were planning to vote for Hillary until we saw he had a shot and how many white people were coming to bat for him. When he won, I was so filled with joy. I can't even explain the feeling. It's an amazing time to be alive.
KW: Let me ask you a few of my regular questions again. From music maven Heather Covington: What's music are you listening to nowadays?
TH: Right now, I've been listening to Q-Tip, because I'm about to be interviewed for a documentary being produced by Nas that Michael Rapaport is directing about the group A Tribe Called Quest. I'm a huge A Tribe Called Quest fan, because, to me, they were the first artists to make hip-hop sexy, when they infused it with jazz, which was incredible. I'm a music collector and I have over 6,000 songs on my iPod, but that's what I'm listening to right now. I can't get away from them. They're incredible.
KW: Can you think of another question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? Last time you said, "What color panties are you wearing?" which was the funniest answer I ever got to that question.
TH: You know, I've been asked so much, I can't think of anything.
KW: Bookworm Troy Johnson asks: What was the last book you read?
TH: Book? What is a book? [Laughs] If I could read a book right now, that would mean I have time.
KW: Judging from your upcoming films, Not Easily Broken with Morris Chestnut, Hurricane Season with Forest Whitaker, and Once Fallen with Ed Harris, it looks like you're about to break very big playing leading ladies with your name appearing at the top of the marquee, especially if you land an Oscar nomination.
TH: I hope so.
KW: "Realtor to the Stars" Jimmy Bayan question: Where in L.A. do you live?
TH: Glendale.
KW: Thanks again, Taraji. Best of luck with Benjamin Button, and I hope we can speak again after you've collected all your accolades during awards season.
TH: Absolutely! Have a great holiday!
KW: You too!
To see a trailer for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEL7oKO3n7U
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: The Blind Leading the Blind
*Fiscal irresponsibility is the problem. After one wades through the politics, special interests and double talk surrounding the proposed $15 billion bailout of Chrysler and General Motors, the bottom line is that the mega automobile corporations have mismanaged their finances. For the last 30 years or more, American car manufacturers leveraged their future by paying out more in costs than they have generated in revenue. This imbalance in their tally sheets has brought them to the brink of bankruptcy. According to company executives, the companies are in danger of being unable to make interest payments on their outstanding debt, paying suppliers and meeting payroll. GM's vice chairman, Robert Lutz opined that without some sort of government assistance “the survival of the company as we know it would be highly questionable.” What remains unclear is -- given their current financial straights -- why that is a bad thing.
In an effort to stave off the industry implosion and preserve the jobs that would presumably go with it, Congress recently passed legislation granting Chrysler and GM an emergency bridge loan of $15 billion. In exchange for government (i.e. taxpayer funded) assistance, the companies must agree to a sweeping reorganization plan that would among other things, allow the government to take equity positions in the industry, limit executive pay and suspend payments of dividends until the loans are paid back. This reorganization would supposedly lead to financial stability and would be overseen by a “czar” appointed by the president.
The bill passed the house along party lines (10 Republican congressmen, mostly from Michigan supported the legislation), but is meeting Republican resistance in the senate. Before Republicans readers begin high-fiving each other, some of the resistance is the result of certain caucus members’ concerns that the bill does not give the government enough power over the auto industry. (All future GOP candidates should be required to attend a primer course on the meaning of “free market.”)
Listening to the debate on Capital Hill one might get the impression that our representatives understand economics and know how to run businesses -- at the very least that they are fluent in the language of fiscal restraint. One would be wrong.
Statistics from the treasury department put our federal debt at $8.7 trillion or 64% of our gross domestic product (GDP). The real problem, however, is that once you add all of our unfunded liabilities and promises especially those from Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid that number increases to a staggering $53 Trillion or 240% of our GDP. Put in more personal terms, that equals about $175,000 per person and it is growing.
Yes, the very government that would lecture auto makers on fiscal responsibility is staring at the very real possibility that in 40 years (the year of retirement for the college graduating class of 2009), our government will only have enough revenue to pay interest on our debt and some Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid benefits.
Of course, we could always double the current federal income tax just to stay even…
In the face of such staggering prospects, one might expect prudence. Again, one would be wrong. In complete ignorance of the current burden on taxpayers (or perhaps just in complete ignorance), these same pharaohs of frugality have proposed more spending on universal healthcare, universal pre-school, universal college education, bailouts of state governments, increased government subsidy of the energy sector, additional government subsidy of agribusiness, government ownership of banks via the trillion dollar emergency economic stabilization act and now the down payment on the much larger auto bailout that will certainly follow.
The automobile industry is reaping the whirlwind from years of fiscal irresponsibility. The injection of a few billion of taxpayer dollars will do little to correct the lagging effects of years of irresponsible behavior. Rather it is, in the words of Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, the subsidizing of failure. That will not change even with the expert oversight of a Congress suffering its own issues with fiscal fecklessness. It is truly a case of the blind leading the blind. It might actually be funny if it weren’t so terribly absurd.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
VERONICA'S VIEW: Veronica’s Favorite Things
Veronica Hendrix
*This is a tough holiday season for many people. The economic picture has been dark this past year with the U.S. Department of Labor reporting about 1.2 million jobs having been loss since the beginning of the year, bringing the total number of Americans who are unemployed to 10.1 million. And sadly, the unemployment rate among African Americans is the highest of all Americans at 11.1%.
This is my 6th Annual Veronica’s Favorite Holiday Things. I’ve never prefaced this piece with grim statistics of any kind because this is a joyous time of year and folks are looking for creative solutions to gift giving. I know many families are struggling this holiday season due to job loss and involuntary career changes that have significantly reduced their income.
This year’s list will be no less creative, yet sensitive to those who are struggling to make this season bright for their families. And it will offer folks an opportunity to do some “conscious gifting” to help those in need.
The Good Card – I love this idea. It’s a way to give back to a myriad of causes. The Good Card is actually a gift card which allows the recipient to donate to their favorite charity through a website called networkforgood.org which lists over 1.5 million charities. You can purchase printed or electronic gift cards in various denominations and it’s just like Christmas, as you shop to donate to your favorite causes. Your recipient can choose from over 1 million charities on line. They simply select an area of interest such as arts and culture, religion, education or human services. Next they select the City and state and a list of worthwhile charities will populate their computer screen. No matter what charity is selected someone benefits, and even you because this gift is tax deductable. It’s conscious giving at its best. Cost: $10 to $250, plus a $5 processing fee. Visit networkforgood.com for more information.
Local Food Banks - I took a tour of the Los Angeles Food Bank’s 96,000 square foot facility, which is located just outside of downtown Los Angeles. I learned that last year 600,000 people in Los Angeles County received food through about 900 Food Bank agencies and programs. I recently learned that their requests for emergency food assistance had increased 41% this year. The downturn in this economy has affected many families across the nation. And need is great, according to Feeding America, whose 200 member food banks operate 63,000 agencies across the United States supplying food to over 25 million Americans each year. You can help families keep food in their pantries this holiday season by making a donation. And every $1 you donate helps Feeding America provide up to 8 bags of groceries to families struggling with not having enough food to eat. And your donation is tax deductible. Not a bad return if you ask me. To located a food bank in your area visit feedamerica.org. Cost: whatever you want to give.
The O Bracelet – The divine Ms. O has a heart for Africa. The O Bracelets debuted in the Oprah Magazine last year as a way to help the women in Africa who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. These exquisite bracelets are made by the women of Rwanda, Zambia, and Kenya. The women are paid up to 12 times the average daily wage for their handcrafted work, allowing them to put food on their tables and send their children to school. Sales of the previous O Bracelet collection, introduced in May 2008, also raised an extra $47,000 to help install a water system for eight villages. The new African Gemstone collection of O Bracelets that are featured this holiday season are stylish pieces of wearable art. And 10% of the price of the O Collection Bracelets will go to Hope Shines, a mentoring program for orphaned girls in Africa. These lovely bracelets are available exclusively at Macys. Cost: $52 to $350.
Becoming Dad: Black Men and the Journey to Fatherhood by Leonard Pitts, Jr. – Every year my list contains a book and this one I highly recommend. It’s a wonderful and powerful read by Miami Herald columnist, syndicated writer, National Headliner Award Winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist Leonard Pitts. Pitts has compiled interviews with a range of black men about their experiences with their fathers who were mostly absent or abusive, alcoholic or drug addicted. He also talks candidly about his own experiences growing up with an abusive and alcoholic father. This is an illuminating book, one that all, especially men young and old must read. Cost: $16.00 retail.
Scrabble Diamond Anniversary Edition – Well, this gift idea is just pure family fun and God knows in tough times fun like this is priceless. Last year the Luxury Edition made the list at a considerably higher price. But this year I’d like to suggest the Diamond Anniversary Edition which sells for less and packs in more fun as Scrabble celebrates 60-years of word playing fun. It features a premium carrying case and rotating game board. What better way to spend a Saturday evening with the family, a few carb laden snacks and Scrabble. It’s a great way to bring families together and challenge each other to stretch their vocabulary. Scrabble is America’s favorite word game. Make it yours. Cost: $36.00 retail.
The Los Angeles Sentinel – This is my personal favorite and makes the list every year. The gift of knowledge is real power. This is the gift that keeps on giving 52 weeks of the year. It is the best source to find out what is happening in black Los Angeles. It has local news, national news, sports, entertainment, business, family, religion, hard hitting commentaries and it’s the only newspaper in the southland that you will find Veronica’s View. Call (323) 299-3800 and subscribe today. Cost: $60 a year.
I hope this list inspires a spirit of togetherness and philanthropy. As the scriptures remind us, “give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” I wish you a holiday season full of the love of family and friends, the grace of God, and peace in your homes, communities, our nation and world. Happy holidays.
(If you have comments about Veronica's View, email them to vsview@yahoo.com.)
BETWEEN THE LINES: Good-bye, “Uncle Larry,” Hello (Again) “Uncle Clarence:” Are Black Conservatives Still Relevant?
Anthony Asadullah Samad
*The announcement that syndicated talk radio host, Larry Elder, was leaving his daily radio “squawk show” shouldn’t go without notice. Elder is a major remnant of the “colorblind” conservative movement that allowed race and race based disparities to be subjugated through senseless rationale of relative truths—that made no sense when Elder’s show was launched in the early 1990s and still makes no sense today. The only difference is that Elder’s colorblind rhetoric served a purpose in the 1990s as the conservative talk movement defined anti-taxation, family values (moral rights movement), reverse discrimination (white’s rights), new patriotism (anti-immigration) ideologies forged a new political agenda called “Contract With America” and ushered in a Republican takeover of Congress. It makes no sense today, which is why talk radio no longer needs him. Rush Limbaugh was called the 101st Senator for his role in the ideological shift as he sold America a bill of goods that only created the largest budget deficit in the history of the world. Republicans never met a tax they didn’t hate, but they’ll float a bond for future generations to pay in a minute. Rush could never sell the race bit without sounding like the racist that he is. Talk radio needed a Rush in blackface, a Sambo to sell the message that race no longer mattered. Enter Larry Elder.
Using contradictory rhetoric that sought to mimic and minimalize racial disparities, Elder adopted the “personal responsibility” mantra of the Republicans, first under the façade of being a Libertarian—and not a very good one, at that. Then, Larry finally came out of the closet and disclosed that he was in fact a Republican lackey. Of course, by then the Republicans had made Larry a very wealthy man. Putting your people down on a daily basis has its rewards, and no one did it better than Larry. And lived to tell about it. Larry Elder and Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas, were both part of the inaugural class of the so-called new Black Conservative. Together, they tag teamed the system, one from within, the other from without, to marginalize the race discussion in America. Together, with Chief Sambo, Ward Connerly, they carried the “colorblind” banner while dismantling affirmative action. Connerly questioned the need for it. Elder used the radio airwaves to publicly mock anyone that tried to defend. Thomas used the courts to uphold its banishment. And white folk stood by and watched it happen. Why wouldn’t they? They and their children would be (and still are) the primary beneficiary of their anti-equality movement. Elder, more than the others, legitimized the conversation on largely irrational premises. Elder wouldn’t hesitate to attack anyone who challenged his false premise, and he’d do it in the most cowardly way—by inviting you on his show and then not letting you talk. He’d hit a green button every time it was your turn to talk, making your statement incoherent. Then he’d turn his ideologues loose on you while blocking any callers that supported your point of view. More than a few well-intentioned scholars and activists were ambushed in this way. Elder would put public challenges out, provoking people to take the (race)bait. Then, he’d publicly rake them over the coals. I was one of his favorite targets, largely because I never took the bait. The one time I came close was when I moderated a debate between he and conspiracy theorist Steve Cokely. Cokely put it to Larry so bad that I nearly handed him a white flag of surrender. When Larry got back on the air the following Monday, of course it was a different story—so I wrote about it. Larry was so pissed he talked about me for two weeks, but I was not going in his studio.
This last campaign cycle proved to be the undoing of Larry Elder. Conservative talk radio unleashed an all out attack on President-elect, Barack Obama, and it had its number one Sambo out front, doing what he had done for 15 years. But nobody was listening to Larry Elder. In the midst of the first real social change movement in nearly 50 years, Larry Elder and his colorblind non-sense had become irrelevant. America saw race in Barack Obama, America voted race in Barack Obama and America overcame some of racial baggage to elect Barack Obama. In the aftermath, Larry Elder sounded just like all the other conservative ideologues without race on his tongue. If he can’t refute race anymore, why did they need him. The “jig” was finally up for Larry. In the meantime, another Sambo surrogate raised his head. Clarence Thomas, who had become as irrelevant as the law itself (to the Republicans) decided that he was going to be the one to request that the United States Supreme Court hear arguments challenging Obama’s birth status. Of course, the white justices couldn’t do it. It would look too racial. Let’s call Clarence. When’s the last time they called Uncle Clarence for anything? Last time they needed to deflect race. That’s the race game in America these days. Let Sambo now do what only others once did.
Seems like that cycle is never going to stop. But at least we can say good-bye to one Sambo symbol, even if another one is raising his head again, and a few more are in the making.
Good-bye, “Uncle Larry.” I, for one, am not sorry to see you go. Could you take Uncle Clarence with you?
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
AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: SUSAN L. TAYLOR RECEPTION
Oprah Winfrey Donates $1 Million To Susan L. Taylor’s National Cares Mentoring Movement
By Audrey J. Bernard, Lifestyles/Society Editor
*Oprah Winfrey does nothing small and especially when it comes to a friend. Susan L. Taylor is a friend of the Big “O,” and at a fundraising event at ESPACE on Tuesday, December 2, attended by more than 500 friends, family and supporters of the Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Essence Magazine, the leading woman in all of TV land -- showed guests just how much of a friend Taylor is.
The evening of celebration and caring honored the spiritual guidance and community leadership Taylor provided to millions of readers during her 37-year career at the magazine and raised funds for her National CARES Mentoring Movement (NCMM) founded by Taylor as Essence Cares. NCMM is committed to saving a generation of underserved children by recruiting a caring mentor for every vulnerable Black child.
“Susan L. Taylor helped advance a generation of Black women. Over the decades, the legendary chief editor was the visionary and heart behind one of the most respected Black brands in the world,” noted former Essence Magazine editor Marcia Ann Gillespie in her glowing remarks about her hand-picked successor. “She will forever be synonymous with Essence, the brand she built. Today, her calling is to help secure a generation of Black children through the work of NCMM,” Gillespie concluded.
Special guest and prominent philanthropist Winfrey closed the celebratory show in which she advised guests who had gathered in support of Taylor’s mentoring movement that when Susan first called her and told her about the new organization, “I asked her how much did she need for her new movement? She said $500,000. ‘I was so moved by what she was doing that I gave her the whole $500,000.’”
At that time, it was the largest single donation NCMM had received to date. That is until the event on Tuesday evening when Winfrey -- after being so touched by the spirit of the evening -- doubled her initial $500,000 donation – making it a cool $1 million -- to undergird the mission of NCMM while encouraging attendees to do whatever they could.
Guests gave Winfrey an enthusiastic standing ovation. However, NCMM made it known that they appreciated all donations. Now mind you, this was not an inexpensive ticket. Tickets ranged from $2,000 (private area); $1,500 (preferred area); $1,000 (honored area); and for the big spenders, a $5,000 gift of love included attendance at an exclusive reception with Winfrey and Taylor at the beautiful Manhattan residence of Taylor and her husband, Khephra Burns.
Although tickets were going reasonably well, Taylor, never forgetting her roots and knowing how for some the ticket prices might have been a little steep for those who really wanted to support her and her earnest efforts on behalf of the needy but deemed this an unnecessary luxury during these troubled economic times, asked her event planners to make $250 tickets available making the event less exclusive and more inclusive. That’s why people love Taylor. She’s always championing concern for people.
The evening also celebrated 15 young people from the Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx -- a high school started by the 100 Black Men of New York and at which every student has a mentor. With the commitment of teachers, administrators and the hundreds who volunteer as mentors, the graduation rate for the young men is nearly 100%.
“What a blessing Oprah’s generosity is to the healing of so many young lives,” said a visibly moved Taylor. “Her extraordinary gift of love took my breath away. Mentoring is critical to securing the future of our communities. Oprah has been so supportive of our work, and her donation – along with that of all others who attended this evening – will ensure that our mentor-recruitment efforts continue to thrive.”
Taylor founded the National CARES Mentoring Movement as Essence Cares in 2006 after hurricane Katrina. National CARES is a mentor-recruitment movement that works to fill the pipeline of youth-supporting organizations throughout the country with mentors.
Its mission is to save a generation by putting a caring adult in the life of every at-risk child and those who have already fallen into peril. National CARES Circles operate in more than 50 cities around the country such as: Anchorage, Annapolis, Austin, Augusta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Broward County (FL), Charleston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Montgomery, New York City, Oakland, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Raleigh, Sacramento, Seattle, Washington, DC and others.
“She knows, as all who give of themselves as mentors know, that by reaching back to help we all move forward, and that giving just an hour of our time to an underserved young person, we can save and secure a life. There are millions of children suffering needlessly all around us. With this kind of continued support, we will end the cycles of academic and social disengagement that are debilitating our communities and country. Mentoring is the answer. It is the best and most meaningful gift we can give this holiday season.”
In addition to Winfrey, other special guests in attendance included Gayle King, Ruby Dee, Sean Combs, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Common, Michael Eric Dyson, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Elinor Tatum, Lu Willard, Marcia Ann Gillespie, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Roland S. Martin, Sherry B. Bronfman, Renauld White, Norma Jean Darden, Barbara J. Harris, Bob Tate, Flo Anthony, Ruth Sanchez, Carl Nelson, Jerri DeVard, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Thomas Dortch, board chairman of NCMM.
The inspiring evening of song, celebration and life-changing benefits of mentoring featured performances by gospel greats Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin and was sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Grey Goose Vodka, ESSENCE, MTV/VIACOM, Verizon, Godiva Chocolatier, Jet Blue, Urban Books, Ellin LaVar Textures, MC Lyte and Sony Music, Soaring Elephant Productions, Urban Books, Spoonbread, CakeMan Raven, Guardian Association of the New York State Court, The Daily Blossom (event planner), The Terrie M. Williams Agency, Studio9 Media Group and Scholastic.
Guests left with wonderful memories and great swag bags. For more information about the National CARES Mentoring Movement, visit their website at www.caresmentoring.com. (Photos by Terrence Jennings and Gideon Manasseh)
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: VP Records presents Etana, 'The Strong One'; and, Linda Eder gets back to her Country roots on new Verve release
By Eunice Moseley
VP Records presents the sweet vocal sounds of Etana
*“I am always happy to express myself…you may not get everything at one time…it’s worth it,” vocalist/songwriter Etana (Shauna McKenzie) said about the hardships of being an entertainer.
Jamaican born and Miami raised Etana released her debut album, “The Strong One” this year on VP Records. Now if you can image a voice that’s mixed with Chante Moore and Diana Ross, to me, that’s Etana’s sound, with a twist of Reggae.
As a young vocalist Etana was a member of a group called Gift under Universal Records, but there came a time when she refused to sell her image as a sex object.
In 2005 she was introduced to Kingston, Jamaica’s Fifth Element Records and she later accompanied them as a backup vocalist for their artist Richie Spice. She traveled throughout Europe, Africa and the United States.
“I signed to 5th Element because I decided to be at a label where you can talk to the CEO…be more involved in the project,” she points out.
That decision she made is one that many artists/performers in the industry have been making, signing on at independent labels. The result is a new age for the music business, where it’s all about the “indie” label now, with the major label being an after thought, a distribution company or sponsor.
Etana later released a single, “Wrong Address,” which received heavy radio airplay and reach number one in Jamaica. She later wrote “Roots,” produced by Stephen Stanley, which is inspired by her tour travels in Africa. Both singles are included in her debut, “The Strong One,” along with 14 other selections.
The current single “Warrior Love” is number one on Reggae Charts and she received the Reggae Academy Award for Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist.
When asked what she would do with money from a successful CD Etana said “I’d redo all the schools in the Caribbean and Africa.”
Etana went on to say that she would also require that those schools provide more black history.
Two of my favorite cuts on “The Strong One” (VP Records) are “More and More,” a nice Pop/Soul/Reggae selection and “I’ll be the One” a Pop/Reggae track.
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