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LATOYA SAYS MICHAEL WOULD'VE HATED HIS FILM: Big sis says brother was never comfortable with fans seeing unfinished product.

*LaToya Jackson insists that her brother Michael would not be pleased with fans all over the globe watching his rehearsal footage in the upcoming film "This Is It."

       In an interview with Access Hollywood, LaToya says that Michael "wasn't giving it his all," in the footage because it was a rehearsal, and because of that, he wouldn't want people to see the performances.

       "He loves to give his all always. That's just the way he is," Jackson said. "He wants people to see him at the top of the ladder and not half-stepping because he doesn't want to do a full-out rehearsal."

       Despite her qualms with the impending documentary, LaToya says she'll stand by the film.

       "I will support my brother in any way I can ... I love him," she said.

AJ'S DEATH DELAYS 'ATL HOUSEWIVES' REUNION: Taping postponed after loss of Kandi's ex-fiancé.

*The reunion show for Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" has been put on hold as cast member Kandi Burress deals with the sudden death of her ex-fiancé A.J. Jewell.

       The taping was supposed to take place last week for a two-part airdate of Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, CNN reported. There's no word yet if or when the show will be rescheduled.

       Jewell, 34, suffered a severe head injury during a fight at an Atlanta nightclub Oct. 2 and later died at the hospital. He was buried on Oct. 9 in Georgia.

       Burruss, according to close friend and former Xscape bandmate Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, is holding up OK these days.

       "She's doing much better," Cottle told E! Online. "She's a strong girl. …I speak to her every day. I go and visit her. I went to the funeral.
Whenever she needs me, I'm there."

Burruss's Atlanta cast member Kim Zolciak also commented on her friend's strength in recent days.

       "It's been very difficult," she told Us Magazine. "I went to the funeral on Friday, and I don't think I have ever been that sad in my whole life. I don't want to see my friend upset. It's terrible. It's something that will stay with me for life."

       Kim added, Burruss "is strong and she will pull through, but she is devastated. I walked out of the funeral thanking God for my blessings and just realizing that in a matter of a minute, your life can be over."

OBAMA'S LATIN MUSIC CONCERT AIRS TONIGHT: Sheila E., Estefan, Longoria, Los Lobos and more had the White House en fuego.

       *Tuesday's night big "Fiesta Latina" at the White House, a South Lawn concert featuring Gloria Estefan, George Lopez and Eva Longoria Parker among the guests, will air tonight on PBS from 8 to 9 p.m., and Saturday on Telemundo.

       The event celebrating Hispanic musical heritage kicked off with brief remarks from the president, who said Latin music – while hard to define because it comes in so many forms (from salsa to merengue and Bachata to
reggaeton) – speaks to everyone in a language they can all understand.

       "It moves us, and it tends to make us move a little bit ourselves,"
said Obama. "In the end, what makes Latin music great is the same thing that's always made America great. The unique ability to celebrate our differences while creating something new."

       Also in attendance were Jose Feliciano, Jennifer Lopez and Los Lobos.

       Here's how the AP described the evening:

        A large, white tent erected on the lawn was the setting for the musical performances. A see-through panel behind the stage afforded the nearly 400 guests, who sat at cocktail tables, views of the White House South Portico bathed in light.

        Hosts Jimmy Smits, Eva Longoria Parker and Lopez joked that Obama is really Latino.

        "He just doesn't know it," said Parker. Added Lopez, as the audience
laughed: "Lives in a house that's not his. ... Says he's gonna change and nobody believes him. Very Latino."

        Obama proved what he said about the power of Latin music. He wiggled his hips and took a few turns on the dance floor with singer Thalia after she said: "Mr. President. With all due respect, will you dance with me?" He complied as she approached the table where he sat with Mrs. Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia.

        Mrs. Obama moved in her seat, snapping her fingers to the music.

        By the end of the concert, the First Family was on its feet, clapping to the beat. The family then went on stage to thank the performers.
Mrs. Obama and Malia held hands and danced, while the Obama did the same with Sasha. Malia, then Sasha, also paired off with Sheila E. on the drums.

       Other notables at the concert included Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic member of the high court. She posed for photos with everyone who sought them. Also present were Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and members of Congress.

       "In Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina" is the third in a music series launched by first lady Michelle Obama to celebrate various genres of music. Jazz and country music events, with workshop for music students, have been held. Classical music is on tap for Nov. 4.

President Obama dances with Thalia

Grand Finale / President Obama's closing remarks / Sheila E. drumming with Malia and Sasha.

RUSH'S RAMS BID SHOT DOWN BY NFL COMMISH: Roger Goodell says 'I think divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about.' Sharpton agrees.

       *Barely a week after talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh announced he was partnering with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the NFL's St. Louis Rams, the league's commissioner has responded with a proverbial hell to the no.

       "I have said many times before that we are all held to a higher standard here," Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday at an owners meeting in Boston. "I think divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about. I would not want to see those kind of comments from people who are in a responsible position within the NFL. No. Absolutely not."

       Whoever wins the bidding would still need approval from 24 of the league's 32 teams. And according to the Associated Press, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay became the first to say publicly what many fellow owners were thinking: There was no point asking for his vote.

       "I, myself, couldn't even consider voting for him," Irsay said at the same owners meeting. "When there are comments that have been made that are inappropriate, incendiary and insensitive ... our words do damage, and it's something that we don't need."

       Limbaugh complained in an e-mail response to The Associated Press that the media was using "totally made-up and fabricated quotes" to discredit his bid.

       "It is regrettable that something I have dreamed about for years has taken this course. But the fight is worth it to me," he wrote. "I love the National Football League."

       This Rams bid isn't his first go-round with the NFL. ESPN hired Limbaugh in 2003 to spice up the network's "NFL Sunday Countdown." But when he generated negative headlines by saying Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because "the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well," the NFL reportedly made it known to ESPN that his forced resignation would be welcomed.

       Rev. Al Sharpton, who spoke out in protest of Limbaugh's bid, said Wednesday, "If it is true that Mr. Limbaugh has been dropped by the group bidding to buy the St. Louis Rams, it is a moral victory for all Americans, especially the players that have been unfairly castigated by Rush Limbaugh. This decision will also uphold the unifying standards of major sports."

KANYE WEST'S CLOTHING LINE FOLDS: Rapper and his backers have pulled the plug on Pastelle; plus, Hindu leaders support his break.

*Kanye West's clothing line Pastelle is history. Two days after the Internet was flooded with photos of different pieces from the brand, West and his financiers have decided to close up shop.

Things seemed to be looking up for the line a year ago, when the rapper sported a Pastelle logo jacket while accepting an American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist. But things have taken quite a turn since then.

In the wake of his infamous outburst at the MTV Video Music Awards, the Louis Vuitton Don exited his joint tour with Lady Gaga, canceled a planned New Year's Eve show at Madison Square Garden and on Tuesday received zero nominations for the upcoming AMAs.

       In other Ye news, the artist is being embraced by Hindu leaders after announcing that he's looking to chill out at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, India.

       Rajan Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, has invited West to study with him and other leading Hindus upon his return to America: "West should put into practice what he learns at the ashram. If he needs any help in further exploring Hinduism, I would gladly guide him."

MIJAC'S KIDS WILL NOT APPEAR IN A&E REALITY SHOW: Mama Katherine denies report from Us Weekly.

       *Michael Jackson's mother Katherine is denying reports from Us Weekly that his three kids will be included in the upcoming A&E reality series "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty," which focuses on the Jackson family in the wake of his death.

       Prince, 12, Paris, 11, and Blanket, 7, were said to be included in the filming, to the dismay of eldest sibling Rebbie, 59, who along with brother Randy have refused to take part in the project.

       In response to Us Weekly's report early Wednesday, Rebbie said she "feels Michael would spin in his grave if he knew his kids would be on this show."

       Katherine reached out to celebrity gossip site TMZ to set the record straight, saying the children will not be involved - because her son would not have wanted them to be in the public eye.

       Despite Us Weekly's reports to the contrary, Michael's sister Janet Jackson has also decided not to participate in the filming.

       A&E neither confirmed nor denied the Us Weekly report but said the reality series revolves around Michael Jackson's brothers, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon.

       "Filming is taking place right now," A&E said in a statement. "As production moves forward, it is entirely possible that the brothers' paths will intersect with other members of the Jackson family, who may or may not be included in the finished series."

       A&E said that it could not "at this point definitively know who else may make an appearance in the series."

Tentatively set to air in December, "Dynasty" will be either five one-hour episodes or 10 half-hour episodes.

CONNICK 'PLEASED' WITH HANDLING OF BLACKFACE SKIT: He tells reporters, 'I handled it in exactly the manner I thought was appropriate."

       *While in Hong Kong on Wednesday promoting his new album, "Your Songs," Harry Connick Jr. was peppered with questions about his response last week to a blackface skit poking fun at the Jackson Five in Australia.

       "I'm pleased with the way I handled the situation," the 42-year-old told reporters. "I handled it in exactly the manner I thought was appropriate."

       The skit, featured on the TV variety show "Hey Hey It's Saturday," included four men in blackface and Afro wigs singing and dancing behind a Michael Jackson impersonator who wore white makeup. Connick gave the performance a zero score and expressed his disgust with the skit directly to the participants.

       Public reaction in online forums was mixed. Some Australians said they were embarrassed such a racist sketch had been broadcast, while others said detractors were too politically correct and that the skit was funny. Connick said he canceled an autograph session and interviews in Sydney after the show to let the controversy die down.

       "It was very hot. It was a subject that was very, very controversial. So we just decided to take a couple of days off. I wasn't worried about physical harm," he said.

FREEMAN TO HOST POLITICAL FUNDRAISER: Oscar winner lends support to Mississippi's Democratic candidate for governor.

       *Actor Morgan Freeman is lending his star power to Mississippi gubernatorial candidate Bill Luckett by co-hosting a fundraiser in Los Angeles next week for the Democrat's 2011 campaign.

       The Academy-Award winner has written a fundraising letter stating that Luckett, who co-owns the Ground Zero Blues Club and the upscale Madidi restaurant with the film star, will help the state improve education, health care and economic development.

       "Holding on to the old politics of race, class and region has starved Mississippi for too long," Freeman wrote in the letter released to AP. "... Bill Luckett will work diligently to see that the rhetoric that has divided us will never again keep us from tackling such problems."

       Term limits prevent Republican Gov. Haley Barbour from seeking a third term. Mississippi Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and businessman Dave Dennis, a former member of the Federal Reserve Board in New Orleans, have said they'll seek the Republican nomination. No other prominent Democrats have publicly said they'll run.

       Next up for Freeman is a role as Nelson Mandela in the post-apartheid drama "Invictus." The film opens Dec. 11.

JERRY WEXLER TRIBUTE SET FOR OCT. 30: Toussaint, Lavette and others to perform in honor of Atlantic Records legend in New York.

*Legendary record executive Jerry Wexler, instrumental in Atlantic's R&B empire of Aretha Franklin, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett and more, will get a first-class memorial sendoff on Oct. 30 in New York at the DGA Theater, reports Billboard.

       The event will include performances by Vaneese Thomas (daughter of Rufus), as well as Allen Toussaint, Bettye Lavette, William Bell and Lenny Kaye. Other artists are still to be announced.

       Speakers at the service will include soul legend Sam Moore; jazz writer Gary Giddins; writer David Ritz, with whom Wexler penned his autobiography; WBGO DJ Bob Porter; and Mark Meyerson, who was Wexler's assistant at Atlantic Records during the mid-1960s.

       Both Atlantic and Rolling Stone magazine have chipped in to help pay for the afternoon, Billboard reported.

       Wexler died in August 2008, and it's been hard getting everyone in the same place for his service, Billboard noted. But his kids, Lisa and Paul, have chosen the 30th because so many people will be in town for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shows.

RASHIDA JONES PENNING FILM FOR UNIVERSAL: Project based on her graphic novel miniseries 'Frenemy of the State.'

       *Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment have picked up screen rights to "Frenemy of the State," a graphic novel miniseries created by actress Rashida Jones, who will write the script with Will McCormack, reports Variety.

       The adventure revolves around a young wealthy heiress who works undercover for the CIA. Jones, daughter of music producer Quincy Jones and "Mod Squad" star Peggy Lipton, co-wrote the original comic, published by Oni Press.

       "Frenemy of the State" was never conceived by Jones as an acting vehicle for herself, she told Variety.

       "It's intended for a girl much younger than me, about age 20, an interesting age for girls as they make that scary jump to adulthood," she said. "She has lived a life of privilege, attended the best schools and learned every language, but her obsession with spying on exes gets her into trouble and she is recruited to be a spy in exchange for not going to prison. There is a comic element to it, this girl who is so conscious of social standing and wearing the right shoes, suddenly becoming responsible for these dangerous, life-threatening missions."

Jones currently stars on NBC's "Parks and Recreation." "Frenemy" is her second script written with McCormack, an actor whose credits include ABC's "Brothers and Sisters" and USA's "In Plain Sight." They previously scripted "Celeste and Jesse Forever," a Jennifer Todd-produced picture set up at Overture to star Jones.

SOULJA BOY SWEATED BY LA LANDLORD: Rapper sent letter outlining complaints of noise disturbances and guests wandering the highway.

*The landlord of Soulja Boy Tell Em's Los Angeles apartment has had it with the rapper.

TMZ.com got hold of a letter addressed to the artist late last month which states, "We have received complaints of noise disturbances and guests wandering the hallway and Observation Deck. This is a direct violation of your Lease Agreement."

       The letter continues, "Additionally, we were notified that you had over 10 cars parked in guest parking on the evening of September 25th. This is a violation of your lease ... which states, 'You may have no more than two overnight guests at a time unless we provide specific approval.'"

       Within days of sending the letter, the landlord followed it up with a bill for $9,376.10 in unpaid rent and late fees.

       The landlord situation follows reports last week of Soulja Boy's arrest in an abandoned house in Georgia.

THE WORLD PREPARES FOR MIJAC FILM: With two weeks to go, 'This Is It' has theaters around the globe gearing up.

       *With just two weeks until Michael Jackson's concert movie opens worldwide for a two-week run, theaters here in the states and around the world are preparing for maximum demand, reports Variety.

       In the U.S., "This Is It" will be the only wide release launching on Halloween weekend, a sign that rivals are conceding the frame to the documentary. Sony plans to put prints in 5,000 theaters in America, covering approximately 3,000 playdates – a large but not record-setting number for the U.S.

       Online ticket site Fandango said that 34% of its sales on Tuesday were for "This Is It," beating Summit's "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" with 27% and Warner Bros.' "Where the Wild Things Are" with 15%. "New Moon" opens Nov. 20 and "Wild Things" launches Friday.

       Advance ticket sales launched Sept. 28 with reports of quick sellouts in Australia, France, Japan, Germany, New Zealand and the U.K. And competitors say interest appears high in several other major markets including Japan, the U.K., Germany and Mexico.
Sony has set overseas premieres in Germany, Poland, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain and the U.K. featuring a simultaneous satellite feed from the red carpet outside the Nokia Center in Los Angeles on the evening of Oct. 27.

       Screenings will start three hours after the Los Angeles premiere. The first audiences in Los Angeles will see the film at 9 p.m. local time so start time will be midnight in New York and 4 a.m. in London. There will be more than 30 "This Is It" premieres in all, including events without the simultaneous feed in Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Denmark, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Russia.

       As previously reported, Sony paid north of $50 million for the rights to "This Is It" in the wake of Jackson's death. The film covers the period from March through Jackson's death on June 25 as the pop star rehearsed for his comeback series of shows at London's O2 Arena.

       Kenny Ortega, director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is produced by Ortega, Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware. John Branca and John McClain, the lawyers overseeing Jackson's estate, are exec producers.

TRACY MORGAN RIPS FORMER 'SNL' CASTMATES: 'Where's Chris Kattan now? Where's Cheri Oteri now? That b**** can't even get arrested.'

*Comedic actor Tracy Morgan has no love for his former "Saturday Night Live" castmates Cheri Oteri and Chris Kattan.

In his new book " I Am the New Black," out from Random House on Tuesday, the "30 Rock" star says his two ex-colleagues looked down on him during their years together on the NBC series. And clearly, he hasn't let it go.

       "I could remember those two, especially those two people, treating me like the invisible guy. Now look where they at. Cheri Oteri, she can't even get arrested," he says in a clip from the audiobook version. "Where's Chris Kattan now? They never going to host 'Saturday Night Live.' … They never treated me well. I never cared for them either. F*** 'em."

       The Emmy-nominated Morgan, who has hosted "SNL," adds that Will Ferrell, Colin Quinn and Molly Shannon treated him "beautifully." And then there was Tina Fey, who ended up writing a role for him on her Emmy-winning sitcom "30 Rock."

       "Tina wasn't scared to come into my world and find the funny up in there. She's that kind of cool," he writes. The two get along so well, in fact, that Fey even used one of her more bizarre nights during her 'SNL"
stint with Morgan as the inspiration for a famous "30 Rock" episode in which she accompanies Tracy to an "after-after-after-after party."

       "I wasn't really friends with many of my castmates at 'SNL,' but that doesn't mean I didn't roll up into 'SNL' and all those after parties with my own friends," the comedian explains. "Friends of mine were running an illegal strip club they called the Loft. It was in an office space they'd rented and converted into an after-the-after-party spot. They put a stage in it, they put a few futons all around, and they'd get strippers and girls to come and do shows."

       "I invited everyone to go down there one week. And Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch and a few others came along. I didn't tell any of them what they were in for, so it was all cool when we got there. At first ... they thought it was just a private party. Then these two girls came out onstage and started [engaging in sex acts], and that just shut it down. All the grips and crew guys from 'SNL' were standing around and loving it, but my castmates took one look at that, turned right around and rushed out of there."

TYRA TOPS FORBES' PRIMETIME RICH LIST: TV titan beats Heigl, Longoria, Hargitay, Fey and others as highest earner.

       *Tyra Banks has topped a Forbes list of the highest earning women on primetime television in the U.S.

       The supermodel-turned-executive producer and host pulled in $30 million last year between her reality series "America's Next Top Model" and her daytime talk show.

       Runner-up Katherine Heigl raked in $18 million for her role in "Grey's Anatomy" and her film projects, while "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" actress Marg Helgenberger is in third with $9.5 million in earnings.

       Forbes' full primetime top earners list is as follows:

1) Tyra Banks - $30 million
2) Katherine Heigl - $18 million
3) Marg Helgenberger - $9.5 million
4) Eva Longoria Parker - $9 million
5) Mariska Hargitay - $8.5 million
6) Julia Louis-Dreyfus - $8 million
6) Maura Tierney - $8 million
8) Tina Fey - $7 million
9) Marcia Cross - $6.2 million
10) Jennifer Love Hewitt - $6 million.

LEONA LEWIS SOCKED IN THE HEAD: Man punches British singer as she sat for a meet-and-greet in London.

       *A young man punched singer Leona Lewis in the head Wednesday as she was signing autographs and posing for photographs at a book signing session in central London, her spokesman said.

       Lewis, 24, had been meeting members of the public at Waterstone's book store in Piccadilly in central London for about 90 minutes when a man from the line came up and hit her, the Associated Press reported. He was immediately carted off by security guards and later arrested by police.

       Her rep Stuart Bell said Lewis, who was launching her new autobiography "Dreams," was shaken up by the incident and went to see a doctor as a precaution. She reportedly suffered bruises to the side of her head.

       London's Metropolitan police said a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and is being held in custody.

PRINCE PRAISES FRENCH FANS: Rocker says they honored his request not to tape show with their camera phones – unlike American audiences.

       *Pop superstar Prince was left stunned during a recent concert in Paris, France - when fans actually agreed to honor his request not to use camera phones to record his show.

       His Royal Badness insists on restricting the use of cameras at his gigs because he hates seeing poor quality footage of his performances online - but he never expected French fans to take heed.

       "It is actually indescribable, that much love. They were very respectable," Prince told WENN of his fans at the Grand Palais on Sunday. "We asked that no one used camera phones and they honored that request, unlike Americans who are so obsessed with technology.

       "We don't like to have our concert filmed that way because it sounds so bad and then you give all the footage to somebody like YouTube."

OPRAH'S GAYLE SPEAKS OUT ABOUT LAWSUIT: King weighs in on case brought by fired flight attendant.

       *Gayle King is downplaying a lawsuit filed last week against her best friend Oprah Winfrey by a former flight attendant who claimed she was fired after King's daughter and another flight attendant on Winfrey's private jet accused her of sleeping with the pilot.

       In the filing, Corrine Gehrls accuses fellow flight staff Myron Gooch and Kirby Bumpus - King's daughter - of lying to Winfrey about the alleged onboard act to get rid of her. She is demanding damages of $75,000.

       But O Magazine editor King has dismissed Gehrls claims - and is convinced she only filed suit because Winfrey has money.

       She tells celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, "It's one of those things that those of us who are close to Oprah know that she's an easy target for these kind of lawsuits… She's a very easy target, and then if you're in the inner circle, you now become a target.

       "But what I also know about these kind of lawsuits, these kind of opportunistic lawsuits, for lack of a better word, is that the truth always comes out. I just look forward to the day that the truth will prevail, and I know it will in this case too. This is what's so upsetting to me. It's characterized like Oprah's running some hanky-panky airlines - nothing could be further from the truth."

MORE MIJAC BITS: Woman files creditor's claim against estate; burnt hair from Pepsi shoot up for sale?

       *The woman who sued Michael Jackson three years ago claiming he was spying on her has just filed a creditor's claim against his estate over the same accusations.

       Helen Harris-Scott – who in 2006 accused Jackson of installing a tracking device in her car, wiretapping her phone and having "organized criminals watching me inside my house in L.A. and reporting to him – is seeking $50 million from the King of Pop's estate to settle the matter, according to TMZ.

       Harris-Scott, who also claimed Michael Jackson communicated with her through his music, sought $100 million in her original 2006 lawsuit.

       In other Jackson news, the executive producer of his 1984 Pepsi commercial reportedly swooped up strands of the singer's hair that were burned off during the infamous video shoot and has placed them with an auction house.

       Richard Davie from International Autograph Auctions is selling them at the Edwardian Radisson Hotel at Heathrow, London, on Oct. 17, according to British tabloid The Sun.

       The 12 strands of Jacksons' hair for sale were reportedly picked up by the Pepsi shoot's executive producer Ralph Cohen after he took off his coat to stomp out the flames on Michael's head.

"The strands are clearly burned and were picked up after the incident that left Jackson with second degree burns, said Davie.

       For sale along with the hair are a color photo of Jackson and a transcript of Cohen's account of the accident. In it he recalls how rehearsals had gone well and the first take was fine and then as Jackson walked down some stairs, pyrotechnics set his hair on fire.

       The lot is estimated to sell for £1,000.

JESSE JACKSON ESCORTS CHICAGO KIDS TO SCHOOL: Activist joins students for bus ride to location where teen was beaten to death.

*Jesse Jackson rode the bus to school on Tuesday, joining students from Chicago's Christian Fenger Academy on their daily route in the wake of an honor student's brutal beating death.

He said the purpose of his presence was to ensure students' safe arrival and to highlight how long it takes the students to ride the several miles from Altgeld Gardens public housing to Fenger High School, according to the AP.

       Beef between students from Altgeld and those from the neighborhood surrounding Fenger are blamed for the Sept. 24 beating death of 16-year-old Derrion Albert.

       A cell phone video shows Albert curled up on the sidewalk as fellow teens kick him and hit him with splintered railroad ties.

OBAMA BITS: Swastika found on golf course; First Lady continues to push healthy eating.

*The Secret Service and police in Lakeville, Mass. are investigating a swastika that was found carved into a Massachusetts golf course green next to President Barack Obama’s name. Authorities say the vandalism – which read "I [swastika symbol] Obama," was discovered early Monday on the 18th hole of the Lakeville Country Club. Assistant manager Lou Mincone says the culprit might have used a cleated shoe or a tool to carve out the letters and symbol sometime Sunday night. The carving is about 10 feet by 10 feet.

*First Lady Michelle Obama spoke about the importance of good nutrition and children's health Tuesday during a speech at the Department of Health and Human Services, continuing her campaign for healthy eating habits to fight rising obesity rates.
"Nearly a third of all children in this country are overweight or obese… and a third will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lifetimes," Obama said. "It is a major public health threat right now, so just imagine what we're going to be facing in 20 or 30 years if we don't get on this issue."

ITTY BITTY BITS: Zolciak quits Papa and Nene; Fergie co-owns Dolphins; Rihanna Tweets a date; Deavere Smith's 'Easy'; Braxton's foreclosure.

*"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kim Zolciak has again split with her fiancee "Big Papa," and has also stopped speaking to cast member and former best friend Nene. As for her Sugar Daddy, "I'm not engaged anymore," she told Usmagazine.com. "Big Papa and I ended it. At the end of the day, he will always be the love of my life, but it's time for me to move on." Regarding Nene, Kim told talk show host Bonnie Hunt, "She did strangle me. So that breaks a friendship, right? …I've just moved past it with Nene, and I think her true colors have really surfaced, and they will continue to do so. I wish her the best."

*Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie has become part-owner of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, joining fellow celeb investors Marc Anthony, Serena and Venus Williams and Gloria Estefan. According to SportingNews.com, NFL owners voted on Tuesday to approve her bid. Though the Dolphins have yet to ink an official deal with the singer, as soon as she signs the papers with the team, she can become an investor. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he's had discussions with Fergie about the deal, but because the Peas are currently touring Australia, he's not yet gotten her signature.

*Rihanna, currently sporting a new shaved-on-the-side, swooped-on-the-top hairdo, has announced that something in her life is to take place on Nov. 23. She sent the following message Tuesday via Twitter:
"The wait is ova. Nov. 23." She offered no further explanation, however, the consensus is that her new album will arrive in stores on that date.

       *Anna Deavere Smith's newest solo show Let Me Down Easy, which opened Off-Broadway Oct. 7 at Second Stage Theatre, has been extended through Dec.
6 from its original end date of Nov. 8. "Channeling a dramatic range of interview subjects, from artists and athletes to doctors and those they treat," Smith, according to a Let Me Down Easy synopsis, explores "the power of the body and the resilience of the human spirit, featuring first person accounts from a wide variety of sources, including Lance Armstrong and former Texas Governor Ann Richards."

       *Toni Braxton's California home is reportedly on the verge of foreclosure. TMZ.com is citing documents that show the R&B singer has defaulted on her mortgage payments to Bank of America, which claims she owes $12,503.20 on her spot in Century City.

EUR DVD REVIEW: Not Quite Hollywood
DVD Chronicles Golden Age of Australian Cinema
DVD Review by Kam Williams

*For decades, the Australian movie industry was subject to one of the most repressive set of censorship rules around. Consequently, nobody wanted to see the terribly-tame productions shot in the country, not even the Aussies themselves.

      But after shifting social mores led to a liberalizing of the laws in the Seventies, virtually overnight the land Down Under became more associated with sexually-explicit romps and gratuitous violence than with cuddly koalas and kangaroos.

      That stunning transformation is the subject of Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation, a dizzying documentary simultaneously combining running commentaries with shocking snippets of footage culled from representative samples of the sensational genre.

Foremost among the experts weighing-in on the subject is Quentin Tarantino who is never identified as a director but merely as a fan every time he appears onscreen.

      And that appellation proves appropriate as the legendary Oscar-winner generally just gushes about this or that over-the-top technique employed by his Aussie colleagues whose gutsy approach to filmmaking he obviously admires.

      Unfolding at a rapid machine gun pace which never pauses to take a breath, Not Quite Hollywood starts with titillating sequences of topless actresses to show how bawdy Aussie cinema became once freed of governmental restraints. Next, splatter flicks featuring everything from severed limbs to decapitated corpses get the same frenetic treatment, followed by horror fare in which the monster hunting for humans was frequently a souped-up automobile.

      A bodacious effort which successfully elevates a bevy of godawful B-movies to an art form worthy not only of study but appreciation to boot.

Excellent (4 stars)
Rated R for sexuality, violence, gore, drug use, profanity and graphic nudity.
Running time: 93 minutes
Studi Magnolia Home Entertainment
DVD Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, commentaty, interviews and more.

To order a copy of Not Quite Hollywood on DVD, visit:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002I41KO6?ie=UTF8&tag=thslfofire-20&linkCo
de=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002I41KO6

To see an R-rated trailer for Not Quite Hollywood, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MSf9Uf0Lgs

EUR FILM REVIEW: Paris
Ensemble Drama Revolves Around Melancholy Heart Patient
Film Review by Kam Williams

*Pierre (Romain Duris) was enjoying a flourishing career as a chorus line dancer until he was diagnosed with advanced heart disease.

He turns to his sister Elise (Juliette Binoche) for support, and the selfless social worker rushes to his side to assist however she can.

Soon, the divorced, 40 year-old decides to move in with her brother, bringing along her three rambunctious children, energetic souls who help inject a joie de vivre back into their ailing uncle.

For the relatively-young mans world has become restricted to the confines of his Paris apartment while he waits for word of a transplant donor.

And although he is understandably dejected about his doctors dire prognosis, at least Pierre has loved ones around and a spacious, upper-floor flat with a balcony offering breathtaking, birds eye views of the city below.

Moreover, his plight makes him more appreciative of the little things in life, and he starts observing both neighbors and strangers from a fresh perspective. So unfolds Paris, an ensemble drama directed by Cedric Klapisch, ever so reminiscent of Amelie (2001), the similarly-serendipitous Oscar-nominee in the Best Foreign Film category.

But instead of a nave waif, we have melancholy Pierre serving as the link to a motley cast of colorful characters. For instance, we find emotionally-vulnerable Elise flirting with a macho fishmonger (Albert Dupontel) she meets in the market. Then theres the pretty neighbor (Melanie
Laurent) who becomes the object of her college professors (Fabrice Luchini) obsession. Elsewhere, a racist snob (Karin Viard) only reluctantly hires an
African immigrant (Kingsley Kum Abang) to work in her shop.

These loosely interlocking tales ultimately lead an envious Pierre to the conclusion that none of the above know how lucky they are to be walking breathing running arguing to be just like that, carefree in Paris! A sage insight from a housebound invalid that we all have a lot to be thankful for and that we should never take our health for granted.

Excellent (3.5 stars)
Rated R for profanity and sexual references.
In French with subtitles.
Running time: 124 minutes
Studi IFC Films

To see a trailer for Paris, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwROhrqTyi8

VERONICA'S VIEW: An Annual Assessment with a New View
Veronica Hendrix

*It’s that time of the year, again.

I use the term “again” not with chagrin or any reticence but with gratitude and thankfulness.

It’s my birthday and I’ve got that “kidlike excitement” as I celebrate the entire month of October because it’s the only time of the year I pause and take a moment out of my hurried existence to celebrate “me” and the incredible life I’ve been given to live on the planet. One thing I will never stop is the shameless invitations for birthday wishes because it feels good. So if you haven’t weighed in, please do. The month is quickly coming to a close and I want to hear from you.

It’s been a year of many personal, intellectual, financial, emotional, physical and spiritual changes. But it’s all good and all a part of life’s cycle as I ascend through life.

I’ve had to do some pruning and purging of people, attitudes, beliefs, things and just plain old clutter. Are there some regrets and sighs? Sure, but it is well with my soul because after all life is an ascent and when I look back over the past twelve months I’ve climbed a little higher after getting rid of the extra weight, literally and figuratively – hallelujah.

The sobering reality about birthdays when you are a “grown folk” is that they make you take inventory of your life. It’s a time that makes you (and dare I say others around you) take a look at your “personal balance sheet” – because we ALL have one – and assess your self-worth in terms of “dollars and sense.” The unspoken question that reverberates within your soul around the anniversary of your birth is this: What have you done with your life in the past year? Where are you on the continuum of life? Has the mark moved any since last year? If it has, in which direction?

I’ve done my personal analysis of the past twelve months. The results are favorable and I give myself a few “happy faces.” But I still have a lot of work to do.

This year I’ve asked myself a new question: What are the five things I know to be true about me at this milepost in the journey? Here’s my first attempt at answering this new question:

1. The presence of God has been incredibly essential in my life this year. I’ve never prayed more or sought divine guidance more in my life. The sacred scripture says, “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” I’ve decided to slow down and let them catch me.

2. My family has been a great source of comfort and contentment. My life has been dizzying this past year, but when I am in the presence of my family they imbue me with a sense of calm and unconditional acceptance. They have been my refuge and I thank them.

3. Truth and honesty haven been my rite of passage. I’ve had to be unceremoniously honest about my feelings, concerns and disappointments about things that have lingered unaddressed too long. It hasn’t been comfortable but necessary – ouch.

4. I am inspired. A few years ago at a party I selected a random affirmation stone from a glass jar. The affirmation inscribed on the stone was the word “inspire.” It’s a quality that I’ve seen in abundance this year in terms of wanting to be an inspiration to others, and experiencing my own inspiration to do more, to be more and to be the best version of me I can be. That inspiration is poised to return great dividends next year. I am excited about the imminent possibilities.

5. I am a stone cold “foodie.” I love creative, exotic and fearless cooking. I read recipe books like bestselling novels. I love trying new cuisine and have no boundaries in its pursuit. I’ve never wanted to embrace this “traditional” side of me. But no more – I embrace my “inner foodie” completely. In fact I’ve been driven to work on my own cookbook and I’ve developed my own gourmet spice rub and seasoning that I can’t wait to launch. Stay tuned.

Birthdays come and birthdays go. But when we look back on the past year, what is it that we know? I offer this rhyme because I’ve run out of time (well actually space because I’ve exceed my word count - but heck it’s my birthday). Thank you for indulging me today and thank you for your continued support and encouragement. (If you have comments about Veronica’s View, email them to vsview@yahoo.com.) ###

BETWEEN THE LINES: Why President Obama Won The Nobel Peace Prize: USA's Transformation Before The Eyes of the World
Anthony Asadullah Samad

*President Barack Obama is the most transformative figure in the world today. And it won him the world's most coveted prize, at least-in the modern world's eyes, the distinguished Noble Peace Prize. The prize was established by businessman, Alfred Nobel, in 1895, for a person or persons or organizations “who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses.” President Obama, in his speech after the announcement, suggested in his surprise that he didn't “deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who have been honored by this prize.” Oh, but he does, and what he did, and is doing, is not lost on the world (though it is completely lost on the Republicans). Obama led a most unlikely political and cultural shift in America, before the eyes of the world. And it was a peaceful and non-violent one, which has been even more impressive, given the nation's hawkish and violent history.

Breaking the race barrier to be elected top the nation's top office in the most racial society in the history of the modern world was a transformation many throughout never expected to see and it wasn't lost on the world that there was a different sentiment coming out of America. America is a racial hegemon that demonstrated a hint of racial tolerance and maturity in the last election. Whether President Obama is to be tolerated or followed is still playing out, but what is clear is that the world is ready to follow his lead. The world is also watching to see if Obama's election was a sincere transition toward a different “change” mindset or a false signal while America ideologically recasts itself. More critically, the war-ish, environmentally whorish and unilateral behaviors coming out of the United States the previous eight years had turned the world against America. Anti-American sentiment, documented by Oprah and others, was deeply entrenched and growing. China, Russia and the Middle East knew, at some point, they were going to have to check America. What that was going to look like was going to be very different than what 9/11 looked like, but similar to what America has inflicted on other nations. The election of Barack Obama has brought a pause in that anti-sentiment. But just a pause, as this most unlikely hiccup in American arrogant politics has granted it a reprieve in the global community. Even the American labeled despots, like Ghadafi and Hugo Chavez, have held on their usual anti-American rhetoric to watch this transformation going on in America, and as cynical are they are about America-the capitalist hegemon, they do like what they see in Obama, the man. Transformation doesn't have a timeline, but it does have a transition point. Transformation has an outcome. Both the transformation and transition point, are in evidence in America. Obama's popularity is the same as Mandela's is, Desmond Tutu's was, as the Dalai Lama's is, as Lech Walesa's (who stated Obama's award was too soon) was when the Noble Committee acknowledged them as central figures in the midst of cultural revolutions that were playing out on the world stage. Barack Obama is at the center of America's cultural revolution. The nation and the world are awaiting the outcome, as they awaited the outcomes of other Nobel laureates. Some transformations were completed and some were not. It's the effort that the Noble Committee recognizes. We know which Noble laureate was the last to try to bring about a wholesale culture change in America (Dr. King). It is still an incomplete transformation.

All the “Obama-Haters” and Republicans (because they're all not Republicans) are criticizing the choice, given that Obama has “only” nine months in office, but again the choice was not only about his election as President. It was also about his message of reconciliation across racial, religious and cultural boundaries. What he has done as President is stave off the collapse of America's economy, and relaxed our nation's hostility toward the Muslim world. American hatred toward Muslims (which many have made a term synonymous with terrorists) is going to be the fall of America, and China and Russia are going to side with the world's Muslims as America tries to defend Zionism. The Noble Committee acknowledges that Obama's “winds of change” has caught the world by storm because it is a resilient message that all acknowledge needs to occur. It's a word of reason, a reason of tolerance and a mindset of visionary temperament that the presidential administration didn't demonstrate and was hostile to the notion of world peace. If you look at all of the recent Noble Peace Prize winners, they were involved in causes that were producing highly detrimental circumstances to their country and the world. Obama's selection is not less justified because his turnaround of America is an extreme challenge, given America's detrimental circumstances at home and abroad.

The Noble Committee got it right. Congratulations, President Obama.

Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum (www.urbanissuesforum.com) and author of the upcoming book, SREAL EYEZ: Race, Reality and Politics in 21 Century Politics. He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com

GLENN'S STRATEGIES FOR WELL-BEING: An Update of Flu Vaccines

*U.S. health officials have ordered more swine flu vaccine bringing the nation's eventual total to 251 million doses. Typically fewer than 100 million Americans seek flu vaccine every year.

Flu activity is increasing in the United States with most states reporting widespread influenza activity. So far, most flu is 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called "swine flu"). CDC expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season.

Most persons who get the flu improve within a week (though they may have a lingering cough and tire easily for a while longer). However, the flu can cause serious complications.

If you're young and healthy, influenza usually isn't serious. Although you may feel miserable while you have it, the flu usually goes away with no lasting effects.

Flu complications, such as pneumonia, usually appear after the patient starts to feel better.

You can have flu complications if you get a bacterial infection, which can cause pneumonia in your weakened lungs. Pneumonia also can be caused by the flu virus itself.

Complications usually appear after you start feeling better. After a brief period of improvement, you may suddenly get these symptoms

    * High fever
    * Shaking chills
    * Chest pain with each breath
    * Coughing that produces thick, yellow-greenish-colored mucus

Pneumonia can be a very serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your health care provider immediately to get the appropriate treatment.

Pneumonia is the major serious complication of influenza and can be very serious. It can develop about 5 days after viral influenza. More than 90% of the deaths caused by influenza and pneumonia occur among older adults. Flu-related pneumonia nearly always occurs in high-risk individuals, such as the following:

    * People with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients
    * Elderly patients, particularly patients in nursing home
    * Very young children (it may be difficult to tell whether pneumonia is related to influenza or caused by respiratory syncytial virus [RSV])
    * Hospitalized patients and anyone with serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart, circulation, or lung disorders, particularly chronic lung disease
    * Drug abusers who use needles

Reye's syndrome, a condition that affects the nerves, sometimes develops in children and teenagers who are recovering from the flu. Reye's syndrome begins with nausea and vomiting, but the progressive mental changes (such as confusion or delirium) cause the greatest concern.

The syndrome often begins in young people after they take aspirin to get rid of fever or pain. Although very few children develop Reye's syndrome, you should consult a health care provider before giving aspirin or products that contain aspirin to children

Flu complications in adults can occur if they develop a bacterial infection, which can cause pneumonia in their weakened lungs. However, the flu virus alone can also cause pneumonia.

In spite of the controversy and difficulty many are having over whether to take the vaccine, here are some facts:

      Two influenza vaccines are available: an injected vaccine (the flu shot) and a Nasal Mist influenza vaccine.

      The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Because the viruses are inactive, they cannot cause infections. The vaccine preparation is based on the strains of the flu viruses that are in circulation at the time and includes A and B viruses expected to circulate the following winter. Viruses for the flu shot are grown in eggs. The flu shot is approved for use in persons older than 6 months, including healthy persons and those with chronic medical conditions.
      When the "match" between vaccine and circulating strains is close, the flu shot prevents influenza in about 70% to 90% of healthy persons younger than 65 years. Among elderly persons living outside chronic-care facilities and those persons with chronic medical conditions, the flu shot is 30% to 70% effective in preventing hospitalization for pneumonia and influenza. Among elderly nursing home residents, the flu shot is most effective in preventing severe illness, secondary complications, and deaths related to the flu. In this population, the shot can be 50% to 60% effective in preventing hospitalization or pneumonia and 80% effective in preventing death from the flu.

The flu shot can cause adverse effects, the most common of which in children and adults is soreness at the site of the vaccination. Other adverse effects, especially in children who previously have not been exposed to the flu virus, include fever, tiredness, and sore muscles. These adverse effects may begin 6 to 12 hours after vaccination and may las




	10-15-09 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE (October 15, 2009) Email to a friend \| Print Friendly LATOYA SAYS MICHAEL WOULD'VE HATED HIS FILM: Big sis says brother was never comfortable with fans seeing unfinished product. LaToya Jackson insists that her brother Michael would not be pleased with fans all over the globe watching his rehearsal footage in the upcoming film "This Is It." In an interview with Access Hollywood, LaToya says that Michael "wasn't giving it his all," in the footage because it was a rehearsal, and because of that, he wouldn't want people to see the performances. "He loves to give his all always. That's just the way he is," Jackson said. "He wants people to see him at the top of the ladder and not half-stepping because he doesn't want to do a full-out rehearsal." Despite her qualms with the impending documentary, LaToya says she'll stand by the film. "I will support my brother in any way I can ... I love him," she said. AJ'S DEATH DELAYS 'ATL HOUSEWIVES' REUNION: Taping postponed after loss of Kandi's ex-fiancé. The reunion show for Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" has been put on hold as cast member Kandi Burress deals with the sudden death of her ex-fiancé A.J. Jewell. The taping was supposed to take place last week for a two-part airdate of Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, CNN reported. There's no word yet if or when the show will be rescheduled. Jewell, 34, suffered a severe head injury during a fight at an Atlanta nightclub Oct. 2 and later died at the hospital. He was buried on Oct. 9 in Georgia. Burruss, according to close friend and former Xscape bandmate Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, is holding up OK these days. "She's doing much better," Cottle told E! Online. "She's a strong girl. …I speak to her every day. I go and visit her. I went to the funeral. Whenever she needs me, I'm there." Burruss's Atlanta cast member Kim Zolciak also commented on her friend's strength in recent days. "It's been very difficult," she told Us Magazine. "I went to the funeral on Friday, and I don't think I have ever been that sad in my whole life. I don't want to see my friend upset. It's terrible. It's something that will stay with me for life." Kim added, Burruss "is strong and she will pull through, but she is devastated. I walked out of the funeral thanking God for my blessings and just realizing that in a matter of a minute, your life can be over." OBAMA'S LATIN MUSIC CONCERT AIRS TONIGHT: Sheila E., Estefan, Longoria, Los Lobos and more had the White House en fuego. Tuesday's night big "Fiesta Latina" at the White House, a South Lawn concert featuring Gloria Estefan, George Lopez and Eva Longoria Parker among the guests, will air tonight on PBS from 8 to 9 p.m., and Saturday on Telemundo. The event celebrating Hispanic musical heritage kicked off with brief remarks from the president, who said Latin music – while hard to define because it comes in so many forms (from salsa to merengue and Bachata to reggaeton) – speaks to everyone in a language they can all understand. "It moves us, and it tends to make us move a little bit ourselves," said Obama. "In the end, what makes Latin music great is the same thing that's always made America great. The unique ability to celebrate our differences while creating something new." Also in attendance were Jose Feliciano, Jennifer Lopez and Los Lobos. Here's how the AP described the evening: A large, white tent erected on the lawn was the setting for the musical performances. A see-through panel behind the stage afforded the nearly 400 guests, who sat at cocktail tables, views of the White House South Portico bathed in light. Hosts Jimmy Smits, Eva Longoria Parker and Lopez joked that Obama is really Latino. "He just doesn't know it," said Parker. Added Lopez, as the audience laughed: "Lives in a house that's not his. ... Says he's gonna change and nobody believes him. Very Latino." Obama proved what he said about the power of Latin music. He wiggled his hips and took a few turns on the dance floor with singer Thalia after she said: "Mr. President. With all due respect, will you dance with me?" He complied as she approached the table where he sat with Mrs. Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia. Mrs. Obama moved in her seat, snapping her fingers to the music. By the end of the concert, the First Family was on its feet, clapping to the beat. The family then went on stage to thank the performers. Mrs. Obama and Malia held hands and danced, while the Obama did the same with Sasha. Malia, then Sasha, also paired off with Sheila E. on the drums. Other notables at the concert included Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic member of the high court. She posed for photos with everyone who sought them. Also present were Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and members of Congress. "In Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina" is the third in a music series launched by first lady Michelle Obama to celebrate various genres of music. Jazz and country music events, with workshop for music students, have been held. Classical music is on tap for Nov. 4. President Obama dances with Thalia <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1dyvou-6hHY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1dyvou-6hHY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> Grand Finale / President Obama's closing remarks / Sheila E. drumming with Malia and Sasha. RUSH'S RAMS BID SHOT DOWN BY NFL COMMISH: Roger Goodell says 'I think divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about.' Sharpton agrees. Barely a week after talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh announced he was partnering with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the NFL's St. Louis Rams, the league's commissioner has responded with a proverbial hell to the no. "I have said many times before that we are all held to a higher standard here," Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday at an owners meeting in Boston. "I think divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about. I would not want to see those kind of comments from people who are in a responsible position within the NFL. No. Absolutely not." Whoever wins the bidding would still need approval from 24 of the league's 32 teams. And according to the Associated Press, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay became the first to say publicly what many fellow owners were thinking: There was no point asking for his vote. "I, myself, couldn't even consider voting for him," Irsay said at the same owners meeting. "When there are comments that have been made that are inappropriate, incendiary and insensitive ... our words do damage, and it's something that we don't need." Limbaugh complained in an e-mail response to The Associated Press that the media was using "totally made-up and fabricated quotes" to discredit his bid. "It is regrettable that something I have dreamed about for years has taken this course. But the fight is worth it to me," he wrote. "I love the National Football League." This Rams bid isn't his first go-round with the NFL. ESPN hired Limbaugh in 2003 to spice up the network's "NFL Sunday Countdown." But when he generated negative headlines by saying Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because "the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well," the NFL reportedly made it known to ESPN that his forced resignation would be welcomed. Rev. Al Sharpton, who spoke out in protest of Limbaugh's bid, said Wednesday, "If it is true that Mr. Limbaugh has been dropped by the group bidding to buy the St. Louis Rams, it is a moral victory for all Americans, especially the players that have been unfairly castigated by Rush Limbaugh. This decision will also uphold the unifying standards of major sports." KANYE WEST'S CLOTHING LINE FOLDS: Rapper and his backers have pulled the plug on Pastelle; plus, Hindu leaders support his break. Kanye West's clothing line Pastelle is history. Two days after the Internet was flooded with photos of different pieces from the brand, West and his financiers have decided to close up shop. Things seemed to be looking up for the line a year ago, when the rapper sported a Pastelle logo jacket while accepting an American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist. But things have taken quite a turn since then. In the wake of his infamous outburst at the MTV Video Music Awards, the Louis Vuitton Don exited his joint tour with Lady Gaga, canceled a planned New Year's Eve show at Madison Square Garden and on Tuesday received zero nominations for the upcoming AMAs. In other Ye news, the artist is being embraced by Hindu leaders after announcing that he's looking to chill out at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, India. Rajan Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, has invited West to study with him and other leading Hindus upon his return to America: "West should put into practice what he learns at the ashram. If he needs any help in further exploring Hinduism, I would gladly guide him." MIJAC'S KIDS WILL NOT APPEAR IN A&E REALITY SHOW: Mama Katherine denies report from Us Weekly. Michael Jackson's mother Katherine is denying reports from Us Weekly that his three kids will be included in the upcoming A&E reality series "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty," which focuses on the Jackson family in the wake of his death. Prince, 12, Paris, 11, and Blanket, 7, were said to be included in the filming, to the dismay of eldest sibling Rebbie, 59, who along with brother Randy have refused to take part in the project. In response to Us Weekly's report early Wednesday, Rebbie said she "feels Michael would spin in his grave if he knew his kids would be on this show." Katherine reached out to celebrity gossip site TMZ to set the record straight, saying the children will not be involved - because her son would not have wanted them to be in the public eye. Despite Us Weekly's reports to the contrary, Michael's sister Janet Jackson has also decided not to participate in the filming. A&E neither confirmed nor denied the Us Weekly report but said the reality series revolves around Michael Jackson's brothers, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon. "Filming is taking place right now," A&E said in a statement. "As production moves forward, it is entirely possible that the brothers' paths will intersect with other members of the Jackson family, who may or may not be included in the finished series." A&E said that it could not "at this point definitively know who else may make an appearance in the series." Tentatively set to air in December, "Dynasty" will be either five one-hour episodes or 10 half-hour episodes. CONNICK 'PLEASED' WITH HANDLING OF BLACKFACE SKIT: He tells reporters, 'I handled it in exactly the manner I thought was appropriate." While in Hong Kong on Wednesday promoting his new album, "Your Songs," Harry Connick Jr. was peppered with questions about his response last week to a blackface skit poking fun at the Jackson Five in Australia. "I'm pleased with the way I handled the situation," the 42-year-old told reporters. "I handled it in exactly the manner I thought was appropriate." The skit, featured on the TV variety show "Hey Hey It's Saturday," included four men in blackface and Afro wigs singing and dancing behind a Michael Jackson impersonator who wore white makeup. Connick gave the performance a zero score and expressed his disgust with the skit directly to the participants. Public reaction in online forums was mixed. Some Australians said they were embarrassed such a racist sketch had been broadcast, while others said detractors were too politically correct and that the skit was funny. Connick said he canceled an autograph session and interviews in Sydney after the show to let the controversy die down. "It was very hot. It was a subject that was very, very controversial. So we just decided to take a couple of days off. I wasn't worried about physical harm," he said. FREEMAN TO HOST POLITICAL FUNDRAISER: Oscar winner lends support to Mississippi's Democratic candidate for governor. Actor Morgan Freeman is lending his star power to Mississippi gubernatorial candidate Bill Luckett by co-hosting a fundraiser in Los Angeles next week for the Democrat's 2011 campaign. The Academy-Award winner has written a fundraising letter stating that Luckett, who co-owns the Ground Zero Blues Club and the upscale Madidi restaurant with the film star, will help the state improve education, health care and economic development. "Holding on to the old politics of race, class and region has starved Mississippi for too long," Freeman wrote in the letter released to AP. "... Bill Luckett will work diligently to see that the rhetoric that has divided us will never again keep us from tackling such problems." Term limits prevent Republican Gov. Haley Barbour from seeking a third term. Mississippi Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and businessman Dave Dennis, a former member of the Federal Reserve Board in New Orleans, have said they'll seek the Republican nomination. No other prominent Democrats have publicly said they'll run. Next up for Freeman is a role as Nelson Mandela in the post-apartheid drama "Invictus." The film opens Dec. 11. JERRY WEXLER TRIBUTE SET FOR OCT. 30: Toussaint, Lavette and others to perform in honor of Atlantic Records legend in New York. Legendary record executive Jerry Wexler, instrumental in Atlantic's R&B empire of Aretha Franklin, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett and more, will get a first-class memorial sendoff on Oct. 30 in New York at the DGA Theater, reports Billboard. The event will include performances by Vaneese Thomas (daughter of Rufus), as well as Allen Toussaint, Bettye Lavette, William Bell and Lenny Kaye. Other artists are still to be announced. Speakers at the service will include soul legend Sam Moore; jazz writer Gary Giddins; writer David Ritz, with whom Wexler penned his autobiography; WBGO DJ Bob Porter; and Mark Meyerson, who was Wexler's assistant at Atlantic Records during the mid-1960s. Both Atlantic and Rolling Stone magazine have chipped in to help pay for the afternoon, Billboard reported. Wexler died in August 2008, and it's been hard getting everyone in the same place for his service, Billboard noted. But his kids, Lisa and Paul, have chosen the 30th because so many people will be in town for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shows. RASHIDA JONES PENNING FILM FOR UNIVERSAL: Project based on her graphic novel miniseries 'Frenemy of the State.' Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment have picked up screen rights to "Frenemy of the State," a graphic novel miniseries created by actress Rashida Jones, who will write the script with Will McCormack, reports Variety. The adventure revolves around a young wealthy heiress who works undercover for the CIA. Jones, daughter of music producer Quincy Jones and "Mod Squad" star Peggy Lipton, co-wrote the original comic, published by Oni Press. "Frenemy of the State" was never conceived by Jones as an acting vehicle for herself, she told Variety. "It's intended for a girl much younger than me, about age 20, an interesting age for girls as they make that scary jump to adulthood," she said. "She has lived a life of privilege, attended the best schools and learned every language, but her obsession with spying on exes gets her into trouble and she is recruited to be a spy in exchange for not going to prison. There is a comic element to it, this girl who is so conscious of social standing and wearing the right shoes, suddenly becoming responsible for these dangerous, life-threatening missions." Jones currently stars on NBC's "Parks and Recreation." "Frenemy" is her second script written with McCormack, an actor whose credits include ABC's "Brothers and Sisters" and USA's "In Plain Sight." They previously scripted "Celeste and Jesse Forever," a Jennifer Todd-produced picture set up at Overture to star Jones. SOULJA BOY SWEATED BY LA LANDLORD: Rapper sent letter outlining complaints of noise disturbances and guests wandering the highway. The landlord of Soulja Boy Tell Em's Los Angeles apartment has had it with the rapper. TMZ.com got hold of a letter addressed to the artist late last month which states, "We have received complaints of noise disturbances and guests wandering the hallway and Observation Deck. This is a direct violation of your Lease Agreement." The letter continues, "Additionally, we were notified that you had over 10 cars parked in guest parking on the evening of September 25th. This is a violation of your lease ... which states, 'You may have no more than two overnight guests at a time unless we provide specific approval.'" Within days of sending the letter, the landlord followed it up with a bill for $9,376.10 in unpaid rent and late fees. The landlord situation follows reports last week of Soulja Boy's arrest in an abandoned house in Georgia. THE WORLD PREPARES FOR MIJAC FILM: With two weeks to go, 'This Is It' has theaters around the globe gearing up. With just two weeks until Michael Jackson's concert movie opens worldwide for a two-week run, theaters here in the states and around the world are preparing for maximum demand, reports Variety. In the U.S., "This Is It" will be the only wide release launching on Halloween weekend, a sign that rivals are conceding the frame to the documentary. Sony plans to put prints in 5,000 theaters in America, covering approximately 3,000 playdates – a large but not record-setting number for the U.S. Online ticket site Fandango said that 34% of its sales on Tuesday were for "This Is It," beating Summit's "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" with 27% and Warner Bros.' "Where the Wild Things Are" with 15%. "New Moon" opens Nov. 20 and "Wild Things" launches Friday. Advance ticket sales launched Sept. 28 with reports of quick sellouts in Australia, France, Japan, Germany, New Zealand and the U.K. And competitors say interest appears high in several other major markets including Japan, the U.K., Germany and Mexico. Sony has set overseas premieres in Germany, Poland, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain and the U.K. featuring a simultaneous satellite feed from the red carpet outside the Nokia Center in Los Angeles on the evening of Oct. 27. Screenings will start three hours after the Los Angeles premiere. The first audiences in Los Angeles will see the film at 9 p.m. local time so start time will be midnight in New York and 4 a.m. in London. There will be more than 30 "This Is It" premieres in all, including events without the simultaneous feed in Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Denmark, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Russia. As previously reported, Sony paid north of $50 million for the rights to "This Is It" in the wake of Jackson's death. The film covers the period from March through Jackson's death on June 25 as the pop star rehearsed for his comeback series of shows at London's O2 Arena. Kenny Ortega, director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is produced by Ortega, Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware. John Branca and John McClain, the lawyers overseeing Jackson's estate, are exec producers. TRACY MORGAN RIPS FORMER 'SNL' CASTMATES: 'Where's Chris Kattan now? Where's Cheri Oteri now? That b**** can't even get arrested.' Comedic actor Tracy Morgan has no love for his former "Saturday Night Live" castmates Cheri Oteri and Chris Kattan. In his new book " I Am the New Black," out from Random House on Tuesday, the "30 Rock" star says his two ex-colleagues looked down on him during their years together on the NBC series. And clearly, he hasn't let it go. "I could remember those two, especially those two people, treating me like the invisible guy. Now look where they at. Cheri Oteri, she can't even get arrested," he says in a clip from the audiobook version. "Where's Chris Kattan now? They never going to host 'Saturday Night Live.' … They never treated me well. I never cared for them either. F** 'em." The Emmy-nominated Morgan, who has hosted "SNL," adds that Will Ferrell, Colin Quinn and Molly Shannon treated him "beautifully." And then there was Tina Fey, who ended up writing a role for him on her Emmy-winning sitcom "30 Rock." "Tina wasn't scared to come into my world and find the funny up in there. She's that kind of cool," he writes. The two get along so well, in fact, that Fey even used one of her more bizarre nights during her 'SNL" stint with Morgan as the inspiration for a famous "30 Rock" episode in which she accompanies Tracy to an "after-after-after-after party." "I wasn't really friends with many of my castmates at 'SNL,' but that doesn't mean I didn't roll up into 'SNL' and all those after parties with my own friends," the comedian explains. "Friends of mine were running an illegal strip club they called the Loft. It was in an office space they'd rented and converted into an after-the-after-party spot. They put a stage in it, they put a few futons all around, and they'd get strippers and girls to come and do shows." "I invited everyone to go down there one week. And Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch and a few others came along. I didn't tell any of them what they were in for, so it was all cool when we got there. At first ... they thought it was just a private party. Then these two girls came out onstage and started [engaging in sex acts], and that just shut it down. All the grips and crew guys from 'SNL' were standing around and loving it, but my castmates took one look at that, turned right around and rushed out of there." TYRA TOPS FORBES' PRIMETIME RICH LIST: TV titan beats Heigl, Longoria, Hargitay, Fey and others as highest earner. Tyra Banks has topped a Forbes list of the highest earning women on primetime television in the U.S. The supermodel-turned-executive producer and host pulled in $30 million last year between her reality series "America's Next Top Model" and her daytime talk show. Runner-up Katherine Heigl raked in $18 million for her role in "Grey's Anatomy" and her film projects, while "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" actress Marg Helgenberger is in third with $9.5 million in earnings. Forbes' full primetime top earners list is as follows: 1) Tyra Banks - $30 million 2) Katherine Heigl - $18 million 3) Marg Helgenberger - $9.5 million 4) Eva Longoria Parker - $9 million 5) Mariska Hargitay - $8.5 million 6) Julia Louis-Dreyfus - $8 million 6) Maura Tierney - $8 million 8) Tina Fey - $7 million 9) Marcia Cross - $6.2 million 10) Jennifer Love Hewitt - $6 million. LEONA LEWIS SOCKED IN THE HEAD: Man punches British singer as she sat for a meet-and-greet in London. A young man punched singer Leona Lewis in the head Wednesday as she was signing autographs and posing for photographs at a book signing session in central London, her spokesman said. Lewis, 24, had been meeting members of the public at Waterstone's book store in Piccadilly in central London for about 90 minutes when a man from the line came up and hit her, the Associated Press reported. He was immediately carted off by security guards and later arrested by police. Her rep Stuart Bell said Lewis, who was launching her new autobiography "Dreams," was shaken up by the incident and went to see a doctor as a precaution. She reportedly suffered bruises to the side of her head. London's Metropolitan police said a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and is being held in custody. PRINCE PRAISES FRENCH FANS: Rocker says they honored his request not to tape show with their camera phones – unlike American audiences. Pop superstar Prince was left stunned during a recent concert in Paris, France - when fans actually agreed to honor his request not to use camera phones to record his show. His Royal Badness insists on restricting the use of cameras at his gigs because he hates seeing poor quality footage of his performances online - but he never expected French fans to take heed. "It is actually indescribable, that much love. They were very respectable," Prince told WENN of his fans at the Grand Palais on Sunday. "We asked that no one used camera phones and they honored that request, unlike Americans who are so obsessed with technology. "We don't like to have our concert filmed that way because it sounds so bad and then you give all the footage to somebody like YouTube." OPRAH'S GAYLE SPEAKS OUT ABOUT LAWSUIT: King weighs in on case brought by fired flight attendant. Gayle King is downplaying a lawsuit filed last week against her best friend Oprah Winfrey by a former flight attendant who claimed she was fired after King's daughter and another flight attendant on Winfrey's private jet accused her of sleeping with the pilot. In the filing, Corrine Gehrls accuses fellow flight staff Myron Gooch and Kirby Bumpus - King's daughter - of lying to Winfrey about the alleged onboard act to get rid of her. She is demanding damages of $75,000. But O Magazine editor King has dismissed Gehrls claims - and is convinced she only filed suit because Winfrey has money. She tells celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, "It's one of those things that those of us who are close to Oprah know that she's an easy target for these kind of lawsuits… She's a very easy target, and then if you're in the inner circle, you now become a target. "But what I also know about these kind of lawsuits, these kind of opportunistic lawsuits, for lack of a better word, is that the truth always comes out. I just look forward to the day that the truth will prevail, and I know it will in this case too. This is what's so upsetting to me. It's characterized like Oprah's running some hanky-panky airlines - nothing could be further from the truth." MORE MIJAC BITS: Woman files creditor's claim against estate; burnt hair from Pepsi shoot up for sale? The woman who sued Michael Jackson three years ago claiming he was spying on her has just filed a creditor's claim against his estate over the same accusations. Helen Harris-Scott – who in 2006 accused Jackson of installing a tracking device in her car, wiretapping her phone and having "organized criminals watching me inside my house in L.A. and reporting to him – is seeking $50 million from the King of Pop's estate to settle the matter, according to TMZ. Harris-Scott, who also claimed Michael Jackson communicated with her through his music, sought $100 million in her original 2006 lawsuit. In other Jackson news, the executive producer of his 1984 Pepsi commercial reportedly swooped up strands of the singer's hair that were burned off during the infamous video shoot and has placed them with an auction house. Richard Davie from International Autograph Auctions is selling them at the Edwardian Radisson Hotel at Heathrow, London, on Oct. 17, according to British tabloid The Sun. The 12 strands of Jacksons' hair for sale were reportedly picked up by the Pepsi shoot's executive producer Ralph Cohen after he took off his coat to stomp out the flames on Michael's head. "The strands are clearly burned and were picked up after the incident that left Jackson with second degree burns, said Davie. For sale along with the hair are a color photo of Jackson and a transcript of Cohen's account of the accident. In it he recalls how rehearsals had gone well and the first take was fine and then as Jackson walked down some stairs, pyrotechnics set his hair on fire. The lot is estimated to sell for £1,000. JESSE JACKSON ESCORTS CHICAGO KIDS TO SCHOOL: Activist joins students for bus ride to location where teen was beaten to death. Jesse Jackson rode the bus to school on Tuesday, joining students from Chicago's Christian Fenger Academy on their daily route in the wake of an honor student's brutal beating death. He said the purpose of his presence was to ensure students' safe arrival and to highlight how long it takes the students to ride the several miles from Altgeld Gardens public housing to Fenger High School, according to the AP. Beef between students from Altgeld and those from the neighborhood surrounding Fenger are blamed for the Sept. 24 beating death of 16-year-old Derrion Albert. A cell phone video shows Albert curled up on the sidewalk as fellow teens kick him and hit him with splintered railroad ties. OBAMA BITS: Swastika found on golf course; First Lady continues to push healthy eating. The Secret Service and police in Lakeville, Mass. are investigating a swastika that was found carved into a Massachusetts golf course green next to President Barack Obama’s name. Authorities say the vandalism – which read "I [swastika symbol] Obama," was discovered early Monday on the 18th hole of the Lakeville Country Club. Assistant manager Lou Mincone says the culprit might have used a cleated shoe or a tool to carve out the letters and symbol sometime Sunday night. The carving is about 10 feet by 10 feet. First Lady Michelle Obama spoke about the importance of good nutrition and children's health Tuesday during a speech at the Department of Health and Human Services, continuing her campaign for healthy eating habits to fight rising obesity rates. "Nearly a third of all children in this country are overweight or obese… and a third will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lifetimes," Obama said. "It is a major public health threat right now, so just imagine what we're going to be facing in 20 or 30 years if we don't get on this issue." ITTY BITTY BITS: Zolciak quits Papa and Nene; Fergie co-owns Dolphins; Rihanna Tweets a date; Deavere Smith's 'Easy'; Braxton's foreclosure. "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kim Zolciak has again split with her fiancee "Big Papa," and has also stopped speaking to cast member and former best friend Nene. As for her Sugar Daddy, "I'm not engaged anymore," she told Usmagazine.com. "Big Papa and I ended it. At the end of the day, he will always be the love of my life, but it's time for me to move on." Regarding Nene, Kim told talk show host Bonnie Hunt, "She did strangle me. So that breaks a friendship, right? …I've just moved past it with Nene, and I think her true colors have really surfaced, and they will continue to do so. I wish her the best." Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie has become part-owner of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, joining fellow celeb investors Marc Anthony, Serena and Venus Williams and Gloria Estefan. According to SportingNews.com, NFL owners voted on Tuesday to approve her bid. Though the Dolphins have yet to ink an official deal with the singer, as soon as she signs the papers with the team, she can become an investor. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he's had discussions with Fergie about the deal, but because the Peas are currently touring Australia, he's not yet gotten her signature. Rihanna, currently sporting a new shaved-on-the-side, swooped-on-the-top hairdo, has announced that something in her life is to take place on Nov. 23. She sent the following message Tuesday via Twitter: "The wait is ova. Nov. 23." She offered no further explanation, however, the consensus is that her new album will arrive in stores on that date. Anna Deavere Smith's newest solo show Let Me Down Easy, which opened Off-Broadway Oct. 7 at Second Stage Theatre, has been extended through Dec. 6 from its original end date of Nov. 8. "Channeling a dramatic range of interview subjects, from artists and athletes to doctors and those they treat," Smith, according to a Let Me Down Easy synopsis, explores "the power of the body and the resilience of the human spirit, featuring first person accounts from a wide variety of sources, including Lance Armstrong and former Texas Governor Ann Richards." Toni Braxton's California home is reportedly on the verge of foreclosure. TMZ.com is citing documents that show the R&B singer has defaulted on her mortgage payments to Bank of America, which claims she owes $12,503.20 on her spot in Century City. EUR DVD REVIEW: Not Quite Hollywood DVD Chronicles Golden Age of Australian Cinema DVD Review by Kam Williams For decades, the Australian movie industry was subject to one of the most repressive set of censorship rules around. Consequently, nobody wanted to see the terribly-tame productions shot in the country, not even the Aussies themselves. But after shifting social mores led to a liberalizing of the laws in the Seventies, virtually overnight the land Down Under became more associated with sexually-explicit romps and gratuitous violence than with cuddly koalas and kangaroos. That stunning transformation is the subject of Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation, a dizzying documentary simultaneously combining running commentaries with shocking snippets of footage culled from representative samples of the sensational genre. Foremost among the experts weighing-in on the subject is Quentin Tarantino who is never identified as a director but merely as a fan every time he appears onscreen. And that appellation proves appropriate as the legendary Oscar-winner generally just gushes about this or that over-the-top technique employed by his Aussie colleagues whose gutsy approach to filmmaking he obviously admires. Unfolding at a rapid machine gun pace which never pauses to take a breath, Not Quite Hollywood starts with titillating sequences of topless actresses to show how bawdy Aussie cinema became once freed of governmental restraints. Next, splatter flicks featuring everything from severed limbs to decapitated corpses get the same frenetic treatment, followed by horror fare in which the monster hunting for humans was frequently a souped-up automobile. A bodacious effort which successfully elevates a bevy of godawful B-movies to an art form worthy not only of study but appreciation to boot. Excellent (4 stars) Rated R for sexuality, violence, gore, drug use, profanity and graphic nudity. Running time: 93 minutes Studi Magnolia Home Entertainment DVD Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, commentaty, interviews and more. To order a copy of Not Quite Hollywood on DVD, visit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002I41KO6?ie=UTF8&tag=thslfofire-20&linkCo de=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002I41KO6 To see an R-rated trailer for Not Quite Hollywood, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MSf9Uf0Lgs EUR FILM REVIEW: Paris Ensemble Drama Revolves Around Melancholy Heart Patient Film Review by Kam Williams Pierre (Romain Duris) was enjoying a flourishing career as a chorus line dancer until he was diagnosed with advanced heart disease. He turns to his sister Elise (Juliette Binoche) for support, and the selfless social worker rushes to his side to assist however she can. Soon, the divorced, 40 year-old decides to move in with her brother, bringing along her three rambunctious children, energetic souls who help inject a joie de vivre back into their ailing uncle. For the relatively-young mans world has become restricted to the confines of his Paris apartment while he waits for word of a transplant donor. And although he is understandably dejected about his doctors dire prognosis, at least Pierre has loved ones around and a spacious, upper-floor flat with a balcony offering breathtaking, birds eye views of the city below. Moreover, his plight makes him more appreciative of the little things in life, and he starts observing both neighbors and strangers from a fresh perspective. So unfolds Paris, an ensemble drama directed by Cedric Klapisch, ever so reminiscent of Amelie (2001), the similarly-serendipitous Oscar-nominee in the Best Foreign Film category. But instead of a nave waif, we have melancholy Pierre serving as the link to a motley cast of colorful characters. For instance, we find emotionally-vulnerable Elise flirting with a macho fishmonger (Albert Dupontel) she meets in the market. Then theres the pretty neighbor (Melanie Laurent) who becomes the object of her college professors (Fabrice Luchini) obsession. Elsewhere, a racist snob (Karin Viard) only reluctantly hires an African immigrant (Kingsley Kum Abang) to work in her shop. These loosely interlocking tales ultimately lead an envious Pierre to the conclusion that none of the above know how lucky they are to be walking breathing running arguing to be just like that, carefree in Paris! A sage insight from a housebound invalid that we all have a lot to be thankful for and that we should never take our health for granted. Excellent (3.5 stars) Rated R for profanity and sexual references. In French with subtitles. Running time: 124 minutes Studi IFC Films To see a trailer for Paris, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwROhrqTyi8 VERONICA'S VIEW: An Annual Assessment with a New View Veronica Hendrix It’s that time of the year, again. I use the term “again” not with chagrin or any reticence but with gratitude and thankfulness. It’s my birthday and I’ve got that “kidlike excitement” as I celebrate the entire month of October because it’s the only time of the year I pause and take a moment out of my hurried existence to celebrate “me” and the incredible life I’ve been given to live on the planet. One thing I will never stop is the shameless invitations for birthday wishes because it feels good. So if you haven’t weighed in, please do. The month is quickly coming to a close and I want to hear from you. It’s been a year of many personal, intellectual, financial, emotional, physical and spiritual changes. But it’s all good and all a part of life’s cycle as I ascend through life. I’ve had to do some pruning and purging of people, attitudes, beliefs, things and just plain old clutter. Are there some regrets and sighs? Sure, but it is well with my soul because after all life is an ascent and when I look back over the past twelve months I’ve climbed a little higher after getting rid of the extra weight, literally and figuratively – hallelujah. The sobering reality about birthdays when you are a “grown folk” is that they make you take inventory of your life. It’s a time that makes you (and dare I say others around you) take a look at your “personal balance sheet” – because we ALL have one – and assess your self-worth in terms of “dollars and sense.” The unspoken question that reverberates within your soul around the anniversary of your birth is this: What have you done with your life in the past year? Where are you on the continuum of life? Has the mark moved any since last year? If it has, in which direction? I’ve done my personal analysis of the past twelve months. The results are favorable and I give myself a few “happy faces.” But I still have a lot of work to do. This year I’ve asked myself a new question: What are the five things I know to be true about me at this milepost in the journey? Here’s my first attempt at answering this new question: 1. The presence of God has been incredibly essential in my life this year. I’ve never prayed more or sought divine guidance more in my life. The sacred scripture says, “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” I’ve decided to slow down and let them catch me. 2. My family has been a great source of comfort and contentment. My life has been dizzying this past year, but when I am in the presence of my family they imbue me with a sense of calm and unconditional acceptance. They have been my refuge and I thank them. 3. Truth and honesty haven been my rite of passage. I’ve had to be unceremoniously honest about my feelings, concerns and disappointments about things that have lingered unaddressed too long. It hasn’t been comfortable but necessary – ouch. 4. I am inspired. A few years ago at a party I selected a random affirmation stone from a glass jar. The affirmation inscribed on the stone was the word “inspire.” It’s a quality that I’ve seen in abundance this year in terms of wanting to be an inspiration to others, and experiencing my own inspiration to do more, to be more and to be the best version of me I can be. That inspiration is poised to return great dividends next year. I am excited about the imminent possibilities. 5. I am a stone cold “foodie.” I love creative, exotic and fearless cooking. I read recipe books like bestselling novels. I love trying new cuisine and have no boundaries in its pursuit. I’ve never wanted to embrace this “traditional” side of me. But no more – I embrace my “inner foodie” completely. In fact I’ve been driven to work on my own cookbook and I’ve developed my own gourmet spice rub and seasoning that I can’t wait to launch. Stay tuned. Birthdays come and birthdays go. But when we look back on the past year, what is it that we know? I offer this rhyme because I’ve run out of time (well actually space because I’ve exceed my word count - but heck it’s my birthday). Thank you for indulging me today and thank you for your continued support and encouragement. (If you have comments about Veronica’s View, email them to vsview@yahoo.com.) ### BETWEEN THE LINES: Why President Obama Won The Nobel Peace Prize: USA's Transformation Before The Eyes of the World Anthony Asadullah Samad President Barack Obama is the most transformative figure in the world today. And it won him the world's most coveted prize, at least-in the modern world's eyes, the distinguished Noble Peace Prize. The prize was established by businessman, Alfred Nobel, in 1895, for a person or persons or organizations “who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses.” President Obama, in his speech after the announcement, suggested in his surprise that he didn't “deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who have been honored by this prize.” Oh, but he does, and what he did, and is doing, is not lost on the world (though it is completely lost on the Republicans). Obama led a most unlikely political and cultural shift in America, before the eyes of the world. And it was a peaceful and non-violent one, which has been even more impressive, given the nation's hawkish and violent history. Breaking the race barrier to be elected top the nation's top office in the most racial society in the history of the modern world was a transformation many throughout never expected to see and it wasn't lost on the world that there was a different sentiment coming out of America. America is a racial hegemon that demonstrated a hint of racial tolerance and maturity in the last election. Whether President Obama is to be tolerated or followed is still playing out, but what is clear is that the world is ready to follow his lead. The world is also watching to see if Obama's election was a sincere transition toward a different “change” mindset or a false signal while America ideologically recasts itself. More critically, the war-ish, environmentally whorish and unilateral behaviors coming out of the United States the previous eight years had turned the world against America. Anti-American sentiment, documented by Oprah and others, was deeply entrenched and growing. China, Russia and the Middle East knew, at some point, they were going to have to check America. What that was going to look like was going to be very different than what 9/11 looked like, but similar to what America has inflicted on other nations. The election of Barack Obama has brought a pause in that anti-sentiment. But just a pause, as this most unlikely hiccup in American arrogant politics has granted it a reprieve in the global community. Even the American labeled despots, like Ghadafi and Hugo Chavez, have held on their usual anti-American rhetoric to watch this transformation going on in America, and as cynical are they are about America-the capitalist hegemon, they do like what they see in Obama, the man. Transformation doesn't have a timeline, but it does have a transition point. Transformation has an outcome. Both the transformation and transition point, are in evidence in America. Obama's popularity is the same as Mandela's is, Desmond Tutu's was, as the Dalai Lama's is, as Lech Walesa's (who stated Obama's award was too soon) was when the Noble Committee acknowledged them as central figures in the midst of cultural revolutions that were playing out on the world stage. Barack Obama is at the center of America's cultural revolution. The nation and the world are awaiting the outcome, as they awaited the outcomes of other Nobel laureates. Some transformations were completed and some were not. It's the effort that the Noble Committee recognizes. We know which Noble laureate was the last to try to bring about a wholesale culture change in America (Dr. King). It is still an incomplete transformation. All the “Obama-Haters” and Republicans (because they're all not Republicans) are criticizing the choice, given that Obama has “only” nine months in office, but again the choice was not only about his election as President. It was also about his message of reconciliation across racial, religious and cultural boundaries. What he has done as President is stave off the collapse of America's economy, and relaxed our nation's hostility toward the Muslim world. American hatred toward Muslims (which many have made a term synonymous with terrorists) is going to be the fall of America, and China and Russia are going to side with the world's Muslims as America tries to defend Zionism. The Noble Committee acknowledges that Obama's “winds of change” has caught the world by storm because it is a resilient message that all acknowledge needs to occur. It's a word of reason, a reason of tolerance and a mindset of visionary temperament that the presidential administration didn't demonstrate and was hostile to the notion of world peace. If you look at all of the recent Noble Peace Prize winners, they were involved in causes that were producing highly detrimental circumstances to their country and the world. Obama's selection is not less justified because his turnaround of America is an extreme challenge, given America's detrimental circumstances at home and abroad. The Noble Committee got it right. Congratulations, President Obama. Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum (www.urbanissuesforum.com) and author of the upcoming book, SREAL EYEZ: Race, Reality and Politics in 21 Century Politics. He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com GLENN'S STRATEGIES FOR WELL-BEING: An Update of Flu Vaccines U.S. health officials have ordered more swine flu vaccine bringing the nation's eventual total to 251 million doses. Typically fewer than 100 million Americans seek flu vaccine every year. Flu activity is increasing in the United States with most states reporting widespread influenza activity. So far, most flu is 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called "swine flu"). CDC expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season. Most persons who get the flu improve within a week (though they may have a lingering cough and tire easily for a while longer). However, the flu can cause serious complications. If you're young and healthy, influenza usually isn't serious. Although you may feel miserable while you have it, the flu usually goes away with no lasting effects. Flu complications, such as pneumonia, usually appear after the patient starts to feel better. You can have flu complications if you get a bacterial infection, which can cause pneumonia in your weakened lungs. Pneumonia also can be caused by the flu virus itself. Complications usually appear after you start feeling better. After a brief period of improvement, you may suddenly get these symptoms * High fever * Shaking chills * Chest pain with each breath * Coughing that produces thick, yellow-greenish-colored mucus Pneumonia can be a very serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your health care provider immediately to get the appropriate treatment. Pneumonia is the major serious complication of influenza and can be very serious. It can develop about 5 days after viral influenza. More than 90% of the deaths caused by influenza and pneumonia occur among older adults. Flu-related pneumonia nearly always occurs in high-risk individuals, such as the following: * People with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients * Elderly patients, particularly patients in nursing home * Very young children (it may be difficult to tell whether pneumonia is related to influenza or caused by respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]) * Hospitalized patients and anyone with serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart, circulation, or lung disorders, particularly chronic lung disease * Drug abusers who use needles Reye's syndrome, a condition that affects the nerves, sometimes develops in children and teenagers who are recovering from the flu. Reye's syndrome begins with nausea and vomiting, but the progressive mental changes (such as confusion or delirium) cause the greatest concern. The syndrome often begins in young people after they take aspirin to get rid of fever or pain. Although very few children develop Reye's syndrome, you should consult a health care provider before giving aspirin or products that contain aspirin to children Flu complications in adults can occur if they develop a bacterial infection, which can cause pneumonia in their weakened lungs. However, the flu virus alone can also cause pneumonia. In spite of the controversy and difficulty many are having over whether to take the vaccine, here are some facts: Two influenza vaccines are available: an injected vaccine (the flu shot) and a Nasal Mist influenza vaccine. The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Because the viruses are inactive, they cannot cause infections. The vaccine preparation is based on the strains of the flu viruses that are in circulation at the time and includes A and B viruses expected to circulate the following winter. Viruses for the flu shot are grown in eggs. The flu shot is approved for use in persons older than 6 months, including healthy persons and those with chronic medical conditions. When the "match" between vaccine and circulating strains is close, the flu shot prevents influenza in about 70% to 90% of healthy persons younger than 65 years. Among elderly persons living outside chronic-care facilities and those persons with chronic medical conditions, the flu shot is 30% to 70% effective in preventing hospitalization for pneumonia and influenza. Among elderly nursing home residents, the flu shot is most effective in preventing severe illness, secondary complications, and deaths related to the flu. In this population, the shot can be 50% to 60% effective in preventing hospitalization or pneumonia and 80% effective in preventing death from the flu. The flu shot can cause adverse effects, the most common of which in children and adults is soreness at the site of the vaccination. Other adverse effects, especially in children who previously have not been exposed to the flu virus, include fever, tiredness, and sore muscles. These adverse effects may begin 6 to 12 hours after vaccination and may las Click for the latest entertainment headlines Click for the latest Obama - Political headlines Speak Out Currently, 0 comments have been made on this story. View Comments or Post Comments.	... Powered by Mochila
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