06-11-09 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
BLACK GUARD KILLED IN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM SHOOTING: Stephen Tyrone Johns 'died heroically' protecting thousands from racist, WWII vet.
*A 39-year-old African American security guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington was shot and killed Wednesday while trying to defend against an 88-year-old white supremacist who walked in and opened fire.
Museum officials identified the dead guard as Stephen Tyrone Johns, a six-year veteran of the facility.
"There are no words to express our grief and shock over these events.
He served on the Museum's security staff for six years," read a statement from the Museum. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Johns' family.
"We have made the decision to close the Museum tomorrow in honor of Officer Johns, and our flags will be flown at half mast in his memory."
At the White House, just blocks away from the museum, President Barack Obama said, "This outrageous act reminds us that we must remain vigilant against anti-Semitism and prejudice in all its forms. No American institution is more important to this effort than the Holocaust Museum, and no act of violence will diminish our determination to honor those who were lost by building a more peaceful and tolerant world."
The assailant, James Wennecker von Brunn, was hospitalized in critical condition at press time. His car was found double-parked in front of the museum and was immediately tested for explosives, reports the Associated Press. The weapon he used was a .22-caliber rifle, they added.
Von Brunn, who lives in Annapolis, Md., was identified by the Anti-Defamation League as a long-time white supremacist and anti-Semite who is a retired Naval reserve officer and World War II veteran. The ADL said he has a self-published anti-Semitic book titled “Tob Shebbe Goyim Harog”
(rough Hebrew for “Kill the Best Gentiles”), as well as many anti-Semitic essays. He also created an anti-Semitic Web site, HolyWesternEmpire.org.
In 1981, von Brunn, then living in New Hampshire, was arrested at the headquarters of the Federal Reserve Board after he tried to use a sawed-off shotgun to take board members hostage. He was convicted of attempted armed kidnapping, second-degree burglary, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon. He was sentenced to four to 11 years in prison in 1983.
He ended up serving more than six years.
A Museum official said a couple of thousand people were inside the facility when the shooting broke out, just before 1 p.m. ET. Former Senator and Secretary of Defense William Cohen was just inside the door of the Museum when the shots rang out. He was waiting for his wife, Janet Langhart Cohen, who has written and directed a one-act play that was to be performed at the Museum Wednesday night. The performance is now being rescheduled for this evening.
Langhart Cohen's play is called "Anne and Emmett;" an imagined conversation between Anne Frank and Emmett Till. It was being performed as part of a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Anne Frank's birth. "This is what the play is about," Cohen said. "It's about hate."
RIHANNA SUBPOENAED TO TESTIFY: Plus, Chris Brown loses bid to delay case.
Preliminary hearing scheduled for June 22.
*There has been sudden movement on the Chris Brown/Rihanna assault case.
The Associated Press is reporting that Brown lost his bid to postpone the preliminary hearing, which his attorney argued should wait for a related California Supreme Court decision.
Also, Rihanna has been officially subpoenaed to testify. She was served in person Tuesday in Los Angeles to appear at the June 22 hearing in Superior Court, her lawyer Donald Etra confirms.
As previously reported, Brown's attorney, Mark Geragos, filed an appeal earlier this month to try to delay the preliminary hearing. But two justices from California's Second District Court of Appeal signed an order Wednesday rejecting the arguments. The order did not explain the reason why.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg last month rejected a bid by Geragos to get access to police records that the attorney argued were crucial to the hearing. Geragos' appeal states that a state Supreme Court case currently under consideration could affect Brown's access to the records and he was seeking a delay on those grounds.
Geragos argued that if the Supreme Court ruled defendants have access to certain police files before the preliminary hearing, as opposed to afterward — as is currently the case — then Brown could be subjected to "the expense and degradation of two preliminary hearings."
Brown is accused of beating then-girlfriend Rihanna after a pre-Grammy party in February. Schnegg will decide at the preliminary hearing whether there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
Per the subpoena delivered Tuesday, Rihanna will be called to the stand at the June 22 hearing, whether she wants to or not.
"Rihanna was served at my office by L.A. DA investigators," Etra said. "If the preliminary hearing indeed goes forward, she is now legally required to be there, she will be there, and will answer all questions truthfully."
Brown, 20, has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts following the alleged Feb. 8 assault.
LAURYN HILL SCRAPS ENTIRE EUROPEAN TOUR: Singer's agent cited health reasons.
*Folks in Europe who were hoping to catch Lauryn Hill on tour this summer will have to make other plans.
Stockholm Jazz Festival spokeswoman Liisa Tolonen says the artist's agent informed the festival late Tuesday that all performances in Europe by the former Fugees singer have been canceled due to health reasons, according to the Associated Press.
In addition to a gig at the Stockholm Jazz Festival, Hill had dates booked in Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Austria.
The tour would have marked a comeback to stage by Hill who has kept a low public profile in recent years. She was the planned headline act for The Stockholm Jazz Festival, one of Sweden's biggest music events.
NORWOOD LAWSUIT AGAINST KARDASHIAN TOSSED: Parties said to have reached a settlement.
*The lawsuit filed against Kim Kardashian by Brandy's mother, Sonja Norwood, has been dismissed as part of an apparent settlement, according to court documents cited by People.com.
Kardashian, who once worked as Brandy's stylist, was accused by Mrs.
Norwood of charging more than $120,000 to her credit card without permission.
In the suit, Norwood accused Kardashian and siblings Khloe, Kourtney and Robert of running up the charges in 2006 and 2007. She sought the return of the money plus 10 percent interest.
As Brandy's stylist in 2004, Kardashian had been authorized to make only one purchase on the Norwood American Express card, Norwood said in the suit. But Norwood alleged that Kardashian made unauthorized purchases and passed the card number to her siblings, who ran up bills at two Kardashian family-owned clothing stores, Dash and Smooch, for a total of $120,636.
Kardashian denied the allegations, saying she never used the credit card without authorization.
The lawsuit was dismissed June 1 with prejudice, which means the case cannot be appealed or re-filed. Attorneys for Norwood and Kardashian could not be immediately reached for comment.
PATTI, QUINCY HONORED AT THE APOLLO: Prince, Mariah Carey among celebs in attendance.
*A number of A-list celebrities crowded into Harlem's Apollo Theater Monday night to honor the historic venue's 75th Anniversary, which doubled as an all-star tribute to music greats Patti Labelle and Quincy Jones.
Per the New York Daily News:
The usually reclusive Prince came out of hiding to applaud the soul diva, calling her, "My mother, my teacher, my cook and my stylist" at the Monday night bash. He added, "She taught me so much. I love her with all my heart, and I'm here for her."
Mariah Carey, who took a break from finishing up her new CD, broke down in tears as she spoke about LaBelle - the woman she calls her "godmother." "I'm sorry [I'm crying], but she just makes me so emotional,"
she said. Turning to the singer, Carey sobbed, "I am so honored to know you, and I thank you for always sharing your gift of love and friendship with me."
LaBelle was clearly moved by the lovefest. After making her way to the podium, the legend admitted, "I was sitting up there and Prince snuck up behind me and said he wouldn't miss this for anything, and I was shocked.
When I heard Mariah was giving me this award, I was shocked. I'm shaking."
Not shaking, but equally emotional, was Quincy Jones, who was also inducted into the Apollo's Hall of Fame. Jamie Foxx did the honors, and revealed his favorite Quincy memory before going on stage. "It was just being at his house," the Oscar winner said. "One party, he had Sidney Poitier there; Oprah Winfrey was hosting and a slew of actors and actresses from his era came. He just brought family together. And that's what we're really missing today."
Onstage, Foxx praised his "Ray" dialogue coach, stating proudly:
"Quincy taught me not to settle for mediocrity. He has connected us all."
Jones was equally impressed with his young pal, and not just as an actor/musician. "Jamie is an amazing person, and I love him. He's such a serious artist, but he's also a maniac!" he exclaimed. "We do it together.
We are two party animals."
But Foxx was the only party animal we found scampering around Mr.
West later in the evening, having morphed from respectable presenter to club king. The "Blame It" singer danced, performed and poured shots down the throat of birthday girl DJ Sky Nellor with a little help from Jay-Z into the wee hours of the morning."
MIJAC'S LIST OF CONCERT DEMANDS LEAKED: Plus, singer sued by NJ promoter for failing to follow through on reunion gig.
*Michael Jackson reportedly has a list of demands ready for the children who will appear with him on stage this summer.
Britain's Daily Mirror claims the singer, due to kick-off his 50-date residency at London's O2 arena next month, has sent an email telling promoters AEG the requirements for his team of young singers. Among them, a demand that they all know sign language.
"Normally when we cast choirs for acts, it's quite a laborious task.
But in this case, it's proving a near impossibility," a source told the newspaper. "Jackson is a perfectionist and wants it exactly right and that means every child being able to do sign language.
"AEG are desperate to keep him happy and so are pulling out all the stops to make it happen. But it's a race against time."
The King of Pop also wants the choir made up of "exactly equal"
numbers of black, white, mixed-race and Asian children, according to the Mirror.
Auditions take place in London next week and the children will reportedly be paid to try out.
According to Britain's Daily Mirror, the email also stated: "No past professional experience is necessary... due to children's work permit laws we will cast more than one choir."
Jackson is also looking for six snare drummers and has banned them from having beards. "They must be young adults, clean-cut and of mixed ethnicity. They must be real drummers, so please do not waste our time suggesting people who are not," another email read.
In other Jackson news, New Jersey concert promoter Allgood Entertainment has followed through with filing a $40 million lawsuit against the singer claiming he breached a contract to play a reunion concert with other family members.
Filed Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan, the lawsuit states that Allgood made a deal with Jackson's then-manager to produce a reunion concert with the Jackson family this summer.
The deal called for Jackson not to perform elsewhere before the event or for at least three months after it. The lawsuit says Jackson, manager Frank DiLeo and event promoter AEG broke the contract by signing to do a series of concerts in London this summer.
FYI: While leaving another medical building in Beverly Hills yesterday, TMZ.com asked Jackson if he could still pull off his signature Moonwalk. Jackson responded, "Why wouldn't I be able to?"
PRINCE REPORTEDLY NEEDS DOUBLE HIP SURGERY: Roger Friedman claims singer is refusing replacement procedure because of his religion.
*Entertainment columnist Roger Friedman is reporting that Prince now has two bad hips and is in desperate need of double hip replacement, yet continues to refuse surgery based on religious grounds.
Prince, in keeping with the his Jehovah's Witness faith, does not believe in blood transfusions, according to Friedman.
The entertainer made an unscheduled appearance at the Apollo Theater’s 75th anniversary celebration to toast Patti LaBelle, and a source who was backstage with him said he was walking around "in a lot of pain."
“He’s popping pain killers and hoping it will all go away,” the source added.
According to Freidman, news of Prince needing a hip replacement first surfaced in 2005. "He declined. Then again in 2007 and 2008 came more reports that he’d finally agreed to 'secret surgery,'" the columnist wrote.
"Now the diminutive R&B star is walking with a diamond-studded stick to keep him upright. It’s the same stick I saw him with two nights ago at a post-Tony Awards bash."
If all of this is true, Prince's two ailing hips couldn't keep him from appearing at the Apollo Monday night to honor LaBelle, whom he referred to as, "My mother, my teacher, my cook and my stylist." He added, "She taught me so much. I love her with all my heart, and I'm here for her."
MURPHY WANTS SNIPES FOR BROWN BIOPIC: Comedian says he was once approached by Godfather himself, but turned it down.
*Eddie Murphy said he once turned down a request from James Brown to play the Godfather of Soul in a big screen biopic because he felt Wesley Snipes was better suited for the job.
The 48-year-old comedian was said to have impressed Brown with his JB impersonations on "Saturday Night Live" during the 1980s. When the two met years later, Murphy was shocked when Brown approached him about making a biopic.
But Murphy doesn't regret passing up the offer, because he's convinced 46-year-old Snipes is perfect for the role.
"Wesley Snipes is a wonderful actor. Before the karate movies and stuff, when Wesley first got into the movies, he did drama and comedy. He's got all the talent" Murphy told WENN. "He does everything but he turned into the action dude. But James Brown isn't just singing and splits, you've got to chase the car and the crack heads. You've got to do the stunts. I'm too old to do the splits. They should make that movie with Wesley Snipes tomorrow."
ROOTS TO DROP NEW ALBUM THIS SUMMER: 'How I Got Over' includes first single 'I Walk Alone.'
*Philadelphia-based hip hop collective The Roots, who double as the house band on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," are said to be working on their eighth studio album, entitled "How I Got Over."
Due this summer on Def Jam, the set's first single, "I Walk Alone,"
will be serviced to radio shortly. An accompanying video was filmed on Tuesday.
In other Roots news, the second annual Roots Picnic at Philadelphia's Festival Pier took place this past Saturday and included performances by Asher Roth, Busdriver, Black Keys, TV On the Radio and Public Enemy.
ROCKER SLASH REMEMBERS HIS MOM: Mother of former Guns-N-Roses guitarist died of lung cancer at age 62.
*Rock guitarist Slash, the bi-racial son of a black mother and white father, is mourning the passing of his mother Ola Hudson, a woman he referred to recently as a "cool rock and roll mom."
Hudson, a former costume designer for such musicians as Ringo Starr, John Lennon and Diana Ross died on the morning of May 6 after a battle with lung cancer. She was 62.
"This is a difficult time, but I have to share with you that she was the sweetest, warmest, most loving human being I've ever known (next to my grandmother on her side), as well as one of the most creative and talented,"
Slash wrote on his MySpace page.
"She was also the coolest rock and roll mom, a rock junkie like myself could ever possibly want to have," Slash continued. "She was responsible for exposing me to a lot of the music that would influence me as a musician growing up, as well as introducing me to 'the life' and priming me to survive this crazy business that I'm now in.
"But more importantly, she turned me on to all different forms of art and the importance of artistic self expression and creative communication thru music and dance from as early on as I can remember. She really was all things artistic and creative personified and the world is a lesser place without her. [sic]"
The 43-year-old rocker - real name Saul Hudson - admitted he is still struggling to come to terms with her passing but thanked fans for their support.
"I still haven't grasped fully that she is gone and this is going to take some time to process," he added. "But, I have gotten a lot of really genuine condolences from many of you and I want to tell you that I appreciate it more than you can possibly know. My family and I thank you for your support."
Ola, who died at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, also had another son, Albion 'Ash' Hudson, 38, with ex-husband Anthony Hudson.
According to Slash, his mom once dated glam rocker David Bowie.
Here is a photo of Ola Hudson:
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/1985/slashmomag5.jpg
'THE WIRE'S' OMAR BACK ON HBO: Michael Kenneth Williams cast in Scorsese-directed pilot.
*Actor Michael Kenneth Williams, best known as gay stick-up artist Omar Little from HBO's "The Wire," returns to the cable channel as the newest cast member of director Martin Scorsese's drama pilot "Boardwalk Empire."
Written by Terence Winter, "Empire" chronicles the early 20th century origins of Atlantic City and revolves around Nucky Johnson (Steve Buscemi), who runs a liquor-distribution ring, and Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt), his ruthless flunky, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Williams will play Chalky White, the de facto mayor of Chickenbone Beach, Atlantic City's black section. He's an intelligent ex-boxer and confidant of Nucky's who rules his community with an iron fist.
Dabney Coleman and Paz de la Huerta have also joined the cast. De la Huerta, will play Lucy, Nucky's girlfriend, a party girl. Coleman will play Commodore Kaestner, Nucky's predecessor and mentor.
Production on "Boardwalk" started Tuesday on the East Coast.
ADAM JAMAL CRAIG JOINS LL'S 'NCIS: LOS ANGELES': Actor to play a new young agent on the squad.
*Up and coming actor Adam Jamal Craig will join LL Cool J in CBS's "NCIS" spinoff "NCIS: Los Angeles," according to the Hollywood Reporter.
LL and Chris O'Donnell star as agents in the new series set at the Office of Special Projects, a division of NCIS that's charged with apprehending dangerous criminals. Craig will play new young agent, Dominic Vaile.
The actor drew the attention of the CBS casting executives this past pilot season with his performance on another CBS/CBS Studios drama pilot, "Washington Field." After the pilot didn't go, they recommended Craig to
"NCIS: L.A." creator and "NCIS" showrunner Shane Brennan.
Craig recently did multi-episode arcs on NBC's "The Office" and "Heroes."
OBAMA GALS CONTINUE LONDON ADVENTURE: Westminster Abbey and The Lion King are the latest tour attractions.
*It's true that Sasha Obama spent her birthday sightseeing in London with Mom and Sis, but her actual birthday was yesterday, and not on Sunday as previously reported.
The day before she turned 8, Sasha, her 10-year old sister, Malia, her mother Michelle and a young friend took a tour of Westminster Abbey at around 10:30 a.m. The Gothic church closed to the public for about 12 minutes so the Obamas and their entourage could tour with the Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev. Dr. John Hall, reports People.com.
They were shown the "usual treasures of the Abbey" seen by tourists, says a source. This included a statue of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
which stands above the west entrance to the Abbey. They also saw the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, the Coronation Chair and the Lady Chapel of Henry VII.
And later, it was on to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theater in London's West End. The family sat in a private box and the girls were seen by the 2,000 or so theatergoers enthusiastically sitting on the edge of their seats and leaning over the ledge to better view the stage.
"The children were clearly having a good time," one fellow audience member told People. "There was quite a buzz in the theater once people spotted them during the first part."
At intermission, people jumped on their cell phones to spread the word about the Obama girls in the building. Afterwards, "I saw the girls skipping back into their box from their private room," adds the audience member.
The Obamas have been in London since Monday after first visiting Paris.
ATLANTIC ANNOUNCES BLACK MUSIC MONTH PROMOTION: Label to celebrate its history of African American artists.
*Atlantic Records Group will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Black Music Month with the online promotion "Atlantic IS Black Music," which focused on the company's long history of African-American artistry.
"Atlantic IS Black Music" will see a video content link running all month long on the Atlantic Records homepage, located at www.atlanticrecords.com. An array of current Atlantic Records Group artists will be featured, including T.I., Estelle, and Cee-Lo, alongside rising new talents such as Laura Izibor, Trey Songz, B.o.B., Maino, Pleasure P, Young Steff, Sophia Fresh, and Janelle Monae. The "Atlantic IS Black Music" video content will be updated daily throughout June.
In addition, Interactive One, the No. 1 African-American digital platform, super-serving more than 10 million monthly users, has partnered with Atlantic Records to celebrate the label's many accomplishments and impact on black music over the past 60 years.
Interactive One will provide its vast online community with the ability to engage and share in the celebration at partnering sites including BlackPlanet.com, TheUrbanDaily.com, NewsOne.com, and HelloBeautiful.com.
Each week Interactive One members will receive special Atlantic Records gift packs and other prizes -- please visit http://www.blackplanet.com/atlanticrecords/ for details.
BRIAN MCKNIGHT SIGNS WITH E1 MUSIC: Singer's two sons also join roster as R&B group 'McKnight.'
*E1 Music has just signed both Brian McKnight and an R&B group comprised of his sons Brian McKnight Jr. and Niko McKnight to its talent roster.
Due in September, Brian McKnight's new album features guest contributions from music legend Stevie Wonder and Jill Scott.
"I am so excited to join the E1 family and even more excited to see my sons release their first CD under the same umbrella," he said in a statement. "There has been tremendous change in the music business, and I feel confident that E1 has positioned itself as an industry leader while continuing to foster and develop a great understanding of true artists."
The group formed by his sons, simply titled McKnight, is due to release a single in the coming months.
In the meantime, Brian McKnight's syndicated urban radio show "The Brian McKnight Show," can be heard in 47 markets. He also hosts a Top 5 rated show 2 years running with "The Brian McKnight Morning Show," on KTWV The Wave Smooth Jazz radio.
"The Brian McKnight" late night television talk show will debut on Sept. 26, and will be syndicated in over 200 U.S. markets.
RICK ROSS TO ENDORSE TEQUILA BRAND: Rapper's deal includes video and print ad campaign.
*Proximo Spirits, Inc. and 1800 Tequila are partnering with rapper Rick Ross and his crew Triple C's to endorse its 1800 Tequila's Select Silver brand, billed as the first and only 100 proof clear tequila on the market.
"Of all the tequilas out there, the 100 proof 1800 Select Silver is the 'big boss' and the only tequila I would put the Rick Ross name behind,"
said Ross in a statement. "1800 Tequila is a brand I'm really excited to grind and build with, and as I keep pumping out the hits, topping the charts, and discovering new talent like my crew Triple C's -- 1800 Tequila will be rising to the top with me."
The partnership kicks off this month with a video and photo shoot.
"Rick Ross & Triple C's were an obvious choice for us," said Elwyn Gladstone, Head of Marketing for Proximo. "1800 Select Silver is a serious tequila for the serious tequila drinker. It's making a huge splash in the tequila market right now, just as Rick Ross is shaking up the music industry."
BEYONCE AND GEORGE MICHAEL DUET: British singer is surprise guest at her London concert for performance. (video)
*Beyonce Knowles had a surprise for the crowd at her concert Tuesday night in London.
Joining her on stage at London's O2 Arena was British pop legend George Michael, who helped wrap the European leg of her "I Am…" tour with a rendition of her hit single "If I Were A Boy." [Click here to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS8vqgLTKvQ&feature=player_embedded]
Beyonce will kick off the next set of live dates in the U.S. on June
21 when she hits the stage at New York City's Madison Square Garden.
OBAMA BITS: President to speak at NAACP conference; Obama-effect on black students; Jon Voight's Obama-bashing.
*The NAACP has announced that President Barack Obama will address its centennial celebration this summer in New York City. Obama says in a statement that the civil rights organization has inspired people to strive for the mountaintop even when the climb seemed steep. The convention takes place July 11 through 16 at the New York Hilton. Other speakers on the schedule include New York Gov. David Paterson, Republican National Chairman Michael Steele and Rep. Charles Rangel.
*A recent study found that African-American students scored higher on standardized tests if they were reminded of President Obama's accomplishments before the test -- narrowing the achievement gap between black and white test takers and suggesting a tangible effect of Obama's presidency. In a study conducted during the 2008 election, Dr. Ray Friedman of Vanderbilt University found that the students who earned higher scores likely overcame "stereotype threat" -- a fear that one's performance will confirm an existing negative stereotype of a group with which one identifies, resulting in psychological discomfort. Click here to read full
story: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/09/obama-effect/
*Actor Jon Voight, an Obama critic from day one, continued to bash the president and his policies at a GOP fundraiser Monday night in Washington. As emcee, the actor called on fellow Republicans to “free this nation from this Obama oppression.” He mocked Obama's popularity with such depictions, as “…Obama’s false Halo-istic presence,” and his anointing as the “One” by Oprah Winfrey. He ended his tirade with a shout out to his right wing FOX heroes, including Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Glen Beck and Michelle Malkin, praising them for keeping up the fight to defeat the “…false prophet Obama.” [Scroll down to watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s75P8xNMZEE&feature=player_embedded]
Click here to watch his follow-up interview on Tuesday night with Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/09/voight-obama-bringing-us_n_213531.h
tml
VIVICA, BENET BOOKED FOR 'DADDY'S PROMISE': Ed Gordon's annual event to take place Saturday in NYC.
*Journalist and “Daddy’s Promise” founder, Ed Gordon and title sponsor Bounty will salute the special relationship between fathers and daughters at the first annual Daddy’s Promise Father-Daughter Dance in New York City.
Fathers and daughters from across the country will gather at the New York Hilton on Saturday, June 13, from 2-5 p.m. for an afternoon of fun, food and entertainment.
Celebrity fathers and daughters, including actress Vivica A. Fox, comedian and "The View" co-host Sherri Shepherd (together with their
fathers) and singer Eric Benet (and his daughter), will also enjoy the day’s festivities.
Singer Will Downing will perform "Beautiful to Me," a song he wrote for his daughter that also serves as the theme song for Daddy’s Promise. The event will end with rapper Cupid getting everyone on the dance floor as he performs "The Cupid Shuffle."
One of the hottest celebrity DJs in the country, Beverly Bond will be spinning the music
The dance is being held in conjunction with the annual conference of 100 Black Men of America.
Ten fathers and their daughters from across the country will also enjoy the affair and spend the weekend in New York after being selected winners of the Bounty’s Promise contest. Winners were selected by a panel of judges, for best answering the question “How do you spend quality time with
one another to strengthen your father-daughter bond?”
Gordon is excited about the response Daddy’s Promise had received, “This is the culmination of a great first year for our initiative" he stated. "We have had an overwhelming response to our Web site, www.daddyspromise.com, and the events we’ve held around the country have been standing room only. This dance is no exception. We sold out in two hours. It’s been a great year and I look forward to continuing to shine the spotlight on the father-daughter relationship in years to come.”
ITTY BITTY BITS: Kanye & Amber split; Peas make history; Cam'ron and Sisqo sued.
*Kanye West's camp has reportedly confirmed that he has ended his relationship with music video model Amber Rose. "They are no longer a couple," a rep for West told the New York Post's Page Six.
*The Black Eyed Peas have made 21st century history with their 12th hit on the Mainstream Top 40 chart. With their first single from The E.N.D., "Boom Boom Pow," at No. 1 on the Top 40 chart for four consecutive weeks, The Peas have landed the most Top 40 Mainstream Chart hits this decade surpassing Backstreet Boys and Nickelback. "Boom Boom Pow" holds the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks. Since its release nine weeks ago, it has sold over 2.4 million digital downloads.
*The law firm of Pryor Cashman LLP have sued both Cam'ron and Sisqo for allegedly failing to pay legal bills. According to TMZ.com, the firm did trademark work for the two artists over the last few years. Cam'ron allegedly owes $43,709.43 and Sisqo owes $19,965.73, per the lawsuits filed Monday in New York. The law firm is suing for their bill, plus interest and attorneys fees.
EUR DVD REVIEW: Gran Torino
Eastwood’s Motor City Melodrama Makes Its Way to DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*Recently-widowed Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) has a big set of gonads for the last white guy still living in a Detroit neighborhood now overrun with Asians, Latinos and blacks.
After all, the grizzled geezer is in mourning and emotionally-estranged from his sons, Mitch (Brian Haley) and Steve (Brian Howe), who would like to relocate their dad to a retirement community.
Nonetheless, Walt wants to remain in the increasingly-lawless community. But rather than make the acquaintance of any of his neighbors, the gun-toting Korean War vet would rather roam around town like a geriatric Dirty Harry, daring troublemaking knuckleheads to make his day.
For he loves to talk trash, being especially fond of hurling expletives and ethnic slurs at members of every minority group.
He proves to be particularly imaginative when it comes to epithets for the Asian family who moved in next-door, referring to them as everything from “gooks” to “zipperheads” to “rice niggers” to “chinks” to “nips” to “eggrolls” to “barbarians” to “fish heads” to “swamp rats” to “slope heads.” Needless to say, Walt is utterly unlikable, at least until the fateful day that a juvenile delinquent (Bee Vang) tries to steal his classic muscle car as part of a gang initiation. Instead of shooting the thief when he catches him in the act, Walt decides to take pity on the kid in dire need of intervention.
Unfortunately, the transition he subsequently makes from racist misanthrope into an altruistic father figure is simply unconvincing. That’s not good news for this maudlin Motor City melodrama, which is recommended only if you want to see Clint Eastwood uttering a profusion of offensive and profane language, like a senile old coot suffering from adult onset Tourette’s Syndrome.
Otherwise, this cross of 8-Mile and Death Wish looks terribly dated, like the desperate last gasp of pre-Obama Era intolerance.
Fair (1 star)
Rated R for pervasive profanity, ethnic slurs and violence.
Running time: 117 minutes
Studi Warner Home Video
DVD Extras: Two featurettes: “Manning the Wheel” and “Gran Torin More Than a Car.”
To see a trailer for Gran Torino, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ecW-d-CBPc
EUR FILM REVIEW: Downloading Nancy
Psychological Thriller Has Suicidal Housewife Seeking Hit Man over the Internet
Film Review by Kam Williams
*If you were contemplating suicide, but couldn’t quite summon up the nerve to do yourself in, where would you turn for help? In the Internet Age, you might surf S&M chat rooms to find a sadist whose fetish corresponds with your masochistic tendencies.
That’s precisely the approach taken by Nancy Stockwell (Maria Bello), a clinically-depressed housewife who’s fed up with her lot in life after being stuck in an unsatisfying marriage for 15 years. It’s not that her emotionally-estranged husband, Albert (Rufus Sewell), has exactly been abusive or anything, unless mere neglect counts. He’s just been very busy, between the demands of his job and working on his golf game.
Lonely Nancy knows she has problems, which is why she informs her shrink (Amy Brenneman) about her compulsive urge to mutilate herself. During their intense sessions she speculates about what happens when you die, and she even takes bathroom breaks to slice her thighs with a razor blade.
Although clueless Albert may be oblivious of his wife’s issues, Nancy’s lucky enough to make friends online with Louis Farley (Jason Patric), a sicko who goes by the screen name “Deep Hurt.” As his creepy moniker implies, he gets his jollies by inflicting pain. And after months of virtual foreplay on the computer, the two arrange to meet in person once Louis promises to put her out of her misery.
So, Nancy boards a bus for Baltimore, fully expecting to be shot by Deep Hurt as soon as she hands him her loaded pistol. But not so fast, kinky Kimosabe, since that wouldn’t be any fun for a sadist who never wants to give his prey what she wants. That wouldn’t really be torture, would it?
Raw and riveting from start to finish, Downloading Nancy marks the noteworthy directorial debut of Sweden’s Johan Renck. Despite its relentlessly-grim tone, this thoroughly-modern snuff flick warrants a watch for its intriguing premise alone. For the tawdry tale is based on an actual case which means a couple of lost souls must have met in a similar fashion in order to fulfill each other’s unusual fantasies.
In this case, however, remember that Nancy does have a husband, who finally gets suspicious a few days after his wife’s mysterious disappearance. He checks out her email and discovers a chat log that would make Chris Hanson and the folks at To Catch a Predator blush. Then, while he’s trying to track his wife down, Louis is having fun punishing her by making her doing stuff like walk barefoot across a floor filled with set mousetraps. Ouch!
And when she starts begging him for sex, the question quickly changes from “Will he murder her?” to “Can love blossom from a sordid scenario based on such bleak, unspeakable cruelty?”
Why not, so long as you have a couple of consenting adults. After all, no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Except maybe Albert.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 102 minutes
Studi Strand Releasing
To see a trailer for Downloading Nancy, visit: http://www.downloadingnancythemovie.com/Trailer.htm. Or: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03vk8cC3_2c.
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: Having Your Racial Cake and Eating it Too
*John C. Calhoun, father of the confederacy, said about the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence: “there is not a word of truth in the whole proposition, as expressed and generally understood.” These sentiments were echoed by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Roger B. Taney. Writing the majority opinion for Scott v Sanford, Taney also denied the veracity of the founding noting, “…the Declaration of Independence shows that neither the class of persons who had been imported as slaves, nor their descendants, whether they had become free or not, were then acknowledged as a part of the people, nor intended to be included in the general words used in that memorable instrument.”
It is a continuing source of fascination that the new left has chosen this view of the founding, replete with its historical inaccuracies, while the political right has adopted that of Abraham Lincoln and Justice John Marshall Harlan. It was Harlan who wrote in his famous dissent in Plessey v Ferguson that “Our Constitution is colorblind and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.”
This brings us to the current controversy surrounding the president’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court.
During her Judge Mario G. Olmos Lecture at Berkeley Sotomayor remarked, "Whether born from experience or inherent physiological or cultural differences…I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." Revelations of the remarks were met with condemnation. Democrats were shocked-yes shocked!-to discover that some Americans find repugnant the idea that ones ethnicity makes them more qualified to make decisions. The left has responded to the reproof of Sotomayor with stuttering indignation, accusations of a latent fear of brown people and claims that Sotomayor’s reputation was being besmirched unfairly. (The fact that Democrats have routinely besmirched the reputations of brown justices nominated by Republican presidents on far less substantive grounds or outright lies seems to have slipped their minds. But I digress.)
In point of fact, Sotomayor is not a racist. She is, however, clearly enamoured with the identity politics of the left.
The denial of a universal human nature is the philosophical heart of multiculturalism. For those steeped in multiculturalism there is no objective truth or objective right and wrong because reason is purely the result of different cultural and environmental influences. Therefore the values of every culture are equally valid. The individual ceases to exist except as part of that larger culture from which he receives his identity, his rights and his very life. This is a direct contradiction of the declaration, which recognizes certain self-evident truths that exist for every individual in every time.
The political extension of multiculturalism is diversity. We are now taught that diversity (as opposed to racial non-discrimination) is a virtue - that we must have critical mass in our schools and universities and that in order to respond to the varying needs of a varied people our government agencies and courts must be made to “look” like America. The political method turns the foundational principle of judgment “without regard to race” on its head. What we learn is that there is some inherent value in race, that in fact race is primary. And after rejecting the idea of a universal human nature and the universal truths that should apply to all men we are met with the revelation that our ideas of justice and compassion are not the result of reason and an association with the divine, but of “inherent physiological and cultural differences,” which make Latina jurists superior to white male jurists.
Had similar sentiments been expressed by a white man his career as a justice would be over. And properly so. Isn’t the disapprobation of Sotomayor a sign that we have entered into a true post racial society? Isn’t the vision we have for America one in which we repudiate the idea that race conveys some value or detriment to ones ability?
The left cannot have its racial cake and eat it too. The founding was either true or it was not. If true then Justice Harlan was correct and our constitution is color blind, racial non-discrimination is in fact an essential building block of our republic and a value to be encouraged in our society. If the founding was untrue then Justice Taney and Calhoun were correct and our ideas of race are dictated not by any universal truth embodied in our founding document, but by the changing whims of men and the onward marching of time.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
AUDREY'S SOCIETY WHIRL:NMSDC GALA
NMSDC Salutes Three Business Executives for Long-Term Achievement In Minority Business Development; David B. Dillon, Alex López Negrete and Kenneth M. Ricketts Feted at New York Awards Dinner
By Audrey J. Bernard
Lifestyles/Society Editor
*When tall and tantalizing Earvin “Magic” Johnson, chairman and chief executive officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, launched Magic Workforce Solutions, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) – one of the nation’s foremost corporate membership organizations -- certified the newly formed corporation as a 100% minority owned, operated and financially controlled organization.
Last year, after having received the Southern California Minority Business Development Council 2008 Leadership Award, the successful businessman attended NMSDC’s annual dinner-dance. The NBA superstar was so buoyed by the event that he made it known to NMSDC’s fine and foxy president, Harriet R. Michel, he would love to attend next year’s event and play a more prominent role.
His wish was her command as he was invited back to serve as Master of Ceremonies for NMSDC’s annual leadership awards dinner-dance on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at the Hilton New York and Towers in New York City.
The stellar event attracted more than 1,250 guests including CEOs and executives of Fortune 500 corporations and minority business owners from across the nation. The centerpiece of the event was a salute to three iconic business developers.
This year NMSDC honored David B. Dillon, chairman and chief executive officer of The Kroger Company; Alex López Negrete, president and chief executive officer of López Negrete Communications; and Kenneth M. Ricketts, president and chief executive officer of Quality Packaging Specialists International, at its annual leadership awards.
“These three business leaders have a legacy of unparalleled commitment to minority business development,” said Michel. “We are proud to celebrate their long-term accomplishments and continued efforts to provide opportunities for all Americans to fully participate in our nation’s economy.”
David B. Dillon is chairman and chief executive officer of The Kroger Company. Its 2008 sales were $76 billion. The company, which has 323,000 employees, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2008. While Kroger has diversified through acquisitions – adding jewelry and general merchandise to its mix – food stores still account for most of its sales.
Kroger operates 3,660 stores, including nearly 2,485 supermarkets and multi-department stores, under two dozen banners in about 30 states. The company has had a supplier diversity process and has been a national corporate member of NMSDC for more than 25 years. In 2008, Kroger increased its diversity spend by 5%, purchasing $746 million in products and services from 507 Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American businesses.
All totaled, the company achieved over $1 billion in expenditures with minority- and women-owned business enterprises for the third consecutive year. Kroger also encourages its major suppliers to increase their supplier diversity opportunities. In 2007, Kroger reported $190.6 million through Second Tier spend. In 2006, the company reached its goal of spending more than $1 billion annually with minority- and women-owned businesses and was inducted into the Billion Dollar Roundtable.
Alex López Negrete is president and chief executive officer of López Negrete Communications. He founded the Houston-based advertising and communications agency with his wife and partner, Cathy, with a guiding conviction: that the Hispanic market is a viable and powerful consumer segment and that thoughtful, relevant, fully integrated, in-language and in-culture communications are the best way to reach this important market.
His approach has produced results. The agency has more than 160 employees, and had $165 million in billings in 2008. Mr. Lopez Negrete credits the success of the agency to the fact that it comprises a team of multicultural, multinational, bilingual and bicultural communications professionals.
Last year, the agency utilized 45 other minority firms. Mr. López Negrete is intricately involved in providing strategic counsel and creative direction to all of the agency’s clients, which include Bank of America, Microsoft, NBC Universal Pictures Group, Reliant Energy, Shell Oil Products U.S., Tyson Foods, Visa U.S.A. and Wal-Mart Stores. The company is an NMSDC Corporate Plus® member.
Kenneth M. Ricketts is the president and chief executive officer of Quality Packaging Specialists International, a packaging company based in Burlington Township, New Jersey. He describes the company as a “supply chain solution provider.”
The company had sales of $139 million in 2008. Their customers for marketing, packaging and fulfillment services include top consumer brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart. Quality Packaging has 993 employees, of which 918 are minorities.
The company spent more than $1 million with other minority businesses in 2008. Quality Packaging is an NMSDC Corporate Plus® member. Mr. Ricketts serves on the boards of the Procter & Gamble Advisory Council and the Philadelphia Drug Exchange, the oldest active trade organization in America. Additionally, he participates with the National Minority Manufacturing Institute which is dedicated to increasing the number of minority manufacturers in the U.S.
This event is always a classy one and everyone was dressed to the nines starting with Michel who, along with her daughter-in-laws Michell Tollinchi Michel and Valerie Michel, were all wearing designs by b michael.
The dinner, music and reception were beguiling. Adding to the evening’s luster was the breathtaking ambience of the Grand Ballroom where the stage set-up included three giant screens flanking the NMSDC banner so every seat in the house was orchestral. Guests left with wonderful memories and a swag bag like no other.
Gerald J. Parsons, chairman and chief executive officer of Communications Test Design, Inc., served as honorary chairman for the gala event. More than 170 chairmen of America’s top corporations -- including AT&T, Allstate, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chevron, Chrysler, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, Eastman Kodak, Ford, Hilton, Johnson & Johnson, Marriott, Nestlé, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Raytheon, and Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing -- served on the honorary dinner-dance committee. (Photos by Lonnie Major)
About NMSDC
Providing a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses is the primary objective of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, one of the country’s leading business membership organizations. It was chartered in 1972 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.
The NMSDC Network includes a national office in New York and 38 Regional Councils across the country. There are 3,500 corporate members throughout the network, including America’s top publicly-owned, privately-owned and foreign-owned companies as well as universities, hospitals and other buying institutions.
The Regional Councils certify and match more than 15,000 minority-owned businesses with member corporations that want to purchase their goods and services. For more information about NMSDC, call (212) 944-2430 or visit the Web site at www.nmsdc.org.
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Paramount/Nickelodeon releases 'Imagine That,' starring Eddie Murphy and young Yara Shahidi June 12th; and, The Los Angeles Dream Center and Universal Music release, 'Press Play'
By Eunice Moseley
Eddie Murphy and young Yara Shahidi star in the Paramount/Nickelodeon comedy release, 'Imagine That'
*On June 12, 2009 Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies release “Imagine That,” a comedy film for the family. The movie stars Eddie Murphy and eight year-old actress Yara Shahidi (father and daughter) and centers around their developing relationship. Evan Danielson (Murphy), whose life is centered around deadlines, obtaining new clients, pleasing the clients you have and his computer gadgets, is forced to deal with his daughter Olivia Danielson's fixation with her blanket. Estranged wife (Trish) played by Nicole Ari Parker, refuses to come to his rescue when Olivia's blanket fixation has the school calling him every five minutes.
“Imagine That” is so cute because of the outstanding acting from Yara Shahidi and it is so funny thanks to the comedic timing, funny faces and voices that only Eddie Murphy can bring. “Imagine That” will also have the audience rethinking the times that they didn't indulge in a child's “imaginary” world, thinking that maybe, as in “Imagine That,” it will bring them that hidden motivation to do the extraordinary.
“I been wanting to write a movie my kids and I can go to, together,” film screenwriter/co-producer Ed Solomon said. “This idea came from a personal moment.”
“I want people to go out and have a nice afternoon where they can bring the whole family, have a good laugh and get that fussy feeling,” Eddie Murphy said to me about what he wants us to get from the film.
Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick and also produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, “Imagine That” also stars Thomas Naden Church as Johnny Whitefeather, Evan Danielson's rival co-worker; Ronnie Cox as Evan's boss; Vannesa Williams as Lori Strother, wife of Evan's best friend Johns Strother played by DeRay Davis, and Charlie Koznick as Rick, current boyfriend to Trish Danielson.
“We were talking,” Thomas Church laughs about when he was shooting the breeze with Eddie Murphy on set. “and he said, 'I auditioned once for about 5 minutes.' I realized then what a big 'god' he was in the industry!”
Eddie Murphy was the glue that got everyone together for this film. Even the director, Karey Kirkpatrick, said Eddie picked “him” to direct the film.
“Eddie don't need a whole lot of directing,” Karey laughs. “I got a call from Eddie two weeks before we wrapped up, he wanted to see the film clips. I said, 'Uh oh.'”
Not to fear, Eddie liked what he saw from Kirkpatrick and you will too. You too will travel into the “imaginary” world of Olivia Danielson.
“My mom is an actress,” Yara tells me about how she got into acting. “We are all doing something either behind the camera or in front.”
On challenges to this movie Shahidi said, “I had to learn how to skate and sing (The Beatles).”
Speaking of the Beatles, the soundtrack to “Imagine That” is full of Beatles tunes. Colbie Caillat (“Bubbly”) and Mikal Blue do a duet of The Beatles' “Here comes the sun.” You can learn more on the Paramount/Nickelodeon film and the soundtrack at www.ImagineThatMovie.com.
The Los Angeles Dream Center and Universal Music release 'Press Play'
“People put labels on music. But good music is good music,” Press Play group member Paige Adkins said about their music, which has been labeled Rock/Pop/R&B. “I use to wish I was a Rock star. I have my own stuff before the group, it's R&B. Being in Press Play taps into the Rock artist in me.”
Other member of Press Play include Dave Hanley (the songwriter), Tyler Ray Lo
