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07-09-09 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
MICHAEL'S KIDS IN BETTER SPIRITS AT REPAST: Plus, Jackson sisters address Nokia overflow crowd after memorial (video).
*After Tuesday's public memorial for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the family hosted special guests at a repast held in The Grand Ballroom of the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Here's the full account from Us Weekly:
Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, all sat in the "VIP" area at a kid's table that included all the Jackson cousins and relatives. There were around 15 kids at the table, with ages ranging from 7-17. (Blanket was probably the youngest in the group.)
Jackson's children seemed very close with their cousins, as they all were playing and goofing around. At one point, Prince Michael pulled out his cell phone. It looked like he was playing a game on it; he then passed it along to one of his cousins.
Blanket - who appeared overwhelmed at the memorial - was in a much better mood. He looked like he was having so much fun chasing around his cousins. The boy - whose hair is almost down to his waist and whose front tooth is missing - appeared playful at the reception, tickling his cousins and tapping others on the shoulder and then running away.
Paris also seemed to be in a better mood. She hugged her cousins and chatted with guests. At one point, someone brought over the program from the memorial and all three of the kids -- including some of the cousins -- gathered around to look at the pictures.
Jackson's children seemed really poised and polite as they shook guests' hands and chatted with them. People were coming up and shaking Prince Michael's hand a lot. The kids interacted extremely naturally with each other.
Grace Rwaramba, Jackson's former nanny, was overheard saying: "The kids are holding up really well. It's good for them to be around the other kids."
The reception featured a classical music quartet that played softly onstage. (Food included mini cheeseburgers, spanakopita, mini crab cakes, vegetable plates, cheese plates and fruit.)
Todd Bridges, Corey Feldman, Chris Tucker, Brooke Shields, Wesley Snipes, Rev. Al Sharpton, Kim Porter, Mariah Carey, Jesse Jackson, Spike Lee and Anil Kapoor from Slumdog Millionaire were among the guests.
Usher pretty much kept to himself and still looked sad. As for Jackson's siblings, Latoya made the rounds at the reception, greeting guests. Janet did not really interact with her family, only to chat with sister Latoya momentarily. (Both ladies kept their sunglasses on the entire time.) Janet also carried around Blanket's Michael Jackson doll for him.
(Her beau Jermaine Dupri did not attend.)
Joe and Katherine Jackson briefly chatted up Brooke Shields, who was smiling but still mourning as her eyes were red. Jermaine Jackson talked to family members and hugged a lot of the guests. At the end of the evening, a few guests took photos with Wesley Snipes, Usher and even Joe Jackson.
Feldman, still dressed in his bizarre Michael Jackson outfit, gave Joe Jackson a hug and a handshake on the way out.
Michael's three kids left with Katherine Jackson, who remains their temporary guardian until a July 13 court hearing.
Before the reception, Jackson siblings Janet, LaToya and Rebbie addressed the memorial overflow crowd at the Nokia Theater immediately following the service to thank the fans for their support.
MCNAIR DEATH RULED MURDER-SUICIDE: Mistress likely shot him as he napped; told friends her life was 'all messed up.'
*The death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and his mistress Sahel Kazemi "clearly points to a murder-suicide," according to police at a press conference Wednesday in Nashville.
"Steve McNair was murdered by Sahel Kazemi," chief Ronal Serpas told reporters, adding McNair was likely asleep when he died and seated on the sofa.
After four shots into McNair, Kazemi, 20, positioned herself on the sofa next to him and shot herself in the side of the head, according to Serpas. He said there was no gunshot residue evidence on McNair's hands and there were no signs of a struggle.
"We believe it was likely Kazemi shot Mr. McNair and he didn't know," Serpas said.
The chief described Kazemi as "distraught" in the final days of her life. She told friends her life was "all messed up" and she was "going to end it all" before the incident.
Kazemi was also stressed about having two car payments, a roommate who was moving out and recent suspicions that McNair, who had a wife, was seeing someone else.
MARIAH CAREY EXPLAINS MJ MEMORIAL PERFORMANCE: Singer says she lost it when she walked out and saw his casket.
*Mariah Carey is apologizing for her performance at Michael Jackson's memorial on Tuesday, believing she could have done a better job performing his Jackson 5 hit "I'll be There."
The songbird says she lost control of her voice when she took the stage above Jackson's casket and was suddenly overcome with emotion.
"Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me," Carey wrote Tuesday on her Twitter page. "I could barely keep myself from crying. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to pull it together and really do it right, but I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me."
"One thing I know is, we will never really have to say goodbye to MJ. His legacy lives on through his music and the millions of people. He inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts," she adds.
MIJAC'S BILLBOARD STRANGLEHOLD CONTINUES: Sales of solo albums jump 90 percent compared to previous week.
*Michael Jackson records continue to saturate the Billboard charts.
Based on preliminary sales numbers from Nielsen SoundScan, the King of Pop's catalog of solo albums sold a whopping 800,000 copies in the U.S. in the tracking week that ended at the close of business on Sunday (July 5) night. That's an increase of 90% compared to the previous week, when his combined albums sold 422,000.
A jump in sales was expected, since this was the first full week of sales since Jackson's passing on June 25. Additionally, after most physical retailers swiftly sold out of available Jackson albums, Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group were able to replenish brick-and-mortar stores with CDs last week to meet customer demand.
In turn, physical albums accounted for 82% of Jackson's sales last week -- 656,000 physical albums versus 144,000 download albums. In the week previous, when Jackson's albums moved a total of 422,000, physical albums accounted for 43% of that sum (181,000) while digital albums made up the other 57% (241,000).
Jackson's "Number Ones" collection is currently the top selling album in the United States, with 339,000 (up 215%), according to Nielsen SoundScan. Its also No. 1 on Billboard's Top Comprehensive Albums chart, followed by "Thriller" at No. 2 with 187,000 (up 86%).
Jackson will also again dominate the Top Pop Catalog Albums chart. It tallies albums that are more than 18 months old, have fallen below No. 100 on the Billboard 200 and don't have a current radio single. Catalog albums are ineligible to appear on The Billboard 200 chart though they can chart on the Top Comprehensive Albums chart.
Last week, Jackson had a record eight albums out of the top 10 on the Top Pop Catalog Albums chart, while a Jackson 5 compilation also found its way into the upper tier. This week, the entire top 10 is all-Jackson, all the time. He alone has albums at Nos. 1-6 and Nos. 8-10 while a Jackson 5 title ("The Ultimate Collection") resides at No. 7.
On Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart, Jackson will hold down five out of the top 10 slots, with "Man in the Mirror" leading as his top selling digital download song of the week (159,000; down 3%). Overall, it ranks as the second-best selling song of the week, next to the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" (215,000; up 6%).
Jackson's total song download sales this week -- including his works with the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons -- stand at 2.2 million downloads. Last week, the collected total was 2.6 million.
J. CREW MARKETING USES OBAMA GIRLS: Company capitalizes on first daughters's outfits during Moscow jaunt.
*Clothing line J.Crew, a favorite of Michelle Obama's, has used the first lady's daughters Sasha and Malia to market some of its spring and summer styles in a press release sent Monday titled "The Obama Girls Bring Some American Style to Moscow."
"Malia & Sasha wore J.Crew and crewcuts as they exited Air Fore One in Moscow -- stylish in their trenches, they also accessorized with ballet flat shoes," the release says.
Being impromptu fashion plates aren't the only activities experienced by the Obama ladies.
While President Obama met Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday to discuss nuclear arms control and other issues, Michelle and the kids were taken on a tour of the Kremlin by Svetlana Medvedeva, Russia's first lady.
Mrs. Obama, dressed in a peach-colored dress and belted coat, toured the Kremlin's Winter Garden and the Cathedral of the Assumption with Medvedeva. The Obamas were also guided through the Armory, which boasts a large collection of imperial regalia, and the State Diamond Fund, home to the 190-carat Orlov diamond and the world's largest sapphire.
On day two of their Moscow trip, Michelle Obama visited a school for poor children and a nursing college, both attached to a Russian Orthodox cathedral a 15-minute drive from the Kremlin.
"The work you do is very important," she told a group of 22 nurses. "Thank you for your warm hearts."
The enraptured nurses grinned back at Obama -- who wore a slender, sleeveless black and white knee-length dress -- and clutched her hand when she thanked them all personally.
President Obama spoke to CNN about having his wife and daughters along for the Moscow trip. He made particular mention of his 8-year-old, who woke him up in the wee hours to discuss the previous day's events.
"Sasha this morning around 4 a.m. just wandered into our bed and plopped down and started chatting," Obama said in the interview a few hours later. "That was sort of a highlight, although I'm a little groggy now as a consequence."
Asked if having his daughters joining his wife on a high-profile trip helps take the edge off the tough diplomatic negotiations, Obama told CNN it's fantastic to have his girls "being able to see the world and then report back to us on what they are seeing."
"You know it makes a huge difference," said the president. "The girls are just a joy. And then Michelle just, she's always — she's a star at home and abroad."
MIJAC FOOTAGE IN 'SOUL TRAIN' DVD DEAL: Time Life acquires rights to longtime TV staple.
*The "hippest trip in America" is finally headed to DVD.
The Direct Holdings Americas has acquired DVD distribution rights to release the entire catalog of "Soul Train" under its label Time Life, according to Variety. The deal also allows series clips to be licensed for other outside uses. The material includes vintage performance from R&B
Among the vintage "Soul Train" performances are Al Green, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, and a slew of appearances from The Jacksons - all being made available for licensing and DVD for the first time. [Scroll down for clip of 1973 Soul Train interview with Papa Joe and the home video he brought to "Soul Train"]
The deal, which was in the works before Jackson's death on June 25, takes on greater significance as demand skyrockets for material related to the King of Pop.
So far, no specific "Soul Train" DVD titles have been announced, but the company could very well comb through the Jackson footage to piece together a DVD of Michael Jackson's "Soul Train" visits – which include performances of "I Want You Back," "Dancing Machine" and "Don't Say Goodbye Again" from his Jackson 5 days and "Whatever You Got I Want," "What You Don't Know Won't Hurt You" and "If I Don't Love You This Way" from his days as a budding solo artist.
There is also extensive footage of Jackson accepting various Soul Train Music Awards through the 1990s as well as Jackson's induction into the Soul Train Hall of Fame, capped by a performance of "Dangerous."
JACKSON DOCTOR ADDRESSES PATERNITY RUMORS: Dr. Klein doesn't completely deny that he fathered Jacksons' two eldest.
*Michael Jackson's dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein was asked point blank if he is the father of the pop star's two children with his former assistant Debbie Rowe. His answer - not "to the best of my knowledge" - was a little less definitive than it could've been.
The question came during his appearance yesterday on ABC's "Good Morning America."
"To the best of my knowledge, I'm not the father," he repeated at least twice, addressing rumors that Klein, and not Jackson, provided the sperm that fathered 12-year-old Prince Michael and 11-year-old Paris-Michael Katherine.
Dr. Klein also shot down accusations he prescribed Jackson dangerous sedatives like Propofol while treating him.
"I was not one of the doctors who participated in giving him overdoses of drugs or too much of anything," said Klein. "In fact, I was the one who limited everything, who stopped everything."
Investigators looking into the cause of Jackson's death have honed in on drugs that were administered to the insomniac musician. The powerful sedative Diprivan, also known as Propofol and usually administered by anesthesiologists in hospitals, was found in Jackson's home, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the person wasn't authorized to comment about the matter.
Any drugs he used with Jackson were on very mild levels, Klein said. "How am I going to prescribe Diprivan when I don't know how to use it?" he said.
Klein said he saw Jackson three days before he died on June 25. In response to rumors that the musician was dangerously thin at the time of his death, Klein said he saw nothing to make him worry.
"He danced in my office," he said. "He danced for my patients."
Still, Klein said he was always concerned about Jackson because he knew that whatever he wanted, he could always find someone to give it to him.
MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN IN VAN PEEBLES FILM: Indie drama set against backdrop of Memphis blues.
*Michael Clarke Duncan will star opposite Morgan Simpson in the Mario Van Peebles-directed indie drama "Bailey."
Simpson wrote the script and will play the title character in the film, which centers on spiritual redemption against the backdrop of Memphis blues.
Production will begin in August in Nashville, reports Variety. Heavy Duty Entertainment's Jeff Balis and Rhoades Rader are producing along with Charlie Poe. Simpson scripted and will play the title character.
Van Peebles recently wrapped Yari Film Group's "Kerosene Cowboys,"
starring Cam Gigandet, Bill Pullman and Rachael Leigh Cook. His credits include "New Jack City" and "Badasssss!"; he has also recently helmed episodes of "Damages," "Sons of Anarchy" and "Law and Order."
MICHAEL'S BRAIN STILL BEING TESTED: Coroner says it will be returned to family once neuropathology analysis is complete.
*LA's Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said part of Michael Jackson's brain was still being held by investigators and would be returned to the family for interment once neuropathology tests were completed.
But just where the interment will be remains a mystery. A private memorial was held at Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills, but it does not appear Jackson will be laid to rest there as previous reports had suggested.
Jackson's ornate golden casket was last seen being wheeled out of the Staples Center by his brothers on Tuesday following his public memorial.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Coroner's office has said it will not issue a final cause of death for "several weeks" when the results of exhaustive toxicology tests are known.
JACKSON LEE VS. PETE KING OVER MJ RESOLUTION: Opposition promised by congressman who called Michael a 'pervert, child molester, pedophile.'
*Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston took the stage at Michael Jackson's public memorial on Tuesday and pushed for a House resolution that would officially honor the King of Pop "forever and forever and forever and forever and forever."
But if some on Capitol Hill have their way, the resolution will never even see tomorrow.
Introduced on June 26, the day after Jackson's death, House Resolution 600 lists several charitable acts by the singer over his long career and proclaims him as an American legend, musical icon and world humanitarian.
While holding up a framed copy to enthusiastic applause from the Staples Center crowd, the Texas Democrat gave folks a taste of how the measure will be debated on the House floor.
"We understand the Constitution. We understand laws and we know people are innocent until proven otherwise. That is what the Constitution stands for," Jackson Lee said, of course referring to Jackson's past allegations of child molestation.
The assertion was brought up in recent days by New York Republican congressman Pete King, who called Jackson a "pervert, child molester, pedophile" in a video he posted on YouTube.
Without mentioning King by name, Jackson Lee reminded everyone that Michael Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges, and criticized those who "don't understand the hearts of entertainers" and "don't know how they heal the world on behalf of America."
After Jackson Lee's speech at Jackson's service, King vowed Tuesday to do "whatever I have to do" to oppose the legislation.
According to the Associated Press, the Michael Jackson resolution is currently sitting in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, of which Jackson Lee is a member and King is not.
Usually, non-controversial resolutions honoring a person who has died or carried out a noteworthy accomplishment move quickly from committee to the House floor and then pass on a voice vote. An opponent could ask for a recorded vote, which then requires a two-thirds majority for passage. So far, Jackson Lee's resolution has just one co-sponsor, Rep. Diane Watson, D-Calif.
In noting the pop icon's humanitarian efforts, Jackson Lee said he visited her Capitol Hill office in 2004 to discuss a tour with African ambassadors that would raise money to fight AIDS. But his child molestation charges at the time prevented him from leaving the country without a court order. Jackson Lee also mentioned Jackson's visit to wounded veterans of the Iraq war at Walter Reed Hospital while in Washington.
JOYNER PERPARING FOR NEW FAMILY REUNION: Ginuwine, Joe, Maxwell, BeBe & CeCe among talent booked for Labor Day weekend.
*Tom Joyner, host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, presents his annual family “Party with a Purpose” with some of the best entertainment and empowering seminars offered this year to Orlando, Florida during Labor Day weekend.
Ginuwine, Joe, Vanessa Williams, Chico DeBarge, Raphael Saadiq, Loose Ends, BeBe and Ce Ce Winans and Maxwell are booked to take part in the annual event, which is scheduled for Sept. 3 through 7
Guests will also be entertained with a late night comedy show, which will feature some of today’s funniest comedians, all hosted by Joyner. Plus,TJMS listeners will be able to join Joyner and his crew during the day on Friday and Saturday at the Allstate Family Expo, which features vendors, family games, health and business seminars and celebrity guests.
“Nothing says summer like a Family Reunion and it’s that time of the year again for the Tom Joyner Family Reunion,” says Joyner. “We’re headed back to Orlando Labor Day weekend for more fun, food and family entertainment that you won’t find at just any family reunion.
To purchase tickets, go to www.Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000. For more information on the Tom Joyner Family Reunion musical entertainment, empowering seminars and more go to www.blackamericaweb.com.
RADIO'S 2 LIVE STEWS PREP FOR AWARDS PARTY: Kid Capri and Big Boi set for July 11th affair in the ATL.
*The 2 Live Stews and the 790 The Zone Foundation present the Stewpendous Awards Post-Party, sponsored by Crown Royal, on Saturday, July
11 in Atlanta at the W Hotel - Midtown.
Chris Bosh, Chris Paul and Ken Griffey Jr. have been nominated for the Best "Should Have Been Playing In Atlanta" Award, and Terrell Owens, Plaxico Burress and DeAngelo Hall have been selected as nominees for the "Keepin' It Too Real Balla" Award.
Other nominees include Matt Ryan, Al Horford, Dr. J, Serena Williams and Dwight Howard.
DJ Kid Capri will spin and Big Boi is scheduled to perform. Proceeds will benefit the 790 the Zone Foundation, which strives to impact the welfare of families in communities throughout metropolitan Atlanta via partnerships with nonprofits.
The Stewey Awards will be presented on-air by The 2 Live Stews, and winners and honorees will be invited as VIP guests to attend the Post-Party. All awards and nominees can be found at www.2livestews.com.
All inclusive general admission tickets for the party are $85 and $100 at the door. Attendees must be at least 21 years old to attend. Tickets are available for purchase through Ticket Alternative by calling 1-877-725-8849 or online at www.ticketalternative.com.
JAMIE FOXX ADDS 7 MORE TOUR DATES: Rochester, New Orleans, Birmingham and Columbia SC are among the new stops.
*Following a Fourth of July tour kick-off, Jamie Foxx has announced added dates to his extensive "Blame It" tour behind last year's "Intuition."
The three-month US outing continues tonight (7/9) in Tulsa, OK, followed by stops at arenas and theaters in 37 cities from coast to coast. Since last check, the actor/comedian/singer has added seven performances, including shows in Rochester, NY (8/9); New Orleans (8/27); Birmingham, AL (9/4); and Columbia, SC (9/18).
The tour concludes with an Oct. 16 appearance in Los Angeles. Details are included below.
July 2009
9 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center
10 - Houston, TX - Reliant Park at Reliant Park
11 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center
12 - Oklahoma City, OK - Cox Business Services Convention Center
16 - Indianapolis, IN - Murat Theatre
17 - Memphis, TN - FedEx Forum
18 - Nashville, TN - Sommet Center
19 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum
23 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
24 - St. Louis, MO - Chaifetz Arena
25 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
26 - Louisville, KY - Freedom Hall at The Kentucky Expo Center 30 - Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Theatre
31 - Merrillville, IN - Star Plaza Theatre
August 2009
1 - Chicago, IL - Arie Crown Theatre at McCormick Place
6 - Detroit, MI - Fox Theatre
9 - Rochester, NY - Blue Cross Arena
13 - Dayton, OH - Ervin J. Nutter Center
14 - Columbus, OH - Franklin County Veterans Memorial
15 - Cincinnati, OH - US Bank Arena
16 - Cleveland, OH - Wolstein Center
20 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion
21 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
22 - Albany, NY - Times Union Center
23 - Richmond, VA - Richmond Coliseum
27 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena
28 - Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
29 - Sunrise, FL - BankAtlantic Center
30 - Orlando, FL - Amway Arena
September 2009
3 - Greenville, SC - Bi-Lo Center
4 - Birmingham, AL - Boutwell Auditorium
5 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheatre
17 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
18 - Columbia, SC - Colonial Life Arena
20 - North Charleston, SC - North Charleston Coliseum
25 - Grand Prairie, TX - Nokia Theatre
October 2009
16 - Los Angeles, CA - Nokia Theatre
CHRISETTE MICHELE JOINS MAXWELL ON TOUR: Singer to open for returning vet during 14-city jaunt across U.S.
*Chrisette Michele has been chosen as the opening act for Maxwell during his sold-out 14-city U.S. tour in support of BLACKsummers'night, his comeback album that was released on July 7.
The trek opens July 12 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and concludes at Miami's Waterfront Theater on July 31.
The tour immediately follows Michele's most recent 17-city May-June itinerary with fellow Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton and neo-soulman Musiq Soulchild.
The soulful, jazz-influenced vocalist is promoting her brand new second album "Epiphany," which debuted at No. 1 following its arrival in the physical and digital marketplace on May 5th.
The album built on the success of its Top 10 Adult R&B title hit "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)," co-written by fellow Def Jam artist Ne-Yo and producer Chuck Harmony. The second single was "What You Do" (featuring Ne-Yo), whose video co-starred Pooch Hall of the CW sitcom The Game.
Below is the tour itinerary for Maxwell and Chrisette Michelle
July 2009
12 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
13 Louisville, KY Louisville Palace Theatre
15 Columbus, OH Palace Theater
16 Cleveland, OH Allen Theater
18 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
19 Buffalo, NY Shea's Performing Arts Center
21 Albany, NY The Palace
22 Newark, NJ NJ Performing Arts Center
24 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Events Center
25 Ledyard, CT Foxwoods Casino
27 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Hall
28 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer
30 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
31 Miami, FL Waterfront Theater
NICHELLE NICHOLS IN NEW WEB SERIES: 'Star Trek's' original Uhura cast in a 'music comedy sci-fi series set in a space cab.'
*Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as Lieutenant Uhura in “Star Trek,” has joined the cast of Hayden Black’s musical comedy Sci-Fi series “The Cabonauts,” a new web-only project launching in an exclusive partnership with Dailymotion.
A music comedy sci-fi series set in a space cab, “The Cabonauts” will follow characters as they take various passengers to their intergalactic destinations.
"When I read the beautifully written, comical, futuristic script for ‘The Cabonauts,’ I thought that whoever wrote it was crazy and I couldn't wait to be a part of it," commented Nichols. “I love the sheer nonsense of it – we’re in a seemingly normal situation then suddenly break out in crazy song. It's such fun and so smart, with elements in it that you have not seen before on screen, and I think it can't miss."
“We see ‘The Cabonauts’ as a breakthrough in Web comedy and we are absolutely thrilled to see Nichelle Nichols not only agree, but join the cast,” said Joy Marcus, General Manager of Dailymotion US, the world’s second largest web video entertainment site. “Nichelle’s fans will now join our strong base of comedy, music and sci-fi lovers-to make ‘The Cabonauts’ a huge success.”
JACKSON MEMORIAL DONATIONS COMING IN: Some money reportedly given by MiJac's famous friends and wealthy corporate sponsors.
*The city of Los Angeles still has its hat in hand seeking donations to defray costs of Tuesday's Michael Jackson memorial, which was said to have cost up to $4 million.
Thousands of police officers and other city workers were enlisted to provide security and logistical support for Jackson's private service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills and the public memorial at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The city launched a Web site Tuesday urging people to donate whatever possible to the cause, and acting Mayor Jan Perry said fans have been stepping up.
"I've received emails that are really kind of touching, because they're obviously coming from fans," says Perry, stepping in for vacationing Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "They're very sweet, saying things like, 'I can give $10, $25 and I can organize my friends.' "
The Web page reads: "Help the City of Angels provide the extraordinary public safety resources required to give Michael the safe, orderly and respectful memorial he deserves."
While some taxpayers have been adamant about money being spent frivolously, given the city's estimated $530 million deficit, Perry alludes to a bit of positive news regarding the exact number of donations received, stating: "I think there will be a significant announcement that we'll be able to make in the next day or so."
It has also been rumored that some of the donations have come from Jackson's famous friends and wealthy corporate sponsors, but Perry declined to comment on the extra source of funds.
Meanwhile, an economist said Tuesday that Los Angeles could very well break even on the amount of money it spent on services.
Jack Kyser, founding economist of the Kyser Center for Economic Research of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, estimates the city could rake in $4 million from the event, thanks to the throng of media and other visitors who stayed at hotels, ate at restaurants and shopped in Los Angeles.
Kyser also believes the city also got a major image boost because the memorial service went off without any major problems.
"This thing went off very smoothly," Kyser told the Associated Press. "I think you had some good exposure for downtown and for the entire city."
Despite the police being out in full force — some 3,200 officers, according to the Los Angeles Times — large crowds never surfaced, apparently heeding city officials warning not to come downtown unless they had a ticket for the memorial service. Some people who worked downtown also stayed home, Kyser said.
STALLWORTH TAPE DETAILS DRINKS BEFORE DUI: NFL receiver says he had up to four shots of tequila.
*A new police recording has emerged in the case of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth that reveals the amount of alcohol he consumed in the hours before he struck and killed a pedestrian with his car.
In the recorded interview with police, Stallworth said he drank up to four shots of premium tequila while partying with friends at a Miami Beach club, but did not feel drunk when he got behind the wheel.
Stallworth said he met fellow Browns receiver Braylon Edwards and others at a hotel sometime after 2 a.m. on March 14. Stallworth said he drank some tequila from Edwards' table and later bought some shots himself.
"Three, four at the most," Stallworth said. "I wasn't really counting."
When asked if he was intoxicated, Stallworth said: "No, sir."
Lab tests later showed Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level of .126, above Florida's .08 limit.
The 28-year-old athlete is serving a 30-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter in the death of 59-year-old Mario Reyes. Stallworth also reached an undisclosed financial settlement with Reyes' family, which factored into his relatively light sentence.
Edwards, 26, said he and Stallworth had drinks earlier in the day by the pool at the hotel before meeting at the nightclub. A receipt shows that Edwards spent $3,443 that night at the club — including $1,500 on Perrier-Jouet Rose champagne and $695 on Grey Goose vodka — and he said Stallworth didn't seem impaired when they parted ways early the morning of the crash.
DIDDY VS. JUMBOTRON: Rap mogul reportedly screamed at Lakers cameraman after his image on the screen led to boos during championship series.
*Word has it that Diddy got upset with a cameraman during the NBA Finals at the Staples Center after his image flashed on the jumbotron and people booed.
According to gossip blogger Janet Charlton, the crowd was either booing Diddy personally, or his New York Yankees baseball cap, which never goes over well in Los Angeles. In either case, the mogul was said to be furious and approached the camera guy at halftime.
He reportedly yelled, "How dare you! Don’t ever put me up on that screen without my permission! You have to set it up with my people!"
According to Charlton, Diddy arrived at the game the following Sunday with his son – both swimming in Laker gear from head to toe. They sat courtside but never appeared on the jumbotron, like other famous faces did.
At halftime Diddy approached the same jumbotron guy and reportedly said “C’mon, man, why don’t you put me onscreen? I’m here with my son!” The guy looked at Diddy and said “No! After last time – never again!”
ITTY BITTY BITS: Dancing Zahara; Pierce off-Broadway; Kanye & Serena; Taraji is 'love.'
*Zahara Jolie-Pitt is now taking dance lessons. The Ethiopian daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt joined her sister Shiloh, ages 4 and 3 respectively, in becoming new students Monday at the Creative Station in Studio City, Calif. Jolie, spotted entering the location with the two girls, signed each of them up for 10 of the Princess Series Ballet/Tap classes, reports OK! magazine.
*Wendell Pierce has been cast in Nathan Louis Jackson's Off-Broadway play Broke-ology, which will begin performances at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater Sept. 10. According to press notes, the story follows "the King family who have weathered the hardships of life and survived with their love for each other intact. But when two brothers are called home to take care of their ailing father, played by Pierce, one of them must choose to follow the life he dreams of or honor the unspoken promise of loyalty to his family." For further information visit LCT. (http://www.lct.org/)
*Kanye West has a new "workout plan," and he's enlisting the help of a celebrity trainer – a woman he happened to namedrop in his "Gold Digger" single. On Sunday, the rapper approached recent Wimbledon champ Serena Williams to be his tennis coach at the after-party for the London Wireless festival, reports London's The Sun. "Tennis is my new thing," he dished to the star athlete. "I love it."
*Taraji P. Henson represents "love" in Pepsi's new "We Inspire" ad campaign. The Oscar nominee spoke to the New York Daily News at a photo shoot for the beverage at NEO Studios in SoHo, where she said the best thing about love is that it's recession-friendly. "You don't have to pay for it, and it's unconditional. It's hard when you get cut off the road in traffic, but it's what I try to practice," said Henson, whose middle name – Penda – happens to mean "love" in Swahili. Her next role is in the upcoming "Karate Kid" remake as the mother of Jaden Smith's character.
EUR DVD REVIEW: Push
Sci-Fi Mindbender Released on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*Nick (Chris Evans) is a so-called Mover born with the ability to manipulate objects with his mind, a trait he inherited from his late father. 13 year-old Cassie (Dakota Fanning), on the other hand, is a Watcher, which means she can see far into the future.
The source of their superhuman powers is a Nazi scientific experiment gone haywire during the Holocaust in which kids were fed milk with radioactive iodine.
Consequently, there’s a whole race of mutants roaming the Earth, including Pushers, who are capable of altering others’ minds; Bleeders, who can rupture eardrums by emitting high-pitched sounds; Sniffs, the psychic equivalent of bloodhounds; Stitchers, who can heal the sick instantaneously; Shadows, who can block the clairvoyant visions of Sniffs; Wipers, blessed with the ability to erase memories temporarily or permanently; and Shifters, masters at creating optical illusions.
Freaks with telepathic talents tend to attract the attention of despots with world domination in mind. So, it’s no surprise to learn that a clandestine U.S. spy agency called Division has been rounding up any rogue mutants.
Thus, just past the point of departure of Push, we learn that a team of agents led by Henry Carver (Djimon Hounsou) has tracked the trails of Nick and Cassie to Hong Kong and plans to bring them back to America to put them to work first in service of the government. The plot thickens when the two young expatriates decide they’d rather remain free, and proceed to pin their hopes on finding Nick’s ex-girlfriend, Kira (Camilla Belle), the only person known to have escaped the clutches of Division successfully.
So, the chase is on, and the surprisingly-cerebral sci-fi adventure which ensues unfolds in a fashion that’s not always easy to follow, adding up overall to an alternately thrilling and thought-provoking roller coaster ride which you’ll probably have to watch more than once to comprehend completely. For, although the “fugitives on the run” storyline might sound fairly conventional on its face, appearances can be deceiving when you’re your dealing with an ensemble of supernatural characters able to morph at will.
A harrowing mindbender which successfully blends elements of X-Men, The Matrix and Memento, while adding some of its own unique sci-fi flava.
Excellent (3.5 stars)
Rated PG-13 for profanity, teen drinking and intense violence.
In English and Cantonese with subtitles.
Running time: 111 minutes
Studi Summit Entertainment
DVD Extras: Audio commentary by the director and cast, deleted scenes with director’s commentary and “The Science behind the Fiction” featurette.
To purchase a copy of Push on DVD, visit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OQCVI8?ie=UTF8&tag=thslfofire-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001OQCVI8
To see a trailer for Push, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsDWFWupyYU
EUR DVD REVIEW: Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience
Teen Sensations’ Concert Flick Finds Its Way to DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*Walt Disney developed phenoms the Jonas Brothers seemed destined for the same phenomenal superstardom enjoyed by another one of the Mouse House Channel’s multi-level marketed pop idols: Hannah Montana.
However, this 3-D concert flick flopped at the box office, showing that the siblings have a vulnerability not yet evidenced by the golden-touched Miley Cyrus.
Personally, I don’t blame their legions of young fans for failing to support this soulless enterprise during which they play to the camera as much to the adoring throngs in attendance.
Honestly, the movie fails to measure up not only to the best of the genre like the Beatles’ Help, but even to similarly superficial vanity enterprises such as the Spice Girls’ Spice World.
Slick to the point of making me gag, Nick, Joe and Kevin’s transparent act is designed to melt the hearts of tweenyboppers in that first crush phase of life.
With vocal tones ranging from whiny to wounded quail, the Jonas’ stunningly-irrelevant, mega-decibel, heavy metal love ballads are so syrupy they’d make the average adult gag. Typical of their insipid lyrics are lines like: “I don’t want to hurt you, I want to kiss you.” Another ditty goes: “You’re the voice here inside my head, the reason why I’m singing. I need to find you.” Then there’s “She went away, leaving me stranding here, singing all these songs.”
In case you haven’t figured it out, the recurring “I am a relationship loser licking his wounds” theme is emotional red meat patently designed to keep all the pre-pubescent estrogen in the audience salivating. Even the chat between tunes is more of the same, lame lines like: “This song is for every person who’s ever felt alone.”
Fascinating only for the opportunity to observe the mesmerizing effect of a well-rehearsed, mass seduction on an auditorium filled with willing, adoring girls.
Fair (1 star)
Rated G
Running time: 89 minutes
Studi Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
3-Disc DVD Extras: Blu-ray, digital and an extended version of the film including songs not seen in theaters, a backstage featurette and more.
To see a trailer for The Jonas Brothers, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQPgaH_eY-U
To purchase a copy of Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience, visit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NPD9OK?ie=UTF8&tag=thslfofire-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001NPD9OK
JOSEPH c. PHILLIPS: Why Do You Love America?
*My son was confused. “Why does everyone hate America?” Sadly he wasn’t referring to Iran or even France. He was talking about the other children in his class. Apparently during his 6th grade class discussions a great many of his classmates expressed hatred for their country. Not only did they blame America for everything that was wrong in the world and condemn this nation for its greed and materialism, a great many of them expressed a desire to live someplace else. They believed New Zealand or Canada would allow them the opportunity to grow up without the stain and humiliation of being an American.
Now I was confused. I suspect the sentiments expressed by these children were more reflective of their parents beliefs than they were of any deep thought by the children themselves. Yet I am puzzled by such vitriol coming from children (and parents) advantaged with more liberty and opportunity than any other people in the history of the world.
I am, however, not discouraged. I know that in spite of the inclination of his classmates(and their parents)the majority of Americans love their country and love being Americans. No offense to New Zealand, but I suspect there are only a small number of Americans aspiring to live as ex-pats in Auckland. The truth is that even those that are critical of America love her dearly.
In order to demonstrate my theory I have begun asking people – friends and strangers alike - what they love about America. As one might suspect liberty, freedom of speech, freedom to worship and capitalism peppered most answers, but some of the other things people have pointed to may surprise you.
Among the terrific answers I received were the Grambling State University marching band, over-priced coffee, Thelonious Monk, South Beach, Times Square, Levi’s, Sandra Bullock and The Cosby Show. (To that list I would add: Western films, Gene Autry & Randolph Scott, The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, Count Basie and Parliament Funkadelic.)
A teenager from Ecuador was adamant that she loves America because it is orderly. People obey traffic laws, wait their turn in lines and generally follow the rules. (Poor girl has obviously never spent any time in Manhattan.) When she goes home to visit relatives people tend to drive when, were and as fast as they like, push and shove -- disorder is the rule.
My favorite response was from a man I met at a public service conference. He was emphatic: “What do I love about America? Tacos!”
It may be that this gentleman’s answer comes closest to articulating what is truly great about America: The American people, like American cuisine, are an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions that, once on these shores, begin to blend together-borrowing from and lending to each other until they become the essence of that being known as the American. It is this phenomenon described in our national mott E Pluribus Unum – out of many; one.
But it is not what we have in America that continues to lure people across our borders, it is what we believe.
Americans are the most idealistic people on the planet. By that I do not mean a belief in some squishy utopianism. I mean that Americans are still committed to making real the ideals articulated in the principles of our founding.
It’s a shame that some American children are being taught to despise their country; that is folly for which their parents will have to answer in the future. They are, however, decidedly in the minority. Most Americans love America not because she is perfect but because most Americans esteem liberty, believe in the promise of equality and maintain a regard for private property. I would love to hear what you love about America. Give it some thought over the 4th and let me hear from you.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Urban Gospel artist Canton Jones is doing the 'Kingdom's Business' with newest CD release; and, actress Ellia English publishes first book, 'I am That I am,' on Xulon Press
By Eunice Moseley
Urban Gospel is on the rise with Canton Jones' newest CD, 'Kingdom's Business'
“A lot of dudes doing Hip-Hop are my friends,” Urban Gospel artist Canton Jones said about his genre and style of music. “Mainstream...or Christians. Most times (people) are quick to judge...I'm not a person to judge.”
Not judging is something I also try not to do for I believe only God can judge a person. But judging by the sound and message of Canton Jones' newest CD release, “Kingdom Business,” is a hot hot hot project. The album is released on his “indie” label CAJO International and distributed by Arrow Records/Universal/Fontana.
Jones said that mainstream radio and television has been very acceptable to his music. Canton's voice is reminiscent to me of a cross between the soulful vocals of Sisqo and the Urban vocal style of Chris Brown. Can't imagine that, well then you need to get the CD and hear for yourself.
When the album combines Canton's Urban vocal style with his guest rappers, such as Big Ran on “Living Clean (My Life)” and “Pimp Hard;” Joey on “The Professional;” Mouthpiece on the title track “Kingdom Business;” Messenja and M Eazy on “24's;” and Ramona Jones on “Vacation,” it makes for a rocking CD.
Executively produced by Dr. Creflo and Taffi Dollar (Arrow Records), with Canton as co-executive producer, the “Kingdom Business” CD offers 15 tracks.
“The Bible is a book I live by,” Jones said about his obvious love for Gospel.
A loving husband of eight years to Ramona Jones, Canton is certainly about doing the “business” of getting God's message of salvation out to his listeners. “Kingdom Business” is his fourth album with “20 Years, Three Months, 12 Days,” “Love Jones” and “The Password: Access Granted” released previously resulting in Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award nominations and three Gospel Choice Awards.
Not new to the music industry Canton has shared the stage with such mainstream heavyweights as T.I., David Banner and Ludacris, and has collaborated with such Gospel icons as Kirk Franklin, Smokie Norful, KiKi Clark-Sheard and Dr. Bobby Jones.
My favorite cuts on the “Kingdom Business” CD include the title track “Kingdom Business,” “Living Clean (My Life),” “I Won't Stop,” “Nobody Cared” which is an awesome testimony and “My Walk,” a hot number that will make you want to get up and dance with the Holy Ghost.
For more on Canton or to hear more of his “Kingdom Business” CD log onto www.CantonJones.net or www.myspace.com/therealcantonjones.
Actress Ellia English publishes first book 'I am That I am: A Journey Through Add-Ol-Less-Sense'
Best known for her role of Aunt Helen on The Jamie Foxx Show, Ellia English has just published a book of her thoughts on difference subjects such as the Afro, weight problems, first loves, being a daughter, being a wife and much more. The book “I am That I am: A Journey Through Add-Ol-Less-Sense” published by Xulon Press is a collection of thoughts and experiences that we all have thought or gone through.
“Love (motivated me). The love produced a burning heart desire to edify and uplift,” Ellia English said when asked what made her want to publish her journal of thoughts that was written by her throughout her life. “I thought it was about the journey. I had to do it. I had something different in mind, but God had other plans.”
When I read the book I saw my childhood, my journal, my thoughts on every page. According to Ellia the book, its title, its cover color and picture, etc... was all God's doing. She would plan one thing, but God put other things and thoughts in the way and she conceded.
English said through the whole process she tried to be obedient to what God wanted her to do. Even the picture on the cover of the book she said was God's choice, she wanted something totally different. The picture on the book is of her as a one or two year old child, a picture I pointed out to her that could have been the picture of myself at that age which has the same outfit and the same hairstyle. Like myself, readers will surely identify with the book, her thoughts and observations of life's trials and tribulations.
As an actress, Ellia English started in theater (Dreamgirls and Ain't Misbehavin') and worked her way into television and films. She is currently Aunt Rae in the HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and she will be in the new film “My Sister's Keeper,” starring Alec Baldwin and Cameron Diaz.
For more on the “I am That I am” book log onto www.xulonpress.com.
GLENN'S STRATEGIES FOR WELL-BEING: Basic Health 101
*We need to realize that we ourselves can choose to a considerable degree how healthy we want to be and how long we want to live in good health or, alternatively, which diseases we are willing to accept for the comfort of satisfying our present taste preferences, and maintaining potentially harmful living habits.
People in our Western society are rarely healthy. Real health - the perfect functioning of all parts of body and mind - is so rare that people mistake the temporary absence of disease symptoms for health. In the past, people suffered mainly from violent, but short infectious diseases; now they are afflicted with chronic degenerative diseases for a lifetime.
Up to 30 per cent of the volume of cells in adults may be filled with waste material, usually called 'old-age pigments'. This is comparable to 30 per cent of a city or a household being filled with refuse dumps. Just as dumps become infested with rodents and insects, the waste accumulations in the body provide favorable breeding-grounds for microbes and parasites.
Infections are healing efforts of the body designed to destroy any foreign invaders in addition to reducing the heavy load of toxic and obstructive residues (mucus) accumulated in the body. If the body is still reasonably strong, it fights these invaders and simultaneously reduces the load of stored wastes. This is experienced as an acute (sudden and severe) infection, often in the form of a cold or fever. However, as the body becomes weaker and the amount of stored wastes increases the body does not fight any more. It will be content with limiting the invasion to a certain part of the body and chronic (low-key but long-lasting) infection results.
Finally, the immune system becomes too weak to limit the chronic invasion and it becomes more generalized as in autoimmune diseases, cancer and leukemia.
The main problem foods in our society are:
1. Sweet foods, especially household sugar
2. Hydrogenated fats (for example margarine) or heated oils and fats
3. Stimulants: overuse of alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and drugs
These three groups should generall
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