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CASH MONEY SUPPORTS LIL WAYNE: Rapper's label issues statement after rapper pleads guilty to gun possession.
*Cash Money Records CEOs Ronald "Slim" Williams and Bryan "Baby" Williams are standing behind their artist Lil Wayne after the rapper pleaded guilty to gun possession Thursday in New York City.
He's been with the brothers for more than 15 years now, and they consider him not just an act on the roster, but family. In fact, both Baby and Slim appeared alongside Wayne in court on Thursday.
"The Cash Money family will continue to support our artist and friend Lil Wayne in his current court case," the Williams brothers said in a joint statement. "We have worked with Wayne since he was a teenager, and have seen him grow into one of the world's most successful hip-hop artists, with a work ethic that is second to none. Wayne has our love and commitment during this difficult time. We always have and always will stand behind him."
Wayne is due for sentencing in February of 2010. At that time he is expected to be sentenced to a year in prison, and will probably serve eight to 10 months, assuming good behavior.
The incident took place in July 2007, when police pulled over Wayne's tour bus at around 11:30 p.m. on the night of his show at New York's Beacon Theatre. They arrested the rapper for criminal possession of a weapon and another man on the bus for criminal possession of marijuana.
WHAT HAPPENED TO RUSSELL ON 'SURVIVOR?': Contestant says his memory of the medical emergency was different from what he saw Thursday.
*Russell Swan, the dreadlocked attorney who had to leave "Survivor" last week after he passed out during a challenge, spoke to the Web site Zap2it.com about his medical emergency – or what he can remember of it.
The official diagnosis was "severe dehydration." Below is an excerpt from the interview:
Zap2It: Can you talk us through what happened?
Russell: Here's where it gets interesting. Forgive me if it sounds like I'm being schizophrenic because I have a memory that was dashed completely last night. My memory and what happened on TV are two different things. My memory is this: we're pushing the ball, I get tired, I'm thinking c'mon hurry up, let's get to the puzzle. I'm running into things because I'm blindfolded, I get to the puzzle, I am wasted beyond all heck, I take a knee. I'm waiting for Laura to tell me to move my peg [on the table maze], she finally said move your peg, I lifted up, I remember being hit on the chin and kinda knocked myself out a little bit, I fall on the ground, I get a drink of water and I'm ready to go and these fools kick me out of the game! I'm livid and that's my memory.
Then I'm watching TV and I'm watching a black guy who looks like me (a good-looking black guy [laughs]) and I see him, like, dying. It was a scary thing. My wife is sitting beside me and she absolutely loses it. She starts bawling.
I had [previously] told her that next week it's me, I'm the man who goes down, but that I'm fine and I don't think they should've kicked me off.
Fast-forward, we're sitting there [watching TV] and she sees my eyes staring out at nothing, this guy looks like her husband and he looks like he's dying and she absolutely loses it. I was completely floored, I had no idea that's what happened. I have no memory of that whatsoever. I don't remember running into Foa Foa's side, I don't remember hanging on the puzzle, I don't remember anybody from the tribe saying anything to me, I don't remember passing out the second time. I remember getting a drink of water and being ready to go.
Zap2It: Wow. That is incredible. It makes what we saw last night so much scarier.
Russell: Yeah, for us too.
Zap2It: And what did they do with you after the part that we saw? Where did they take you?
Russell: Good question. Now I don't trust myself, but as far as I can remember I go to a clinic-like thing that is set up for everyone for any type of ailment. I can tell you that I was a complete jerk, I remember that. It's almost like when you take somebody in and they're high or drunk and they're getting medical attention and being a complete idiot. That would be me.
I remember just kind of taking 10 minutes, they put an IV in my arm. I feel fine, I'm ready to go and I'm like, "Take this crap out." I'm still convinced that I'm going back out there and they're like "We gotta check your electrolytes" and somebody is talking about a heart attack and I'm like, "I'm talking to you, I can breathe."
That's what I remember. I don't trust it because my memory of the actual challenge was way off but the only defense I have is that I was in some kind of warrior mode and it just wouldn't turn off and denial and all that stuff and it literally looks like I kicked the bucket out there.
BEYONCE, MAXWELL, HILSON LEAD SOUL TRAIN NODS: Award ceremony to air next month from the ATL.
*With four nominations apiece, Beyonce, Keri Hilson and Maxwell lead this year's crop of nominees for the resurrected Soul Train Awards, which will premiere on both CENTRIC and BET in a special simulcast on Nov. 29 at 9 p.m.
As previously reported, Oscar nominees Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson will host the Nov. 3 taping at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
In addition to awards presented in various categories, special honors will be handed out to Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, Antonio "L.A." Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The Soul Train Awards will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown Records and honor the late Michael Jackson with the Entertainer of the Year Award.
Scheduled performers include Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Chrisette Michelle, Ledisi and Melanie Fiona.
The "CENTRIC Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards" will be the first special aired on BET's recently launched CENTRIC Network.
OCHOCINCO TRYING TO LAUNCH NFL NEWS SERVICE: Bengals receiver looking to increase his Twitter presence with breaking news.
*Twitter fanatic Chad Ochocinco has plans to launch his own social news network on the micro-blogging service that would use his own player contacts to break NFL news about other teams.
The Cincinnati Bengals receiver got the idea from his partnership with Motorola, which is on board to provide the technology, he told The Associated Press in a phone interview.
The service – dubbed OCNN, for the Ochocinco News Network – aims to compete with mainstream media to tell fans what's going on with NFL teams.
His slogan: "If I break it, you might as well believe it."
Ochocinco, who has nearly 300,000 followers on Twitter, says he'll operate like a reporter, getting tips from players on other teams. He also might get other NFL players involved in his reports.
"I am that source now," he said. "I'll be the leak for all 32 teams."
An example of his "scoop reporting" has already surfaced. When first-round draft pick Andre Smith was close to ending his holdout during training camp, Ochocinco tweeted that he had signed. Smith's agent then tweeted that the report was premature. When Smith was in the locker room the next day after reaching a deal, Ochocinco took a photo and posted proof. That got the receiver thinking about doing more news-based tweets.
"I'm sort of still feeling this out," he said. "It's based on what I already do. I'll bring in news the way I always do, and I'll actually be adding to it."
Motorola is using the venture to promote its MOTOBLUR technology. Ochocinco will use one of the company's Cliq mobile devices for his new social network. Motorola marketing officer Bill Ogle said Ochocinco "brings order and clarity to a multifaceted lifestyle as a professional athlete, entertainer and devoted social networker."
Last week Ochocinco introduced his new iPhone app, which was developed by a company that includes Bengals quarterback Jordan Palmer and features various ways to get news on the receiver.
Both ventures will have to stay within the NFL's restrictions on social networking by players and coaches. In August, the league sent out guidelines, allowing them to use Twitter, Facebook and other social media up to 90 minutes before kickoff, and again after games when traditional interview sessions are finished.
RAPPER READY FOR A 'GAME' CHANGER: Compton MC reportedly set to shorten his moniker.
*Word has it that The Game is looking to make a slight alteration to his name.
The MC, born Jayceon Terrell Taylor, has removed the "the" from his rap moniker in favor of simply, "Game," according to Web site dubcnn.com. No reason was given for the change.
The switch up will reportedly make its debut on Game's next CD, "The R.E.D. Album," featuring Timbaland, Pharrell, Chris Brown, Akon, Diddy, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and Beanie Sigel.
The set is due on Dec. 8.
BILL COSBY TO PICK UP NATION'S TOP HUMOR PRIZE: Ceremony is scheduled for tonight in Washington DC.
*In a ceremony tonight at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Bill Cosby is scheduled to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the nation's highest honor for comedy.
Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Sinbad and other top entertainers will be on hand to salute the legendary funnyman, reports the Associated Press. The program will air nationwide Nov. 4 on PBS.
Cosby, 72, has turned down the prize twice before because he said he was disgusted with profanity and N-words thrown around by performers honoring Richard Pryor, who was the first recipient in 1998.
"I told them flat out no because I will not be used, nor will Mark Twain be used, in that way," he told The AP from his home in New York.
But a conversation with Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser this year at Sen. Edward Kennedy's birthday celebration changed the Cos's mind.
"What I wanted was to associate my work with why I do what I do," Cosby said.
So Cosby rolled up his sleeves to help produce Monday's program, which reflects his philanthropic efforts toward childhood education and in telling stories that teach something in the process. He's planned a special nod to his beloved Central High School in Philadelphia, with fellow alumnus James DePreist conducting their alma mater.
The lineup also includes Carl Reiner, Wynton Marsalis, and "Cosby" co-stars Phylicia Rashad and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
Explaining the profanity-laced Pryor tribute, co-executive producer Cappy McGarr said that special aired for a different audience on Comedy Central and wasn't meant to be offensive, but the show has aired on PBS ever since.
McGarr said he is thrilled that Cosby has accepted the Mark Twain honor this year. "He is a comic genius," McGarr said. "He just has a wonderful reflection of funny ... and is an absolute master at taking an ordinary human condition and giving his take on it. …He makes us laugh with us, not at us."
ANOTHER WARHOL PORTRAIT OF MIJAC FOR SALE: Auction house says its one of several images the artist created in 1984.
*A second portrait of Michael Jackson by Andy Warhol is scheduled to hit the auction block.
Christie's is offering a 30-by-26-inch portrait of the late singer for a sale scheduled to take place on Nov. 10 in New York, reports the Associated Press. The painting is among a small group of Warhol silk-screened images of Jackson created in 1984.
A New York art gallery sold a similar Warhol portrait of Jackson in August to an anonymous buyer. The gallery would not disclose the price, but said it was more than a million dollars.
Christie's expects its Warhol painting to collect $500,000 to $700,000. The image depicts Jackson smiling in a "Thriller"-era jacket, with squiggles of red and yellow in his hair.
Deputy chairman Brett Gorvy says the seller is an anonymous private collector in New York who bought it from the Andy Warhol Foundation in the 1990s. The image is part of 47 lots being auctioned, including two other Warhol paintings.
CHEADLE, MCGRUDER TEAM FOR NBC PROJECT: Pair producing comedy about mismatched brothers.
*NBC put its bid in for a new comedy executive produced by actor Don Cheadle and "Boondocks" creator Aaron McGruder.
The project revolves around mismatched brothers who reunite to open a private security company, reports Variety.
Universal is producing, along with Cheadle's Crescendo Prods. label (which includes partner Kay Lieberman). McGruder, who's writing, is executive producing with Cheadle and Lieberman.
The project has a script order at the Peacock.
INDIANA U. HONORS TAVIS WITH AN ATRIUM: School of Public and Environmental Affairs renames structure for alumnus.
*The Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) will name the atrium of its IU Bloomington building for Tavis Smiley, one of the school's most distinguished alumni.
The author/journalist/philanthropist/filmmaker will attend a renaming and dedication ceremony on Oct. 30. Smiley will donate $50,000 to the school to establish the Tavis Smiley Scholarship program for SPEA students from groups that are underrepresented in higher education. The school will match the contribution for a total of $100,000.
"If we are to ask the leaders and activists of the next generation to be accountable, we must ensure they have the necessary tools and means to reach their educational goals," said Smiley.
The host of PBS' "The Tavis Smiley Show" will give a talk about accountability at 1 p.m. and answer questions from students prior to the Oct. 30 renaming and dedication ceremony, which will begin at 1:45 p.m. A reception will follow.
In addition to speaking at IU Bloomington, Smiley will be the featured speaker for an empowerment breakfast Oct. 31 during the 19th reunion of the IU Neal-Marshall Alumni Club at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
See http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/12078.html for information.
WHITE HOUSE ALLOWS FOX AFTER NETWORKS PROTEST: Obama administration left Fox News out of pool coverage.
*The White House allowed a Fox News Channel reporter to interview Treasury Department "pay czar" Kenneth Feinberg Thursday after executives from rival networks refused to use a pool arrangement to speak to him unless Fox was included.
The protest comes amid the ongoing dustup between the White House and Fox over the network's coverage of President Barack Obama.
The Obama administration said it had received requests from TV networks to speak to Feinberg and had asked that the interviews be recorded through the networks' pool arrangement. The pool is set up and paid for by ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and Fox to save time and resources, so a single camera crew can record interviews done by separate network correspondents.
The White House said Fox had not asked for an interview and the White House sent its request for a pool reporter without including Fox. Bureau chiefs held a quick conference call and decided that their networks would not do the interviews unless Fox was given the opportunity, said a network executive who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person did not wish to be a part of the White House-Fox beef.
After this decision was relayed, the White House quickly agreed to include Fox, the person said Friday.
GLOBAL 'THRILLER' DANCE WORLD RECORD ATTEMPTED: Some 20,000 people in more than 37 countries try for Guinness Book. (video)
*It's estimated about 23,000 people in more than 200 locations in 37 countries around the world participated in a simultaneous "Thriller" dance on Saturday night - or Sunday morning depending on the time zone.
The worldwide event, dubbed Thrill the World, was yet another attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest number of people performing Michael Jackson's 1983 hit single at the same time.
Mexico City held the previous record, with 13,597 participating in the famous dance routine on Aug. 29, which would have been the late singer's 51st birthday.
Dancers from Vancouver to Beijing to Buenos Aires took part in the latest attempt over the weekend. The choreography was coordinated by cell phone so all the dancers could begin simultaneously.
About 230 people participated in downtown Vancouver on Saturday night. In Los Angeles, a crowd of more than 4,000 dancers gathered at the Nokia Center downtown. In Buenos Aires, 400 people got their "Thriller" dance on. In every locale, participants dressed up as ghouls or bloodied brides and sometimes, prisoners.
Watch the "Thrill the World" event here/below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cosOkqGMPxA
THE LATEST ON 'SOUTHLAND': TNT more and more likely to pick up Regina King series.
*It appears as if TNT will land NBC's discarded freshman drama "Southland."
As previously reported, the cable network is in negotiations with corporate sibling Warner Bros. TV, which produces the cop series. Though a deal has not been completed, it now appears likely, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
If a deal is signed, it would mark a rare resurrection of a canceled broadcast series on cable, something that couldn't be worked out for a slew of other shows, including critical darling "Arrested Development," fan favorite "Moonlight" or veteran "My Name Is Earl."
"Southland," executive produced by John Wells, shot six episodes of its second season before being shut down by the Peacock in early October.
The show stars Regina King as Lydia Adams, a dedicated daughter and detective with the Los Angeles Police Department.
Meanwhile, TNT has been active in the cop drama genre, from its biggest hit, "The Closer" to its most recent offering, "Dark Blue," both from WBTV's sister Warner Horizon.
MINORITIES STILL SCARCE ON PRIME TIME TV: SAG stats show few gains for African American, Latino, Asian and Native American actors.
*Minorities, seniors and female actors have achieved few gains in recent years in the number of film and TV roles they receive, according to casting stats released by the Screen Actors Guild, reports Variety.
“The diverse and multicultural world we live in today is still not accurately reflected in the portrayals we see on the screen,” SAG president Ken Howard said in a statement. “We will continue to work with producers, hiring executives and industry professionals in accurately portraying the American scene by ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for all of our members.”
The latest statistics, released Friday, showed minority performers reached a high mark in 2007, with 29.3% of total roles, and then declined last year to 27.5%. The breakdown of film and TV roles for 2008 was 72.5% Caucasian, 13.3% African-American, 6.4% Latino-Hispanic, 3.8 Asian-Pacific Islander, 0.3% Native American and 3.8% other-unknown.
SAG noted in its report that U.S. Census data from 2000 showed that the nation's population was 73.4% Caucasian, 11.5% African-American, 10.6% Latino-Hispanic, 3.7% Asian-Pacific Islander and 0.8% Native American. SAG also said that Asian-Pacific actors were the only minority group to gain from 2007 to 2008, increasing from 3.4% to 3.8%, thanks to gains in TV.
Producers who are signatory to SAG contracts are required to submit hiring data to the in order to examine the trends of “traditionally underemployed and disenfranchised members.”
SAG also noted that people with disabilities remain “virtually invisible” in casting even though 20% of the U.S. population has a disability. Wheelchair bound actor Darryl "Chill" Mitchell of the new Fox sitcom "Brothers," is one of the few disabled actors starring in prime time.
50 CENT TRIED OUT FOR 'A-TEAM' MOVIE: Rapper wanted role of B.A. Baracus.
*Rapper 50 Cent said he auditioned for the character Bosco "B.A." Baracus in the upcoming film remake of the 80s TV show "The A-Team.
The role made famous by Mr. T was ultimately given to mixed martial arts veteran Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, but 50 says he wouldn't have been able to take the role anyway because the shoot would have clashed with his music schedule.
He tells Total Film magazine, "I went for the B.A. Baracus role in 'The A-Team' a few weeks ago but they'd already started shooting, so it would have kinda jammed things up at my end, because I've got my new album coming out."
The movie is due for release in 2010 with Bradley Cooper as Faceman Peck and Liam Neeson as A-Team leader Hannibal Smith.
MADONNA LAUNCHES GIRLS SCHOOL IN MALAWI: Singer and her four kids land in Malawi Sunday.
*Taking a page right out of Oprah Winfrey's handbook, Madonna has returned to the African country of her two of adopted children to oversee the launch of a girls school she is building through her African charity.
An official for Madonna's Raising Malawi organization says the star arrived Sunday afternoon in the tiny impoverished country accompanied by all four of her children — her daughters Lourdes and Mercy, and sons Rocco and David.
The Material Girl adopted the Malawian-born Mercy this year after she adopted David in 2008.
The official said Madonna would take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the girls school on Monday, according to the Associated Press.
Madonna's Raising Malawi charity helps care for some of the country's 1 million orphans.
Winfrey, in January 2007, opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
MIJAC BITS: Family gets screening tix; another lawsuit against estate; Rev. Al honors Papa Joe.
*TMZ.com is reporting that Sony reps gave 60 tickets to the Michael Jackson documentary "This is It" to Katherine Jackson's assistant Thursday night at a special screening for the movie. While Mama Katherine and sister LaToya still refuse to see the film, Michael's brother Jackie and a slew of nieces and nephews have not only attended the flick, but reportedly enjoyed it. Jackie told TMZ in a statement: "My brother's movie 'This Is It' is truly riveting. Michael is electrifying! We get a glimpse of a true genius at work. His passionate message for healing the world, saving the planet and our children's futures is something he was always striving for in his lifetime."
*Another creditor's claim has been filed against Michael Jackson's estate, this one from accounting firm Cannon and Company. They claim Michael owes $56,582 for services rendered earlier this year, TMZ reported.
*The Rev. Al Sharpton honored Michael Jackson's father Joe with an award at the National Action Network in Harlem Saturday. Despite Michael's past descriptions of his father as abusive, Sharpton heaped praise upon Papa Joe's parenting skills, saying, "The arrogance of [people] attacking a man for being a stern father. I wish we had more stern fathers - then we wouldn't be shooting each other up." Joe said of his award: "This feels great. I feel like I'm someone very special."
ITTY BITTY BITS: André de Shields' preps 'Glory'; Nike's 'Become Legendary' campaign; win Rihanna-themed boat cruise.
*The one-man play Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, written and performed by André de Shields', will return to the New York stage as part of The Working Theater's 25th anniversary season. The solo show is billed as "an entertaining black history travelogue with the dynamic performer embodying important African-American luminaries from Frederick Douglass to President Obama." Alfred Preiser will direct a two-week run in celebration of Black History Month of the work written and performed by De Shields.
*Nike's Jordan Brand on Sunday unveiled its latest chapter of the “Become Legendary” campaign, entitled “SLAP" – a series of ads showing today’s youth how important team-work is in the game of an athlete’s life. “SLAP” headlines a national television ad campaign that is supported by an integrated marketing campaign starring Team Jordan athletes Carmelo Anthony, Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul. “SLAP” will air on major networks including ESPN, TNT, FOX, and cinemas across the US. Subsequent spots meant to connect with consumers on what it takes to ‘Become Legendary’ will air during seasonal sporting events including All-Star Weekend.
*Pop2Life brought Island Def Jam Music Group, Clear Channel Radio and Royal Caribbean International together to give lucky winners (and their invited guests) access to an exclusive performance by Rihanna and a private three-night sailing onboard the cruise line's new Oasis of the Seas, debuting this November. Fans can win this experience by tuning-in to Clear Channel radio stations weekdays beginning today, (Oct. 26) through Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. Keywords will be announced throughout the day for listeners to text in for a chance to win. The cruise package is in promotion of Rihanna's fourth album "Rated R," due Monday Nov. 23.
6-YEAR-OLD WANTS HELP FROM SASHA AND MALIA: Girl who witnessed mother's brutal murder writes letter to first daughters for help.
*A 6-year-old who saw her mother brutally gunned down on the streets of Brooklyn two years ago has written a letter to first daughters Sasha and Malia Obama asking them for support.
"Hi Malia and Sasha," Bianca Perez wrote in her letter to President Obama's 11- and 8-year-old girls. "Two years ago, I lost my mommy. She was killed by a bad man in front of me. ...
"I'm writing this letter to see if you can ask your daddy to help me and my daddy," Bianca wrote in pencil above a drawing of Obama and his girls.
Bianca wrote the letter with the help of her father, Joseph Perez, 31, last week, according to the New York Daily News. They sent the letter over the weekend.
Her mother, Christina Scarabaggio, 27, was shot to death by an abusive boyfriend in September 2007 as she tried to shield Bianca, then 4, in front of their Bay Ridge home. Christopher Flynn, 27, shot Scarabaggio twice in the back and once in the face before turning his .380-caliber handgun on himself. Bianca has been living with her father on Staten Island ever since. Like many New Yorkers, he has fallen on hard times.
He's a mover and a union member, but work has slowed to a trickle in the past few months. He owes his landlord $3,800. His hours at work have been dwindling, and he hasn't been working enough to qualify for health care, he said, so Bianca hasn't been able to go to her therapist or dentist.
The city's Administration for Children's Services gave him a couple of beds, he said. His luck turned worse last month, when his sister told him she would no longer be able to pick up Bianca from school because she had to get a job. Perez said he has no choice but to pay for day care when he's working.
"I really don't know how I'm going to do all this," Perez said. "This week, I just worked one day."
He said his daughter still has dreams about her mother's killing but doesn't like to talk about it.
Bianca said she often thinks about how her mom used to read books to her before bed. "Sometimes I have dreams about my mom," she said. "She's singing, 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.'"
EUR FILM REVIEW: Good Hair
Chris Rock Takes Lighthearted Look at Black Women's 'Dos
Film Review by Kam Williams
*If you were raised in an African-American community, then you're probably very familiar with the notion of "good hair," a term that's generally applied to folks born with wavy locks which are less trouble to take care of than the more tightly-curled or nappy variety.
Back in the Sixties, at the dawn of the black pride movement, the afro was embraced as an alternative to adhering to the white standard of beauty associated with straight hair.
But the peasy natural proved to be a short-lived fad which unfortunately has pretty much gone the way of the dashiki and the dinosaur.
Consequently, black hair care has blossomed over the years into a multibillion-dollar industry opromising sisters silky tresses via a variety of avenues ranging from hot combs and relaxers to wigs and weaves.
Regardless of the combination picked, straight hair comes at a considerable cost, given the toll this high-maintenance habit tends to exact not merely financially, but also in terms of one's time and mental and physical health.
It was this litany of concerns which caused Chris Rock to react when his 5 year-old daughter, Lola, asked, "Daddy, why don't I have good hair?"
Dismayed to think that she might already be struggling with a sensitive self-esteem issue at such a tender age, he decided to do some serious research in order to figure out exactly how to answer her sensibly.
So, accompanied by a camera crew, he embarked on an exhaustive inquiry into the black hair care business from every angle, conducting probing, if periodically comical interviews at beauty salons, barber shops, conventions, factories and scientific labs all across the U.S. and overseas. The product of that peripatetic prying is Good Hair, an alternately jaw-dropping, informative and thought-provoking documentary featuring Rock in a Michael Moore-like role as a witty, but never really mean-spirited master of ceremonies.
Thus, the typically-acerbic comedian wisely tones down his irreverence here to ingratiate himself with his subjects, which included a bevy of attractive actresses with flowing 'dos, including Nia Long, Meagan Good, Raven-Symone'
and Lauren London, who willingly share the intimate details of their daily hair regimen. We learn from these lovely ladies that they rely mostly on weaves, which range in price from $1,000 to $3,500, plus installation and regular maintenance. While that may be easily affordable for a famous celebrity, it makes one wince to watch working women at a beauty parlor admit to purchasing their extensions on a lay-a-way plan. Then we hear the husbands' complaints about having to choose between paying the rent or the salon bill, especially since they're not allowed to run their fingers through their wives' hair. "Don't even go there!"
Still, the most alarming aspect of this entire expose' revolves around the widespread use of a substance known as sodium hydroxide, aka lye, as a hair straightener. Well, this toxic chemical is the active ingredient (used in a 5-10% concentration) in "creamy crack," the slang term used to refer to all so-called relaxers. But because sodium hydroxide can cause burning, scarring or blindness if it comes in contract with human tissue in solutions greater than 2%, it is no surprise that so many users suffer from scarring, scabs and bald spots on their scalps. Testifying about her own personal nightmare is Sandra "Pepa" Denton of the hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa, who recounts how she tried to turn her own chemical accident into a fashion statement by shaving the side of her head scalded by creamy crack.
Equally-intriguing are the scenes shot over in India where the population has no idea that the hair they routinely sacrifice in a religious ceremony called Tonsure is being scooped up, de-loused and sold for a small fortune to exporters. After warning the locals to run the other way if they ever see a black woman, Rock returns to the States to focus on exactly who's profiting from African-American reluctance to accept their kinky hair, concluding that it's a sign of "economic retardation" to allow Koreans to corner the hair care market in the black community.
That assessment might not be as important to him as the sobering message he ultimately delivers to his impressionable daughters, namely, "that the stuff on top of their heads is nowhere near as important as the stuff inside their heads." One of those rare flicks you have to laugh at to keep from crying.
Hair-larious!
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for profanity, sexuality, drug references and partial nudity.
Running time: 95 minutes
Studi HBO Films
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
To see a trailer for Good Hair, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A68UVn0nMvo
GENERATION GAP: Interpretation of the Bible varies based on age.
*With each generation of young people there seems to be a greater need to question authority. A recent study shows when it comes to the Bible that need is no different. According to Christian Everyday, a new survey by the Barna Group Christian research firm reveals that different generations of Americans read and interpret the Bible differently.
David Kinnaman, the Barna Group president who oversaw the research between 2006 and 2009, said that the younger generation’s reliance on social networking and interpersonal relationships is an indication future generations will distance themselves further from the Bible if their societal interpretations are discounted.
"The central theme of young people’s approach to the Bible is skepticism," Kinnaman said. "They question the Bible’s history as well as its relevance to their lives, leading many young people to reject the Bible as containing everything one needs to live a meaningful life. This mindset certainly has its challenges, but it also raises the possibility of using their skepticism as an entry point to teaching and exploring the content of the Bible in new ways."
Similarities across age ranges show that a vast majority consider the Bible a sacred text. Also, similar proportions regardless of age subscribe to the polar opposite views that the Bible is infallible or that it is not inspired by God.
GOD A SUPERHERO?: Cartoonist to turn the Bible into comic book.
*One of the most well-known underground cartoonists has turned the Bible’s book of Genesis into an illustrated comic book starring God as a superhero, according to the Washington Times.
"The Book of Genesis Illustrated by R. Crumb" was published last month, and will go on display at Los Angeles' Hammer Museum until Friday. It’s also slated for exhibition in other cities, including New York and Portland, Ore., through February 2010.
Crumb, who described his Marine father as a closet atheist, said "I don't think 'Genesis' is a good place to look for spiritual guidance or moral guidance," he continues. "I don't believe it's the word of God.
Crumb is best known for drawing voluptuous women and nerdy looking, well-endowed men. He put the phrase "Keep on Truckin' " into the national vocabulary.
CITY POLICY STRUCK DOWN: St. Louis Christian groups settle out of court.
*The city of St. Louis has agreed to pay $80,000 for censoring the speech of Christians during a "gay" pride festival on city property, according to Alliance Defense Fund. The organization represented the plaintiffs in a case brought over the censorship, and it announced yesterday it had voluntarily sought dismissal of the lawsuit after the city's offending policy had been struck down and the city agreed to pay damages and costs of the case.
"Christian groups shouldn't be banned from public areas for expressing their beliefs," Rick Nelson of the American Liberties Institute told World Net Dailey. "We are pleased that the city of St. Louis now recognizes the First Amendment rights of ministries who wish to share their viewpoint on important social and moral issues at events taking place at public locations," he said. Nelson served as lead counsel in the case and is allied with the ADF.
The city policy had been used to prohibit members of a Christian ministry from distributing literature and speaking about their religious viewpoint at an annual "PrideFest" celebrating homosexual behavior. The case developed starting in June 2006 when members of Apple of His Eye Ministries were threatened with arrest by St. Louis officials for handing out Christian literature and speaking about their faith at Tower Grove Park during the annual PrideFest event. The lawsuit was filed in April 2008, and the court immediately issued a preliminary injunction allowing the distribution of literature during the 2008 PrideFest. Two weeks before the 2009 event, the court made the injunction permanent.
WITNESS RETURNS: Plans for reunion CD underway.
*Witness, the Stellar award winning supergroup, will make their long awaited return with a reunion CD, according to Gospelflava.com.
The Witness reunion project will be a live recording scheduled for fall 2010 and will feature all the original group members including Lisa Page Brooks, Leah Jones, Lou Stewart and Diane Brooks.
The CD will be released on Sophar Music, the new label spearheaded by famed writer and producer Pastor Michael Brooks.
ALLEGED FRAUD: Charges of racism at Church Without Walls.
*A Georgia man has accused the Church Without Walls ministry in Tampa of racial discrimination. Joshua Brian Randolph, a 24-year-old computer repair technician, said Brandon White sent him e-mails calling him a "n-----" five times.
According to the St. Petersburg Times, Without Walls officials began having conversations with someone they thought was former NBA player and coach Avery Johnson in July who said he wanted to start a youth ministry at the church. The supposed Johnson said he would send his representative, Randolph, to pave the way. In August, Randolph arrived. But within a few days, he had a dispute with Brandon White about the use of a church vehicle. Both sides agree on that much. Randolph claims that White made offensive racial jokes.
Church officials said they became suspicious after Randolph didn't know facts about Johnson. Earlier this month, Randolph filed a federal lawsuit alleging that White sent him e-mails with racial epithets. He provided the Times with e-mails sent from Yahoo and Gmail accounts. He also filed a civil claim for $4,200 he said he was owed for his hotel stay, wages and other expenses, which the church says it never agreed to pay.
On Wednesday, an attorney for Johnson released a statement saying the famous athlete didn't know Randolph and had never contacted Without Walls. The e-mails and text messages the church got? Fake, the attorney said. Randolph called the Johnson impersonation argument a distraction from the racism allegations.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"Pay no attention to what the critics say; there has never been set up a statue in honor of a critic." — Jean Sibelius
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Oct. 26: Musician Bootsy Collins is 58. Actor James Pickens Jr.
("Grey's Anatomy") is 57.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
This is said to be the largest and most interactive Alicia Keys fansite in the "whole world!" It features the latest news updates and thousands of Keys' photos, etc. Check it out here: www.alicia-keys.net.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Oct. 26, 1872: Inventor T. Marshall patented the fire extinguisher.
(Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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