09-14-09 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
TYLER PERRY'S 'BAD' WINS WEEKEND B.O.: Latest Madea film earns $25 million, ranks as his third best opening.
*Tyler Perry's "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" took the weekend box office with a total of $25 million, which was his third best opening ever behind "Madea Goes to Jail" with $41 million and "Madea's Family Reunion"
with $30 million.
The Lionsgate's film starring his alter ego Madea far outpaced Friday's other three debuts: Summit's horror remake "Sorority Row" ($5.3 million), Warner Bros' Antarctic murder mystery "Whiteout" ($5.1 million) and Roadside Attraction's expansion of documentary "The September Issue"
($1.3 million).
"I Can Do Bad," starring Taraji P. Henson, Gladys Knight, Mary J.
Blige and Perry as Madea, took in $8.6 million on Friday, $9.9 million on Saturday and a projected $5.5 million on Sunday, according to Variety. The audience was 80% African-American and 75% over 25 years old.
JORDAN'S HALL OF FAME SPEECH GETS PERSONAL: NBA makes a point to call out Byron Russell, Jeff Van Gundy, Dean Smith's SI ban and more. (video)
*NBA icon Michael Jordan now sits among the legends of his sport as a member of the National Basketball Association Hall of Fame. But, his speech during Friday's ceremony appears to have rubbed some folks the wrong way.
Adrian Wojnarowski, a columnist for Yahoo Sports, thought Jordan's speech at Symphony Hall was "petty, unfocused and uninspired," and that he spent much of the time "disparaging people who had little to do with his career, like Jeff Van Gundy and Bryon Russell."
"He ignored people who had so much to do with it, like his personal trainer, Tim Grover," Wojnarowski wrote. "This had been a moving and inspirational night for the NBA - one of its best ceremonies ever - and five minutes into Jordan's speech it began to spiral into something else.
Something unworthy of Jordan's stature, something beneath him.
"Jordan spent more time pointlessly admonishing Van Gundy and Russell for crossing him with taunts a dozen years ago than he did singling out his three children. When he finally acknowledged his family, Jordan blurted, in part, to them, "I wouldn't want to be you guys."
Wojnarowski continued: "No one ever feels sorry for Isiah Thomas, but Jordan tsk-tsked him and George Gervin and Magic Johnson for the 1985 All-Star game 'freeze-out.' Jordan was a rookie, and the older stars decided to isolate him. It was a long time ago, and he obliterated them all for six NBA championships and five MVP trophies. Isiah and the Ice Man looked stunned, as intimidated 50 feet from the stage as they might have been on the basketball court."
"Worst of all," Wojnarowski added, "he flew his old high school teammate, Leroy Smith, to Springfield for the induction. Remember, Smith was the upperclassman his coach, Pop Herring, kept on varsity over him as a high school sophomore. He waggled to the old coach, 'I wanted to make sure you
understood: You made a mistake, dude.'"
Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon wrote of the ceremony, "It wasn't a speech so much as it was an entertaining rant, something you saw pretty often if you were one of Jordan's golf partners or card-playing friends or, to be honest, a sportswriter with an off-the-record relationship with him."
His speech ended by leaving the door open for his possible return to the sport.
"One day you might look up and see me playing a game at 50," he said.
"Don't laugh. Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion."
Prior to the ceremony, he said that he wished his father, James Jordan, could be there. The man Jordan often called his best friend was robbed and murdered in North Carolina in 1993.
Michael Jordan 2009 hall of fame induction speech part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2jMzudeX1E
part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c57Lp9ol6tQ
WHOOPI VERBALLY SACKED BY NFL COMMENTATOR: Analyst Chris Myers paints her negatively as the opposite of Beyonce.
*NFL analyst Chris Myers is likely to be a Hot Topic on "The View"
this morning for a comment he made about co-host Whoopi Goldberg while announcing an NFL game on Sunday.
During the first quarter of a matchup between the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints, Myers was commenting on defensive end DeWayne White moving to the Lions from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He said, "Going from two Super Bowls in Pittsburgh to the winless Detroit team -- that's like going from dating Beyonce to Whoopi Goldberg."
Listen here:
http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=f4ba7b87-0f0f-4fc5-91fb-35c
a2af30b58
CHRISTINA MILIAN REPORTEDLY PREGNANT: Newlywed said to be expecting first child with husband The-Dream.
*A week after her Las Vegas nuptials with producer The-Dream, Christina Milian has announced that she is pregnant with their first child, according to UsMagazine.com.
The Web site quotes an "insider" who swears the surprise marriage wasn't a result of the pregnancy.
"The pregnancy was a surprise, but they were getting married regardless," said the source.
It will be Milian's first child, while The-Dream, real name Terius Nash, has a 4-year-old daughter and two young twin boys from his previous marriage to R&B singer Nivea.
He split from Nivea in 2007 after three years of marriage.
COPS IN RIHANNA PROBE PLACED ON LEAVE: Two LAPD officers are being investigated for leaking evidence photo to TMZ.
*Two Los Angeles police officers were placed on leave as part of a probe into who leaked the photo of singer Rihanna's battered and bruised face after she was beaten by her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.
Attorneys for Rebecca Reyes and Blanca Lopez tell the Associated Press they were "assigned to home" with pay, pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations into how TMZ.com obtained the graphic photograph.
Reyes' attorney Ira Salzman confirmed his client was assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department's division that handled Rihanna's beating but said she had not sold the picture.
"My client did nothing criminal or anything for financial gain," he said. "Her record is quite exemplary."
Lopez' attorney Robert Rico said his client, who's been with the department about 18 months, also had nothing to do with the photo's leak. He said Lopez and Reyes had been roommates and that Lopez was assigned to a different part of the city and was not involved in Rihanna's domestic violence case.
As well as being investigated for the potentially criminal act of profiting from the leaking of a confidential photo, the officers could face a board of rights hearing that could lead to a recommendation for their termination from the department.
SHAWNE MERRIMAN'S CHOKING CASE DROPPED: DA dismisses Tila Tequila's accusations after three-day review found 'insufficient evidence.'
*San Diego's District Attorney Office has dismissed reality TV star Tila Tequila's accusations that San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman choked her and threw her to the ground last Sunday while she was trying to leave his suburban home.
DA Bonnie Dumanis on Friday decided not to charge Merriman after her office spent three days reviewing reports from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, according to reports.
Merriman was arrested after Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant accusing him of battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies.
"After a thorough review of the investigation into the Sept. 6, 2009, incident at the Poway home of Shawne Merriman, our office has determined there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any crime was committed," Dumanis said in a statement. "This case is now closed.
No further comment will be made."
Merriman responded in a statement: "I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's office for carefully reviewing the evidence and not rushing to judgment on these serious allegations. I also appreciate the objectiveness expressed by the San Diego Charges ownership and management, my teammates, my friends and especially all the fans. I look forward to continuing to stay focused on my career goals: a great season of football and the success of the San Diego Chargers."
CHRIS BROWN IN A 'TWIGHT' WITH TILA TEQUILA: Reality star tweeted one too many times about singer and his Rihanna beating.
*Tila Tequila has dragged Chris Brown into her outrage following the decision of San Diego's District Attorney not to file assault charges against her ex-boyfriend Shawne Merriman.
The reality TV star, according to TMZ.com, has mentioned Brown in several messages on her Twitter page - which has since been made private.
By Sunday morning, CB must've finally had enough. While home in Virginia on the verge of a community labor stint for beating ex-girlfriend Rihanna, he tweeted back, "NOT TRYNA BE RUDE but i keep hearing tila bringing my name up. ur 15 seconds of fame has ended. dont try to gain fans by dissing me. godbless."
FIRST LADY OFFERS GWU SPEECH FOR SERVICE: Michelle Obama challenges students to volunteer in exchange for appearance at graduation.
*In launching this year's Sept. 11 commemoration into a day of service, First Lady Michelle Obama offered a proposition to students at George Washington University in Washington DC: if they can put in 100,000 hours of volunteer work by spring, she will sign on as their commencement speaker.
"My challenge to the GW community is to make service a daily part of their lives," said Mrs. Obama, who, along with President Obama, helped two underclassmen kick off the count by painting walls in a Habitat for Humanity house in northeast Washington.
One of the students on hand, senior Shakir Cannon-Moye, 20, of Edgewater Park, N.J., told People.com: "Michelle was always checking up on the president, like, 'How's your section looking over there?' and making sure he was getting his work done." The Obamas both asked, 'Where's the music?,' Cannon-Moye added. "And then she joked, 'Since there's no music, maybe Barack should sing.'"
Some 1,500 GWU freshman fanned out across Washington on volunteer projects counting toward that 100,000-hour goal. Student Association President Julie Bindelglass, a junior, said Mrs. Obama was already counting on having to make good on her wager. "She made a joke about having to start writing her speech now."
Earlier in the day, the first couple attended a Sept. 11 memorial service at the Pentagon.
PAULA ABDUL WISHES ELLEN 'BEST OF LUCK': Former 'American Idol' judge tweets good will toward her replacement.
*Paula Abdul has finally commented on the announcement of Ellen DeGeneres as her replacement on "American Idol."
Using Twitter, the former judge alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara KioGuardi wrote, "I think Ellen will b a gr8 judge on Idol.
She is wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!"
DioGuardi, who was added as a fourth judge last season, said she was "thrilled" to have DeGeneres join the family.
"I'm a huge Ellen DeGeneres fan," she said in a radio interview with Sirius XM's Larry Flick that aired Friday. "I think she's going to bring so much to the show. She's somebody who loves music. She's positive. She loves kids. She's somebody who has watched the show from the beginning, knows everything there is to know about 'American Idol.' And I think ultimately it's going to be a great new energy."
DeGeneres, 51, begins her "Idol" run after the audition rounds, which have featured a rotating group of celebrity guest judges. The show resumes in January on Fox.
Jackson, meanwhile, told People.com that "Idol" producers spent a number of weeks attempting to woo DeGeneres.
"I think we reached out a little bit," Jackson said of the talk show host. "We're all friends with Ellen, and 'Idol' host Ryan [Seacrest] and I are pretty close with her. She's just mad cool."
According to Jackson, DeGeneres will bring something new to the show.
"There's so much music industry insider talk with me and Simon and Kara that I didn't think we needed any more of that," he explained. "Ellen hit it right on the head - I think she could be the voice of the people.
It's like somebody in the home audience watching and going, 'What would I say [about this contestant]?' Ellen's going to be saying it for [them]."
In other "Idol"/Ellen news, E! Online is reporting that producers originally wanted former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin to replace Abdul. Read more about that here:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b143518_ellen_shmellensarah_palin_was_robbed
.html
LL RELEASES SONG PROMOTING 'NCIS: LA' SERIES: Rapper's 'No Crew is Superior'
to be featured in TV and radio spots.
*LL Cool J has recorded a song to promote his new starring role in CBS' "NCIS: Los Angeles."
Titled "NCIS: No Crew is Superior," the C. "Tricky" Stewart-produced track was released on Friday via LL's new Boomdizzle record label for use in upcoming television and radio ads for the series
A video for "No Crew" is scheduled to be released next week. It features clips of the rapper-turned-actor in the recording studio and on the set of NCIS: Los Angeles," a spinoff of the military drama "NCIS."
The series premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. on CBS. Listen to
"NCIS: No Crew is Superior" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSwRM-HPYLc
LATOYA JACKSON'S VEGAS HOME IN JEOPARDY: Auction block awaits property after star fails to pay mortgage.
*LaToya Jackson is reportedly within days of losing her Las Vegas home due to foreclosure.
TMZ.com is reporting that she owes $745,670.27 on her posh condo in the Regency Towers of the LV International Country Club, and has until the end of September to pay up before it hits the auction block.
The auction was originally scheduled for Aug. 31, but was postponed, according to the Clark County Recorder's office. The new auction date is Sept. 30.
Jackson's camp responded with the following statement:
"LaToya has an extensive real estate portfolio and her advisors directed her to the business decision to let this particular property to go to short sale where it is now.
"The property was also something she got during her divorce from Jack Gordon and she has no attachment to it."
QUINCY NABS ALL-STARS FOR BERMUDA MUSIC FEST: Badu, Wyclef, Legend, Ingram and more on the bill; 'Thriller' tribute to Michael Jackson planned.
*Quincy Jones has rounded up Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Erykah Badu and Patti Austin for a weekend of collaboration and performances next month at the 14th Annual Bermuda Music Festival.
"Quincy Jones and Friends," which will be held from Oct. 29-31, also will feature appearances by James Ingram, Michael McDonald, Kenny Rogers and Naturally Seven, an R&B a cappella group that recently performed a special tribute to Michael Jackson at the Quincy Jones 75th Birthday Celebration during the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Jones, who will conduct, arrange and perform with the artists, also is planning a special presentation of Jackson's "Thriller" on the final night of the event, which happens to be Halloween; Jones produced the late superstar's top-selling album, as well as the philanthropic collaboration "We Are the World."
The producer's lifetime contributions to culture and humanity also will be honored during the festival when he is presented with the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Award. After helping to raise $63 million for Ethiopian Famine Relief with "We Are the World," Jones continued his worldwide charitable efforts through music, in collaboration with institutions such as Harvard University, entertainers including Bono and Oprah Winfrey, and through his Quincy Jones Foundation.
SERENA LOSES AFTER CURSING OUT LINESWOMAN: Outburst at US Open match ends on a foot fault and a point penalty.
*As previously reported, a foot fault called on Serena Williams during match point of her US Open battle with Kim Clijsters Saturday night caused the tennis star to curse out the line judge who made the call and - as a result - lose the match. [Watch the clip below.]
A foot fault occurs when the server touches the baseline or the court with either foot. The call cannot be challenged, per USTA rules.
Down by a set and serving at 5-6, 15-30, the foot fault call on Williams' second serve gave Clijsters two match points. Because she had received a warning for a code violation when she smashed her racket after the first set, her next offense would result in a point penalty.
When the foot fault was called, Williams told the line judge: "I swear to God I'm f***ing going to take this f***ing ball and shove it down your f***ing throat, you hear that? I swear to God." [Listen to enhanced audio here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-VxYvfwVas]
Shino, the Japanese lineswoman whom Williams cursed out, is required by the rules to immediately report verbal abuse to the chair umpire. In the end, Serena's outburst decided the game, the set and the match.
Carol Cox, a veteran tennis official who evaluates linesmen and referees for the United States Tennis Association, told the New York Times that there were two schools of thought on making a foot-fault call at a critical juncture in the match.
"One philosophy is that it is a rule, and you call it when you see it," Cox said. "The second way of thinking is more in line with a good NBA
official: you don't make a call that can decide a match unless it's flagrant."
John McEnroe had a similar view to the NBA comparison when he was commenting on the CBS broadcast on Saturday night, "You can't call that there."
At her post-match press conference, Williams was vague about the entire incident when asked if what she said to the lineswoman was a threat.
"No, I didn't threaten," Williams said shortly afterward. "I didn't say . . . I don't remember anymore, to be honest. I was in the moment."
The Curse Out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-VxYvfwVas
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The Press Conference
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TYRA VS. JANICE DICKINSON - AGAIN: Talk show host claims her former "ANTM'
judge has jealousy issues.
*Model-turned-reality star Janice Dickinson and her former "America's Next Top Model" boss Tyra Banks are at it again - this time over a sarcastic comment made by the latter during a recent TV news interview.
Dickinson, who appeared as a judge during the show's first season, was fired by Banks amid reports the two former catwalk stars never got along. Banks has not spoken about her decision to get rid of the aging supermodel, but was asked about things Dickinson has said about her during an interview on "Nightline."
When queried by Cynthia McFadden whether Dickinson and fellow fired judge Paulina Porizkova were jealous of her, Banks refused to answer, but smiled and replied, 'Is that what you think?'
In a new interview on the TV news show "The Insider," Dickinson sarcastically says, "Damn right I'm jealous. ... Everybody's jealous of the great Tyra."
But she insists she has no issues with the way she was dumped from Banks' hit show: "There's no problem -- Tyra hires people, uses them and then boots them out and then hires the next person -- I guess for a nominal fee."
ITTY BITTY BITS: Scherzinger and Hamilton split; Eclipsed premieres in LA; Obama/Biden wives team for PSA.
*Pussaycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, 31, has reportedly been dumped by her boyfriend, Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton after a two-year relationship. The couple reportedly split up last week because Lewis felt he was being pressured into marriage. "Lewis was feeling under pressure to take their union to the next level and he wasn't wanting to become engaged, get married or think about having children," a source told Britain's Sunday Mirror. Scherzinger is reportedly devastated by the split.
The source added: "Nicole's mortified - she imagined being with Lewis for a long time and she's shocked that things have ended so suddenly.
*Danai Gurira's Eclipsed, about a sisterhood of women who are caught in the crossfire of civil war in Liberia, gets its West Coast at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles (9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City). The Center Theatre Group production will open Sept. 20 and continue to Oct. 18.
Tickets are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre or two hours prior to performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office.
*First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden appear in a new Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) public service announcement that praises the contributions of military servicemen and women while asking Americans to assist veterans and military families who need help. The PSA premiered in Major League Baseball stadiums across the country over the weekend as part of its Welcome Back Veterans initiative, and will air on major broadcast networks starting this fall. As a centerpiece of this multiyear campaign, the major broadcast networks -- ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC -- and others will include the theme of service in programming in more than 60 shows for the full week of October 19 -25. The PSAs include information about http://www.iparticipate.org/ which is designed to make it easy for people to search for volunteer opportunities in their communities and discover new ways to give back.
WORLD'S OLDEST PERSON DIES AT 115: Gertrude Baines, granddaughter of slaves, holds record as oldest African American to vote for Obama.
*Gertrude Baines, the world's oldest person, has died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 115.
According Guinness World Records, Baines passed away at the Western Convalescent Hospital at 7:25 a.m. on Friday.
Born in 1894, Baines became the world's oldest person in January after the death of another 115-year-old, Maria de Jesus, from Portugal, Guinness World Records said.
At her 115th birthday party in April, Baines shook her head in disbelief when presented with the certificate saying she was now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest person.
"She told me that she owes her longevity to the Lord, that she never did drink, never did smoke, and she never did fool around," her doctor, Dr.
Charles Witt, said in April.
Baines, whose grandparents were slaves, worked as a maid in Ohio State University dormitories until her retirement, and lived at the Los Angeles convalescent home for more than 10 years.
Baines had few complaints, her doctor said. She fussed about the bacon not being crisp enough and the arthritis in her knees, Witt said.
Last November, she became the oldest African-American to vote for President Obama and received a letter from him on her 115th birthday, Guinness World Records said. Witt said Baines planned to vote for Obama again in 2012.
Asked why she voted for Obama, Baines said it was because "he's for the colored people," according to footage from The Los Angeles Times. She said she never thought a black man could become president.
"Everybody's glad for a colored man to be in there sometime," Baines said. "We all are the same on the skin. It's dark, and theirs is white."
EUR FILM REVIEW: I Can Do Bad All by Myself
Tyler Perry Back in Drag for a Music-Driven Morality Play
Film Review by Kam Williams
*I Can Do Bad All by Myself is the sixth Tyler Perry play to be adapted to the big screen.
Much like his previous productions, this faith-based message movie was crafted with an African-American audience in mind, between all the down-home humor and earnest moralizing around universal themes particularly of relevance to the black community.
What's new is that the familiar formula has been enhanced by some stellar singing performances courtesy of support characters, all capably played by Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige and Marvin Winans.
As soulful a diversion as these pop icons periodically provide, there's still no mistaking the fact that the picture remains more of a melodrama than a musical.
For its most memorable moments are reserved for Perry who's back in drag, camping it up as Madea, the wisecracking, pistol-packing granny who is at her best when talking trash and taking the law into her own hands.
At the point of departure, she catches three kids in the act of burglarizing her home, 16 year-old Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her two younger brothers.
But when she interrogates the "chirrun," she soon realizes that she's not dealing with juvenile delinquents but with desperate, destitute orphans whose crackhead mother is dead and who have now ostensibly been abandoned by their grandmother (Gretas Glenn) to boot.
So, instead of calling the cops, Madea decides to turn the trio over to their only other living relative.
But estranged Aunt April (Taraji P. Henson) is very unsympathetic and only reluctantly takes her sister's offspring in. After all, she's an alcoholic stuck in denial in an abusive relationship with a domineering married man (Brian J. White).
So, it's no surprise when she proves to be inept as a surrogate parent, misbehaving by chain-smoking in the same room as asthmatic Manny (Kwesi Boakye), by teasing chubby Byron (Frederick Siglar) about his weight and by failing to protect Jennifer from a sexual predator.
Fortunately, there ARE a few legit role models in April's life, and her repeated failings give each an ample opportunity to come to the rescue.
Fellow saloon singer Tanya (Blige), Pastor Brian (Winans) and his God-fearing, wife Wilma (Knight) belt out meaningful ballads while April's handsome Colombian tenant (Adam Rodriguez) comes in handy with the child-rearing and when it's time to belt her creepy boyfriend around. Of course, there's Madea waiting in the wings to ensure that she finally wises up and makes the most of her last shot at redemption.
Although the pat plot doesn't offer much in the way of surprises, who wouldn't laugh at sassy Madea's over-the-top antics afresh? And whose soul wouldn't be stirred by an inspirational Gospel duet by Gladys Knight and Marvin Winans? And what concerned parent wouldn't appreciate seeing some sensible Sunday school lessons designed for impressionable young minds?
A pleasant, if predictable morality play offering a litany of teachable moments certain to resonate with the Born Again demographic.
Very Good (3 stars)
Rated PG-13 for violence, drug use, smoking and the sexual assault of a minor.
Running time: 113 minutes
Studi Lionsgate Films
To see a trailer for I Can Do Bad All by Myself, visit:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/icandobadallbymyself/large.html
BLACK RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: Washington, DC site of historic tribute.
*The Harlem Renaissance Festival will be held Friday, Sept. 18, at the legendary Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC. According to Gospel News Update.com, veteran actors Jasmine Guy and Blair Underwood will lead tributes to historic figures in music and cinema where performers such as Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes solidified their careers.
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra will represent their signature repertoire "Duke Ellington at the Cotton Club." The Dance Institute of Washington, as well as performances by the In Series Theatre Company also are part of the night’s entertainment.
The theater, located on "Washington's Black Broadway", served the city's African-American community when segregation kept them out of other venues. The Lincoln Theatre included a movie house and ballroom, and hosted jazz and big band performers. The theater was destroyed during the 1968 race riots.. It was restored and reopened in 1994, and hosts a variety of performances and events. Tickets for the Harlem Renaissance Festival are sold at ticket master.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Married couples urged to share email accounts.
*Many people, especially married couples, say heavy use of internet social networks is a doorway to emotional and physical infidelity. So they urge full disclosure to strengthen their matrimonial bond. That means married couples should share email accounts and or passwords to safeguard against the ever-expanding temptations of the internet.
"It's what we believe as Christians: We are our brothers' keepers. It's about biblical accountability," Lance Maggiacomo told the USA Today. Maggiacomo said it’s a safe way to check natural temptations that could arise during bored and lonely moments online.
"It's not a matter of distrust," said Ronda Hodge, 53, of Massachusetts, an ice-cream maker who shares an e-mail address with her husband Tom, 60, a landscaper. "We really don't have anything to hide from one another. We were friends first before we even dated so we've got that level of openness there."
It's impossible to know how widespread the practice has become. Couples with a joint account said they never heard preaching about it and didn't read it in an advice book. Some said they initially created their account for bills and other household business then later realized the personal benefits.
A 2003 article published by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family urged husbands and wives to share one e-mail address, but it was one of many suggestions on preventing infidelity. Still, the phenomenon has become common enough to merit a post on "Stuff Christians Like," a popular blog.
MINISTER KEITH PRINGLE RETURNS: Gospel favorite returns to the spotlight.
*Grammy, Dove and Stellar award artist Minister Keith Pringle returns to gospel for his long awaited live CD recording in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Fellowship Dallas Church!
"With much prayer and confirmation, I [know] that now is the time to present to God as well as His people what has been bestowed upon me during my time away," Pringle said in an interview with his record label, the Dallas-based Platform Music Group.
Pringle began his music career with the gospel music pioneer, Rev. James Cleveland as a featured artist on the gospel classic "No Ways Tired" released in 1978. Now, after several years out of gospel’s limelight, Pringle returns to a familiar place.
The live recording will be produced by up-and-coming phenomenon, Fred Stewart and Dallas’ own Jimmie Wyatt. The recording is an opportunity to experience history in the making, the revitalization of a career that has had a presence in gospel music.
Fellowship Dallas Church is located at 9330 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX. Parking is free and plentiful.
YOUNG PRAYZR NOMINATED: Youngest Gospel entertainer among best in the business.
*T-REP The Young Prayzr is the latest artist nominated to receive an award at the 2009 15th Annual Gospel Choice Awards. The 13-year old multi-talent phenom is a contender in the "Best Holy Hip Hop Artist of the Year" category. This makes The Young Prayzr the youngest nominee in the history of the event.
This prestigious black tie event will take place on Monday, September 28, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Votes can be received via email through Sept. 17th.
During the event ten Atlanta area churches will be honored with the Chosen award. The churches and their pastors are honored for their work in their community.
"We know their jobs are not easy and most of the time difficult. The Chosen award is designed to show pastors that we appreciate all their hard work and diligence, "Creed Pannell, executive producer of the awards show, told GOSPELFlava.com.
CONTROVERSY ENDS IN HARMONY: Baptist Convention picks new president.
*What started as a controversial week at the National Baptist Convention has ended with the election of favored Dr. Julius Scruggs as the board president.
Scruggs, of Huntsville, AL., ran opposed by Rev. Henry Lyons who garnered national attention several years ago when he was convicted of stealing millions of dollars from the NBC. After five years in prison, Lyons returned to mount an ill-fated campaign to recapture the presidency. A lawsuit filed by Lyons delayed the convention vote by one day.
Scruggs has served the convention as its Vice President at Large for the last eight years and came to the campaign for convention president with the full support and endorsement of Dr. William Shaw, his predecessor. A little more than 5000 votes were cast with Dr. Scruggs officially receiving 4086 ballots. Rev. Lyons acquired 924 ballots in his failed bid to capture the presidency.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"The difficulty lies, not in the new ideas, but in escaping from the old ones, which ramify, for those brought up as most of us have been, into every corner of our minds." — John Maynard Keynes
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Sept. 14: Rapper Nas is 36. Singer Amy Winehouse is 26.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
If you're looking for a source for web sites that feature content relevant to African-Americans ... www.TheBlackDatabase.com is the place.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Sept. 14, 1940: Blacks were allowed to enter all branches of the U.S. Military Service, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Selective Service Act. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
