10-29-09 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
MJ'S OVERNIGHT SCREENINGS EARN $2.2M: Wednesday's late night showings of 'This Is It' set the pace for two-week run.
*Studio estimates out on Wednesday had late-night screenings of "Michael Jackson's This Is It" earning $2.2 million at the North America box office, an amount distributor Sony calls "unprecedented" for a Tuesday in October.
By Wednesday afternoon, matinees of the film had doubled Tuesday night's haul, according to Sony.
The film shows Jackson preparing for a marathon concert stand in London that was supposed to begin in July. But, the King of Pop died in June at age 50. His death has been ruled a homicide.
The stars came out for Tuesday evening's big red carpet premiere in Los Angeles. Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Love Hewitt, the Jackson family and Neil Patrick Harris were among the celebs who braved wind gusts up to 36 mph to watch the film at Nokia Live.
RNC YANKS RACIST OBAMA PIC FROM FACEBOOK PAGE: Photo of president eating fried chicken stayed for 6 days until outrage led to its removal.
*The Republican National Committee took down a fan-posted photo on its Facebook page that showed President Obama eating fried chicken with the slogan, "Miscegenation Is a CRIME against American values... Repeal Loving v. Virginia."
Loving v. Virginia is a milestone civil rights case that led the Supreme Court to rule that prohibiting interracial marriage violates the Constitution.
The racist photo was posted by a user named "Gee Dub, with the following comments: "Racism is necessary in our capitalistic system. To subject ourselves to the socialist ideal of equality will surely destroy the American way of life. As a black man, racism has served as a great inspiration for me to work harder. God bless the Republican Party and God bless America."
The picture was posted on the RNC's Facebook site for six days before it was removed, only after a liberal blog, the Democratic Underground, drew attention to the offensive image Sunday evening. By Monday night, the photo was taken down from the site without comment.
"Gee Dub" also posted an image of Mother Teresa feeding a hungry child with the caption: "Enabling scab-eating mouth breathers will do them no good. How do we expect them to take care of themselves?"
Another disturbing photo showed former presidential candidate John Kerry with a rifle pointed at his head.
Although the three offensive photos don't appear to have been posted by an official of the RNC, they were allowed to remain on the site, until a public outcry forced RNC officials to take them down.
TAMEKA FOUND OUT ABOUT USHER DIVORCE ONLINE: 'Friends and family called, saying, 'Are you OK?' I didn't really understand why.'
*Usher's soon-to-be ex-wife Tameka Foster said she found out about her divorce the same way everyone else did - via the Internet.
"It was rumored (on the internet), so friends and family called, saying, 'Are you OK?' I didn't really understand why," Foster told People magazine. "But Usher and I weren't really speaking then. He was away recording, and I was angry at other things going on. He filed two days later."
The 38-year-old stylist has an issue with Usher's new divorce-themed single "Papers," which appears to focus on their short marriage.
"It's entertainment. People shouldn't take it literally," she said. "(But) given what we're going through, it's in poor taste."
Foster's interview comes just days after she was forced to deny Usher's claims the pair's divorce had been finalized, dismissing them as "a publicity stunt" to promote his new song.
But despite all of Ursh's alleged cheating, "I still love him very much and I'm sure I always will," Foster insists. "Do I want to be with him?
I don't know."
The former couple has two sons together: Usher Raymond V, 23 months, and Naviyd, 10 months.
IDRIS ELBA TAKES COURT TO NBC: Actor developing a legal series about a vigilante lawyer.
*After starring in seven episodes of NBC's "The Office" last season, British actor Idris Elba will return to the network as the executive producer of a new legal drama.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the untitled project centers on a vigilante lawyer who uses any means necessary to defend his clients against a corrupt district attorney and city establishment.
It was written by feature writers Sean O'Keefe and Will Staples. David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica") will also executive produce.
Elba recently wrapped the Warner Bros. feature "Losers" and will next be seen in the ensemble thriller "Takers," which opens in February via Screen Gems.
'PRECIOUS' NEWCOMER HEADED TO SHOWTIME: Gabourey Sidibe in talks to join comedy pilot about cancer patient.
*With her first feature film "Precious" generating Oscar buzz ahead of its nationwide release next Friday, first-time actress Gabourey Sidibe is already fielding offers to star in other projects.
The 26-year-old is currently in negotiations to join Showtime's comedy pilot "The C Word," which stars Laura Linney as a suburban wife, mother and a teacher forced to face a diagnosis of cancer but who manages to find the lighter side of a dark situation.
Sidibe would play the recurring role of a student in her summer-school class. Also in the cast of the pilot are John Benjamin Hickey
("Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen") as the brother of Linney's character, and Phyllis Somerville ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") as her neighbor.
'BRIAN MCKNIGHT' WORKERS HAVEN'T BEEN PAID: About 20 file a complaint with the California Labor Board.
*A contingent of disgruntled employees has emerged at "The Brian McKnight Show."
TMZ.com is reporting that more than 20 workers have filed non-payment complaints against the McKnight show to the California Labor Board totaling
$86,300.
Reps for the show say the workers will be paid, but there "was mismanagement in the beginning and since then we have gotten new investors and the show is continuing."
"The Brian McKnight Show" premiered Sept. 21 on MyNetworkTV.
CHRIS BROWN TRYING TO BE 'A BETTER MAN': Singer addresses supportive crowd during performance at Powerhouse '09 gig in Jersey.
*In his first comeback concert since assaulting former girlfriend Rihanna, Chris Brown took the stage at New Jersey's Izod Center Tuesday night and told the crowd that he is trying to be a "better man."
Brown was on a bill with opening acts The-Dream, Fabolous, Day26, Trey Songz, Keri Hilson and Mario for Power 105.1's Powerhouse '09 concert.
Sporting a red and black leather jacket, reminiscent of the Michael Jackson's outfit in the "Thriller" video, Brown took the stage to a warm reception from fans. After performing the hit single "No Air," he told the crowd, "Despite my past and stuff like that, I appreciate all of y'all."
Brown's set lasted about 45 minutes, during which he showed off some new choreography and sang about his newfound maturity. "The young boy now is 20," he sang during "Gimme That."
According to MTV, many of the opening acts stuck around during Brown's performance, dancing on the wings of the stage. After the show, singer Omarion, who had made a guest appearance, told MTV that Brown chose the perfect time for a comeback. "He's ready," Omarion said. "He's right and he's ready. It's time."
Fellow performer Polow Da Don agreed. "You can tell he's been missing in the game," he said. "He is the future. If there will be another Michael Jackson, he's the closest thing to it. The kid's only 20, by the time he's like 25, that's when Michael hit his peak, that's when Usher hit his peak .
. . I think it's going to be his world."
TITANS OWNER WANTS VINCE YOUNG TO START: Bud Adams made feelings known after team's 59-0 loss to the Patriots.
*The Associated Press is reporting that Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams has informed the head coach that he wants to see Vince Young on the field starting for the team this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Current starter, Kerry Collins, was part of the 59-0 loss to New England on Oct. 18 before the team's bye-week. Nashville's newspaper The Tennessean cited sources Tuesday that said Adams apparently had the conversation with Fisher right after the game.
Coach Jeff Fisher said Wednesday he will reveal his plan for the QB position today after practice.
Young replaced Collins during a winless start in 2006. He went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, helping Tennessee finish 8-8 after an 0-5 start. Collins was signed just before the '06 season. He went 12-3 as the starter in 2008 and signing a two-year deal this offseason to return.
The Titans are one of three remaining winless teams in the league-St. Louis and Tampa Bay are both 0-7. Fisher wants to shake up things for a team that has lost eight straight games since last season, when Tennessee sprinted out to a 10-0 start en route to the NFL's best mark at 13-3.
The team is currently last in the NFL in time of possession and haven't scored a touchdown in eight quarters.
MJ'S DERMATOLOGIST SUES SINGER'S ESTATE: Arnold Klein says he's owed $50K for treatments during Jackson's final three months.
*Michael Jackson's dermatologist filed a lawsuit against the singer's estate claiming he's owed nearly $50,000 for treatments Jackson received during the final three months of his life.
An attorney for Dr. Arnold Klein filed the creditor's claim on Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press.
Klein's invoice shows that Jackson received frequent Botox and Restylane treatments during the 26 visits that were billed by Klein. Both products are typically used to fill in facial wrinkles and creases.
The records show Klein also billed for administering medicine to treat glaucoma, sunscreen treatments and a medicine used for growing longer, fuller eyelashes.
GEORGE TILLMAN TO DIRECT THE ROCK: Helmer joins Dwayne Johnson-led action drama; Billy Bob Thornton added to the cast.
*George Tillman has signed on to direct Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and newly-added cast member Billy Bob Thornton in Sony's action drama "Faster," reports Variety.
As previously reported, Johnson stars as Driver, an ex-con out to avenge his brother's murder. Thornton will play Cop, a veteran policeman who trails Driver as he races to settle with those responsible for the murder.
Also in the mix is Killer, an egocentric hitman who's after Driver. That role hasn't been cast yet.
Tillman will also direct an upcoming romantic comedy for State Street Pictures based on Julia Wertz's novel "I Saw You," about the missed connections section of Craigslist.com.
KANYE, LEGEND, SMOKEY IN NEW 'CHICKEN SOUP' BOOK: Franchise's first all-celeb release is subtitled 'The Story Behind the Song.'
*Lyrics from Kanye West, John Legend and Smokey Robinson are among 101 tunes examined in the upcoming book "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song," the latest edition of the popular "Chicken Soup" series.
Due Nov. 10, the book is a partnership with Hollywood publicist/manager Jo-Ann Geffen.
Other songwriters featured in the book include Christina Aguilera and Daryl Hall and John Oates.
Past "Chicken Soup" titles have focused on such subjects as breast cancer, teenagers, sports, fitness and entertainment. The brand has sold over 112 million copies.
MICHELLE O. SAYS 'CUTE ONLY LASTS FOR SO LONG': First Lady gives advice on how to land a good man.
*In the December issue of Glamour magazine, First Lady Michelle Obama lets readers in on the secret to landing a great guy - like, for example, her husband.
"Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, 'Who are you as a person?'" Obama, 45, says in the magazine, on newsstands Nov.
10. "Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good. ... You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole."
The Chicago native, who has been married to President Barack Obama since 1992, also says it's important to have your priorities straight before getting into a relationship.
"I have always tried to put my kids first, and then put myself a really close second, as opposed to fifth or seventh," she says. "One thing that I've learned from male role models is that they don't hesitate to invest in themselves."
MJ WAS NEGOTIATING TO BUY A BEL AIR MANSION: Deal seven years in the making was back on the table at the time of his death.
*TMZ.com is reporting that Michael Jackson was in negotiations to buy a $38 million 15 bedroom, 16.5 bath Bel Air mansion just before his death in June.
Sources said MJ entered into escrow on the 18,020 square foot estate in 2001, but the deal fell through because he ultimately couldn't afford to close. But recently, the singer was trying to work out a new arrangement with the owners in hopes of making enough money to buy the house after his "This Is It" concert series in England.
A source tells TMZ: "Jackson brought his kids to see the house and they fell in love with it ... They begged him to buy it."
The kids took a particular interest in a secluded area under the house which was nicknamed the "Bat Cave."
Sources say Jackson was going to use the land to recreate as much of Neverland as he legally could.
A MACY'S AD CAMPAIGN FIT FOR A QUEEN: Latifah to star in new holiday TV spots beginning next month.
*Queen Latifah will light up television screens this holiday season as the star of Macy's new "Believe" campaign.
Beginning Nov. 6, the rapper/singer/actress will appear in TV spots called "The Trek," which gets its inspiration from the famous New York Sun editorial "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" from 1897.
The ads feature "Virginia" on a journey from her home to Macy's, where Queen Latifah helps her mail her letter to Santa, according to People.com.
Macy's "Believe" campaign, which supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, also includes a national Santa tour, an honorary National Believe Day, a "Yes, Virginia" animated special and letter-writing "Believe" stations in Macy's stores across the country.
ROSIE THINKS OPRAH AND GAYLE ARE 'EMOTIONALLY GAY': 'When they did that road trip, that's as gay as it gets,' O'Donnell said.
*In a candid new interview on "The Howard Stern Show," Rosie O'Donnell shared some opinions about her idol Oprah Winfrey and the talk show queen's best friend Gayle King.
During her interview on Stern's Sirius XM show, the shock jock asked O'Donnell about why rumors exist that Winfrey could be gay.
"I don't know. I think she's never been married and she's exceptionally close to Gayle [King]," O'Donnell, who was promoting her own Sirius XM show, "Rosie Radio," which stars next Monday, said. "I don't know that she and Gayle are necessarily doing each other but I think they are the emotional equivalent of ."
"A gay couple," Stern chimed in.
"When they did that road trip, that's as gay as it gets," O'Donnell said. "And I don't mean it to be an insult either. I'm just saying, listen, if you ask me, that's the couple."
By the way, Winfrey and King have long denied rumors that they are secretly a couple.
O'Donnell also spoke openly about her the recent reports of a split with her girlfriend of 12 years, Kelli Carpenter.
"We're working things out," O'Donnell noted. "We're trying."
"We have come to a point where we are seeing [if] what will make everyone happiest is maybe to not live together, but continue to parent,"
O'Donnell told Stern. "We have different styles of living. I'm very messy. She's very not."
"I don't know that we're going to be together," she continued. "I think we're working through what's best for all of us."
PRINCESS TIANA MAKES HER DISNEY WORLD DEBUT: Magic Kingdom's first black princess greets Mickey, Minnie and fans on Main Street USA.
*On Monday, Disney's first African American princess made her debut at the Magic Kingdom.
Princess Tiana, of the upcoming film "The Princess and the Frog," was greeted at Cinderella's Castle by Mickey, Minnie and the entire Disney gang before riding down . Disney World's Main Street USA. to greet the rest of the crowd.
"I have to image that it is just beyond thrilling for them. She is a great character, she's inspiring, she's smart, she's strong. I think that's wonderful, not only for young African-American girls but for young girls," Disney Show Director Tara Anderson told Central Florida's News 13.
Nathan Morris, member of R&B group Boys II Men, brought his family to see Tiana's debut.
"There are a lot of young African-American women that don't have great role models as well and Disney has always been very good at creating ideas for people to really understand and believe that they can be," said Morris.
Beginning Monday Tiana will be available to meet and greet all of her fans at Disney World. Guests can also enjoy 'Tiana's Showboat Jubillee', a nine minute musical performance in the river between Frontierland and Tom Sawyer Island. The show takes place three times daily and 20 guests from the park are chosen to ride on the boat and take part in the show.
"The Princess and The Frog" opens nationwide on Dec. 11.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Jay-Z tonight at World Series; Mayweather and Chili; Wayne in Miami; Odom's house for sale.
*The World Series performance featuring Jay-Z and Alicia Keys has been rescheduled to take place in tonight's pre-game ceremonies, which airs on FOX starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. The performance was changed due to the rain that threatened to postpone Game 1. Staging for the performance could adversely impact the field if it is wet, creating damaged and unsafe conditions for the players.
*Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. gave his girlfriend Chili of TLC a little surprise recently when he showed up to her photo shoot in chinchilla boxer shorts and a cape. According to the New York Post, Chili looked at Mayweather's outfit and "swooned." Chili was in the midst of taking publicity shots for her upcoming VH1 reality series about the resurrection of TLC. She and group member T-Boz performed with Justin Timberlake last week at his charity gala in Las Vegas.
*Enjoying his last few months before an expected year-long jail sentence for gun possession, Lil Wayne was spotted at Miami hot spot Liv on Sunday night alongside rapper Nelly. "They were with a big group of women and stayed until 4 a.m.," said a spy for the New York Post. Weezy will be sentenced in February after pleading guilty last week to possessing a 40-caliber semi-automatic that cops found in a Louis Vuitton bag on his tour bus outside New York's Beacon Theatre.
*Newlywed Lakers star Lamar Odom has placed his Los Angeles bachelor pad on the market with an asking price of $2.39 million, reports TMZ.com.
The house includes five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, a pool, jacuzzi, and outdoor barbecue.
EUR DVD REVIEW: Medicine for Melancholy
Award-Winning African-American Sit-Dram Due on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*It's understandable that Joanne (Tracey Heggins) and Micah (Wyatt Cenac) are a little awkward when they wake up together in the same bed the morning after enjoying a one-night stand.
After all, they were so passionate when they met at a party that they never bothered to exchange names before exchanging bodily fluids.
Joanne has misgivings about sleeping with a stranger, so she introduces herself as "Angela" especially since she already has a boyfriend who happens to be out of town.
But then she leaves her wallet behind on the floor of the cab they share before going their separate ways. Consequently, Micah not only learns her real name from her driver's license, but he's able to track her down again.
He later shows up unannounced at her doorstep, determined to pursue a relationship. However, other than both being African-American, they soon find out that they have more differences than similarities. For instance, he's a down-to-earth, blue-collar-type who wears a stingy-brimmed bike hat everywhere he goes, while she's definitely a pampered princess with more refined tastes.
Micah irritates Joanne by complaining that blacks seem to be disappearing from rapidly-gentrifying San Francisco, leading her to wonder aloud whether he "has a big issue with race." Despite the contrariness, the two still spend the day together, visiting a museum and riding on a merry-go-round as they get to know each other.
Can an impulsive indulgence of lust lead to love? That is the burning question at the center of Medicine for Melancholy, an alternatively breezy and sophisticated sit-dram which marks the auspicious directorial and scriptwriting debut of Barry Jenkins.
Considerable credit for making the lead characters' whirlwind romance riveting must go to the compelling performances delivered by Tracey Heggins and Wyatt Cenac, the talented pair of young thespians playing the protagonists. Their contentious relationship comes to a head when he defines himself as "black" and she reveals that the boyfriend she's cheating on is white.
Micah asks why she's involved with "some white dude." Joanne, insulted by the presumptuous tone of the remark, responds with "That's your problem. You limit yourself," frostily punctuating her retort with the reminder that "I don't even know you."
A candid commentary on the state of the battle-of-the-sexes in a post-racial age of strangers with benefits.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 88 minutes
Studi MPI Home Video
DVD Extras: Interview with director Barry Jenkins and the trailer.
To order a copy of Medicine for Melancholy on DVD, visit:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JTMNZU?ie=UTF8&tag=thslfofire-20&linkCo
de=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002JTMNZU
To see a trailer for Medicine for Melancholy, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID51kpZ9iK4
EUR FILM REVIEW: The Wedding Song (Le Chant des Mariees)
Muslim-Jew Friendship Tested in WWII Coming-of-Age Tale of Female Empowerment
Film Review by Kam Williams
*16 year-olds Nour (Olympe Borval) and Myriam (Lizzie Brochere), best friends since childhood, grew up in adjoining apartments overlooking the same courtyard in Tunis.
As kids, the fact that the former was raised Muslim and the latter as a Jew never really interfered with their intimate relationship.
However, it is now 1942, and their respective religions are having a profoundly effect on the course of their lives.
Both have begun developing an interest in boys, but while Myriam was free to attend school and to explore her budding sexual urges, Nour finds herself housebound and resenting the restrictions being placed upon her by her orthodox culture.
Plus, her parents have already arranged for her to marry her cousin, Khaled (Najib Oudghiri), even though he's unemployed with not much on the horizon in the way of job prospects.
Then, in November, the Nazis invade Tunisia, and begin subjecting Jews to all manner of humiliation, ranging from the confiscation of their property to forced labor to execution. When Myriam's mother (Karin Albou) is hit with a new tax just for being Jewish, she pressures her daughter to marry much-older Raoul (Simon Abkarian), a rich doctor.
Such a complicated scenario provides the setting for The Wedding Song, a character-driven drama directed by Karin Albou. What makes this tale of female empowerment so fascinating is that the story unfolds against the backdrop of the daily tension of World War II combat. So, we see Nour and Myriam struggling with typical coming-of-age issues, one minute, bombings raids or roundup of Jews, the next.
This makes Nour's narcissistic complaint "Why do I have to wear a veil, while you don't?" sounds like the superficial whine of a vain, spoiled teen, when you consider that Myriam has no idea whether she might be dragged off to a death camp at any moment. Curiously, Nour still somehow emerges as empathetic after the German occupation gradually subsumes Tunis entirely, turning the disintegrating metropolis into a godless dystopia where bombs can't discriminate when it comes to color or creed.
Love in the time of Hitler!
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
In French and Arabic with subtitles.
Running time: 100 minutes
Studi Strand Releasing
To see a trailer for The Wedding Song, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CJaTPUKZOw
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: Playing for Keeps
*I was an innocent – not pure as the driven snow, but certainly unwise as to the level of the stakes at which we were playing. I entered the debate believing it would be an intellectual exercise; we would joust with each other and after it was all over shake hands and exit with mutual respect. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Mutual respect? The black panelists on my side of the question were called uncle toms, the white member was accused of seeking to repeal the civil rights act. Honesty? No lie was too large to tell; statistics were made up, facts were created to suit the argument. And there would be no shaking of hands at the conclusion of the debate, in fact barely a graceful word was spoken. It was in that moment I realized the left not only disagreed with me; they hated me. I was not only wrong; I was evil. That slap in the face knocked the rose colored glasses from my eyes and I am now seeing clearly: we are in the midst of a cultural and ideological war and while Conservatives concern themselves with civility and rules, progressives are playing for keeps.
It is a continuing fascination for me that conservatives are constantly depicted as wearing Jackboots and engaging in intimidation, violence and general thuggery. However, current events suggest that more often it is the new left that is wearing jack boots and not the right.
For instance who was doing the goose-stepping when radio host Rush Limbaugh was booted from an investment group trying to buy the NFL franchise St. Louis Rams? The new left lied and slandered Limbaugh with the aim of denying him an economic opportunity. Denying a man opportunity because we don’t like what he believes, what he says or what he looks like is (or should be) anathema to a free society. Shame on Dave Checketts and Roger Goodell for giving in to cheap intimidation and ideological bigotry! By their cowardice we are all diminished.
Many on the left disagree and are no doubt satisfied at the outcome. But for whom does the bell toll next? Who else’s opinions will be objectionable? What makes a football team any different from any other business that employs people? Should anyone with unpopular beliefs be barred from owning, say, a Burger King franchise? Should we then also check ideological credentials at the gates of certain neighborhoods? The doors to our schools?
The left often dons the coat of righteous indignation because it tends to give one an air of civility. They are not, however, above some good old fashioned name calling or back alley beat-downs.
Recall the response of Dennis Rivera, health care chairman of the Service Employees International Union, (SEIU) – as well as a master of irony -- following the arrest of two of his esteemed members for allegedly pummeling a conservative protestor senseless. Rivera denounced conservative “terrorist tactics” aimed at derailing the debate on healthcare reform. Terrorists tactics are now defined as peaceful protest.
Rivera is not the only one with a rather elastic definition of terrorism; Rosabeth Moss Kanter a professor at Harvard business school writing in Politico justifies the depiction of tea partiers, conservatives and healthcare reform protestors as racist buffoons because they are enemies of America. Kanter writes: “President [Barack] Obama is marginalizing not just his enemies but those of the American people. He is attacking organizations standing in the way of progress toward reforming health care or cleaning up the conditions that led to the financial crisis. He is putting on notice advocates of greed — instead of the greater good — that they no longer have public legitimacy.”
Yes you read it correctly. America’s enemies are not Islamist, North Korean demagogues, or even Maoists and admitted communists working at the highest levels of our government. Rather they are American citizens that disagree with this president and other new liberals on the degree to which government should interfere and control our economic and cultural institutions. No doubt they had better keep their opinions to themselves lest they be greeted with some of what Rush got.
I have been working on a collection of thoughts by Americans on their love of America. After agreeing to participate a comedian friend of mine reneged. He joked that he didn’t want to be dragged from his car and beaten for having his name appear in a conservative book. Two things struck me as peculiar: first that loving ones country and writing about it is a “conservative” activity (not my belief but apparently his), and that he would joke of his concern that the liberal thought police would find him and give him a beat him for stepping out of line.
As my mother used to say, “Many a truth is said in jest.”
Obviously my friend had discarded his rose colored glasses long ago.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of "He Talk Like a White Boy" available where ever books are sold.
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Robert Townsend presents 'Musical Theater of Hope' on Gospel Music Channel; International model turned singer Tinu releases 'Addicted' her sophomore project
By Eunice Moseley
Robert Townsend presents 'Musical Theater of Hope' on Gospel Music Channel
*“I love Gospel music,” actor/director Robert Townsend told me when asked why he produced “Musical Theater of Hope” a half hour musical presentation of three different scenarios of what people go through in finding God's love and mercy.
“People need hope,” he said
“Robert Townsend presents Musical Theater of Hope” aired on the Gospel Music Channel Sunday, October 25 and 27, 2009 and will re-air in November. The first of the three 10 minute episodes stars Howard Hewett and is titled “David's News.” In it, Howard's character David gathers all of his friends and family together for an important announcement that brings both joy and tears. Howard performs the Gospel hit, “I Can Only Imagine.”
The second 10 minute episode, “Cora's Release,” stars Gospel singer Tameka Scotton. Her character Cora is serving a life sentence in prison for killing the man that molested her daughter, she has also been diagnosed with cancer and is seeking a “mercy release.” Tameka will be performing the Gospel selection, “My Redeemer.” The third 10 minute episode stars Nina Gaddy Wallace, Jevonne Wilson, Latrice Pace and Joquita Williams and is titled “The Sparrow Reunion.” This group of talented Gospel singers play four sisters who were once part of a successful singing group that let greed, jealousy, drugs and infidelity destroy the group. They reunite at their mother's funeral and will be performing the old Gospel traditional selection, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”
“The audition was in Atlanta and 3,000 people came,” Robert said about the process of selecting who would star in the three episodes. “I got Howard Hewett. It's his first time acting. God has given him such a gift.”
Townsend also said the story of “Cora's Release” is based on a true story he read in a a newspaper. He said, “I felt for the woman.”
The four ladies he chose for “The Sparrow Reunion” were picked because Robert felt they all looked like they could be sisters.
“I just like creating and giving back,” Robert points out. “I think about what I'm leaving behind. My mentors are Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. They welcomed me...so I have to work on a certain (level) of integrity.”
Robert said he also has an eight episode on-line television series running at www.PIC.tv titled “Diary of a Single Mom” starring Leon ('Five Heartbeats') and Richard Roundtree ('Shaft').
“The web is the future,” Townsend stresses. “I'm learning from them (his kids). I can talk to my friends in Brazil (on-line).”
Robert Townsend is an actor, producer, comedian, writer and director. His career includes roles in “A Soldier's Story” and “The Mighty Quinn” co-starring with Denzel Washington. He starred in “Hollywood Shuffle” and the WB Network sitcom“The Parent Hood.” Robert directed Eddie Murphy in his “Raw” DVD and Halle Berry in “B*A*P*S.” He also directed and starred in “The Meteor Man” and “The Five Heartbeats.”
Townsend won an Image Award in 2001 and helmed “Carmen: A Hip-Hopera” for MTV Films starring Beyonce' Knowles and the “10,000 Black Men Named George” television piece about the Pullman porter strike for Showtime starring Charles S. Dutton and Mario Van Peebles.
To learn more on the re-airing of “Robert Townsend presents Musical Theater of Hope” on the Gospel Music Channel log onto www.GospelMusicChannel.com.
International model turned singer Tinu releases 'Addicted' her sophomore project
Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Nigeria by her parents, who where born there, Tinu (pronounced Teenu) become an international model and even obtained a degree in Finance and Marketing from New York University. Tinu, who speaks English, Arabic, Hebrew, French, Italian and Hindu, also launched a successful accessory collection. Her “Tinu Shoebag” has been worn at Academy Award shows. This month she releases her sophomore CD on EliBi, Inc. world-wide. Her debut music video from the first single off the “Addicted” project, “Wild Things,” was recently picked up by MTV Base, which airs in Europe and Africa.
“It came from growing up in Nigeria,” Tinu said about her accent. About her forming her own label (and other companies) Tinu said, “I have street smarts...people hustled (in Nigeria). If you want it to be done right, do it yourself.”
Tinu confessed that sometimes you have to reinvent yourself to just be on top of your game. Her exotic voice and style, I told her, reminds me of Grace Jones. She admitted that she is a fan of Jones who was also a model turned singer with an exotic style and a deep sultry voice.
“After high school I went into modeling,” Tinu said about her career in entertainment. “It (hit me)...that it's temporary.”
Tinu's modeling career had her jet-setting and partying around the world. She signed to a label and experienced that normal shock of the cut-throat business of entertainment. She said she learned that the system is not about the artist but the label.
“It should be artist driven and not label driven,” Tinu said.
Now her album is released on her own label, EliBi, Inc. and I must say her whole packaging, marketing ande promotions has been that of a class-act. The production on the CD is outstanding with Rennie Grant as producer and Lalou vocals in the background.. My favorite cuts on the “Addicted” CD include “In Love” a sweet love song; “Let's Rock,” “My Life” which has a Rock feel to it, and “Not the Devil” which has an awesome electric guitar lead.
For more on Tinu or the “Addicted” CD log onto www.TinuOnLine.com.
GLENN'S STRATEGIES FOR WELL-BEING: Issues on End of Life Decisions
*End-of-life decision making is the process that healthcare providers, patients, and patients’ families go through when considering what treatments will or will not be used to treat a life-threatening illness.
More than any subject, avoiding talking about death ranks at the top of the list. Death of a loved one is also the one thing that causes the most damage to the survivors, when it had not been discussed fully in preparation for the end.
How many of us have made clear to our family and friends, who understand all too well what we liked in living, how we wish to die?
Our families and friends know our favorite foods, vacation spots, the music and movies we love, even the cars and clothes we like best. But, nine times out of ten, those same people aren’t prepared to make decisions about what circumstances we should die under.
You see, we are all a car accident, a fire, or a heart attack away from being in a situation where someone else will determine how we will die. Many times there is no sudden tragedy, but simply the final chapter of a terminal illness, or just the closing of a long and wonderful life.
People need to openly discuss their end-of-life care beliefs and choices with their families and doctors.
We all need to consider what we personally value in what quality of life means, and communicate that to people you love through conversation and even better, as well as in writing.
Patients who are seriously ill, and their family members, need to make sure they ask questions of doctors and other health-care providers to get all the information needed to make appropriate decisions. It's important to ask your doctor 'what if' questions. For example, 'What if the surgery is unsuccessful? What is my option then?'
People sometimes have difficulty discussing such issues because it is hard for them to consider that the treatment might not work. They may worry that a failure to remain positive could actually have an adverse effect on their outcome. People should hope for the best while planning for the worst.
It doesn't mean that you are giving up; it just means you are considering all of your options so that you can make the best decision regardless of what you find.
In general, it is much easier to make this decision when you feel relatively healthy and are able to openly express your wishes to a family member or friend.
Advance directives can include the ability to refuse treatment in specific situations. There are three main types of advance directives that have evolved since approval of the PSDA:
* Do not resuscitate orders (DNRs)
* Living wills
* Durable power of attorney documents (DPAs)
Do not resuscitate orders (DNRs). DNRs typically request that no extraordinary measures be used to save your life. Extraordinary measures typically include measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an electrical shock to stop a fatal abnormal heart rhythm (defibrillation), intubation (placement of a breathing tube down your throat), or the use of lifesaving medicines. People with DNR orders can be given drugs that make them more comfortable. You may request that you be identified as a DNR if you wish to avoid expensive medical care that probably will not improve your long-term prognosis.
Living wills. Living wills are written documents that contain specific instructions about the type of treatment you wish to receive at the end of your life. Unlike a DNR order, which applies to a specific moment when you require resuscitation, living wills apply to more general situations.
You must meet one of two broad conditions for your living will to be triggered:
* You have slipped into a permanent coma.
* You are not able to make decisions on the type of care you wish to receive.
Once two doctors agree that the condition has been met, your doctor will deliver care based on the directions in your living will. Usually, living wills instruct doctors not to prescribe any treatment that would unnecessarily lengthen the process of dying.
Durable power of attorney (DPA). A durable power of attorney for health care document appoints a specific person (surrogate) to make decisions about your care if you are not able to make those decisions. Unlike DNRs or living wills, DPAs allow an independent observer of your choice to assess your current health condition and to speak to your doctor before any decision about your care is made. DNRs and living wills do not allow for this type of dialogue, because your treatment is based on choices you made without knowing the exact nature of your condition.
Although family members may make good surrogates because they are most familiar with your wishes, they also may be under a lot of emotional pressure. And please, let the person you designate as your surrogate in your DPA know up front, and make sure that he or she is comfortable with this role. It is not good for someone to be surprised to learn that you named them your surrogate.
Being chosen to make decisions about the type and amount of treatment delivered to another person is an enormous responsibility. If you feel that you do not have the strength to undertake this task, you should tell the person who selected you to select another person.
DNR orders, living wills, and DPA documents all are rather simple to change. You only need to verbally tell your wishes to a witness, your doctor, or any other health professional. To make sure that your wishes will be followed, make sure that a note is made in your medical file that you have changed your end-of-life care instructions.
Having that all-important conversation with your loved ones about end of life choices isn't always easy. You may have definite ideas of how you want to spend your last days of life, or you may not have thought about it much at all.
But in the perpetual wisdom of my Grand Papa, John Roberts, “No one gets out alive”. So why not prepare?
Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one.
Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!
Glenn Ellis lectures and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics, including health education and health promotion particularly relevant to the African-American community.
E-mail me at info@glennellis.com
For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com
AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: OPRAH WINFRED ATTENDS UNVEILING OF FRIEND CICELY L. TYSON’S COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS
New $143 Million State-of-the-Art Facility Promises to Bridge Arts, Education, Community, and Change Cultural Face of East Orange, New Jersey
By Audrey J. Bernard, Lifestyles/Society Editor
*Nothing could keep media titan Oprah Winfrey from attending the star-studded unveiling of her dear friend Cicely L. Tyson’s Community School of Performing (CTS) and Fine Arts in East Orange, New Jersey on Saturday, October 24, 2009.
Themed “All Things are Possible, Only Believe,” the event was a dream come true for the Emmy winning and Oscar nominated Ms. Tyson who always wanted to have a place that would glorify her art. The new state-of-the-art $143 million complex is the pride of East Orange.
This was truly a wonderful day filled with pomp, pride and promises of what’s to come for this bustling East Orange community. “This has been a wonderful journey,” said Laura Trimmings, who has served as the principal of the school’s Elmwood location since its inception 22 years ago.
“I have watched many children grow and develop into wonderful human beings and working artists using the foundation we have laid for them. I look forward to continuing this important work in surroundings that reflect our true commitment to these young people,” Ms. Trimmings concluded.
The event kicked off with ravishing red carpet arrivals that included NJ Governor Jon Corzine, Hon. David Dinkins, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Bill Haber, Terrence Howard, designer b michael, Mark Anthony Edwards, Susan L. Taylor, Tamara Tunie and Gregory Generet, Hon. Diane Watson, Hon. Bonnie Watson-Coleman and Ambassador Andrew Young.
CNN’s Soledad O’Brien served as the Mistress of Ceremony. The Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, Pastor, The Abyssinian Baptist Church, provided the invocation. Noted philanthropist Reginald Van Lee, senior vice president, Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., was the event’s benefactor.
In addition to Ms. Trimmings other prominent speakers featured on the evening’s program included remarks by Ms. Tyson, East Orange Mayor, the Honorable Robert L. Bowser, and Dr. Clarence C. Hoover, III, Superintendent of Schools, City of East Orange.
In addition, gospel great BeBe Winans performed with the CTS Mass Choir, harpist Jeff Majors performed with CTS students, cellist Jessie Smith and soloist William Morrison. The CTS Dance Ensemble also performed.
Other special highlights of the evening included a performance by Terrence Howard who sang an original song inspired by his dad and played his guitar accompanied by a CTS student on piano. Angela Bassett paid homage to Ms. Tyson with a moving story about how the award-winning actress had inspired her acting career.
Guests dined on scrumptious hors d’oeuvres followed by a formal dinner prepared by Spoonbread Catering that included Pesto Shrimp on Lollipop Sticks, Crab Cakes with Caviar, Creme Fraiche and Dill, California Chicken Salad with Papaya in Endive, Petals and Jicama, Goat Cheese with Peppers Provençal in Won Tons, Chilean Sea Bass with Roasted Tomatoes, Black Olives and Capers, Brazilian Rice with Orange Zest and Brazilian Nuts, Sweet Potatoes Rosettes, Sugar Snap Peas, Haricot Vert and Patty Pans in Shallot Butter.
After dinner the dressed to the nines guests participated in a live auction chaired by designer b michael who raised an impressive $23,000 to benefit CTS that included two signed tennis rackets from Serena and Venus Williams, a special invitational package from President Bill Clinton, two airline tickets from Continental Airlines, an original artwork by Fabrice, and other specialty items.
“Ms. Tyson is not just this school’s namesake,” said Honorable Bowser. “She is a living example of what it means to make a living as a performer and the hard work and dedication it takes to ones’ craft to get there. Her commitment to the success of every student is real and her support of the school’s work will not only help the students, but the entire East Orange community.”
During the past seven years, Ms. Tyson has invited and welcomed friends to speak with the students who have included the likes of Dr. Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Wynton Marsalis, Ruby Dee, Judith Jamison, Tyler Perry, Michael Eric Dyson, Tania Leon and Les Brown.
The Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts and the Washington Academy are located at 35 Winans Street in East Orange. The new state-of-the-art campus includes four buildings and will occupy a 309,000-square-foot facility. The $143 million campus will accommodate some 1,300 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
The idea to build CTS was developed almost seven years ago and construction began in 2005 on the project with funding from the State's School Development Authority. Built with the idea of revitalizing key neighborhoods in East Orange, the complex was created as a shared-use facility.
The school reflects a system of formal academic instruction undergirded by an intense arts curriculum. The academic/performing and fine arts curricula have been designed to allow students to be artistically creative in a field of their choosing; yet the academic program remains the foundation of all educational development. Ms. Tyson accepted the offer to have the school named in her honor on the condition that she be actively involved.
The new school is one the most technologically advanced schools ever built in the state of New Jersey, with extensive performing arts facilities with two theatres - one with 800-seats and the other with 400-seats built to Broadway standards in terms of sound, lighting, and acoustics.
“These children have God-given artistic talents that we can now properly nurture and train,” said Ms. Tyson who was drop dead gorgeous in a b michael original design featuring three printed fabrics of textured yarns on a silk canvas in shades ranging from golden wheat to brown with a fitted torso opening from the waist to a full circle floor length sweep.
michael told admirers of Ms. Tyson’s one of a kind design that he was inspired by his dear friend and client to create a dress that best exemplified his respect and admiration for her. “I was looking to create something that had substance and character – just like my dear friend Cicely.”
“It is my hope that we will provide them with a foundation that will allow them to become productive members of the creative class and that their works will tell our stories for generations to come” said the glamorous movie star Tyson. “I am pleased that the City of East Orange has chosen to invest in our collective cultural future.”
Built with the idea of revitalizing a key neighborhood in East Orange, the complex was created as a shared-use facility. After school hours, residents in the surrounding community will be able to use the school's library, media centers, gymnasiums, cafeterias, music and art rooms and health and dental clinics.
The Terrie Williams Agency/Studio9 Global’s non-profit youth initiative, I AM Media WorldWide -- a new media, vocational training program for youth ages 13 and up -- has selected several CTS students who will conduct interviews with a cross-section of the invited celebrity guests.
The national youth program, I Am Media WorldWide, which creates opportunities for youth behind the camera, chose several CTS students to conduct interviews with selected guests on the importance of education. I Am Media Worldwide, under the direction of Xavier Artis, is an initiative of the not-for-profit Stay Strong Foundation.
For information on The Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts, please visit: http://www.jingoli.com/cicely_tyson_school.html. (Photos by Kenthephotographer)
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Some Things Just Seem Unfair, While Other Things Really Are
Anthony Asadullah Samad
*"World watching" can be a full time occupation. The more you observe, the more you realize how your eyes have become accustomed to realities that appear unfair, morphed into those unjustices that are real.
A world out of balance cannot be rationalized in coherent terms. Coherence is being able to correlate things where they make sense. Things that make no sense, we term incoherent. Every since President Barack Obama has been elected President of the United States, incoherence seems to rule. Things that weren't seen as unfair or unjust during the Bush administration suddenly seem to be unfair and unjust during the Obama administration. For instance, attacking a "war president" seemed unfair to the partisan pundits when Bush was President. Even though the legitimacy of the war was in greater question than it is now, attacking Obama for his shift in strategy in Afghanistan is really unfair. To watch false arguments and false debates take place, waged from the likes of Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and the fake of all fakes, Rush Limbaugh himself--even when he reports false news, is unfair to the integrity of the Presidency.
How can anyone lead when leading voices in the media encourage doubt and discourage people from following sincere leadership, yet these same voices encouraged all to follow insincere leadership for eight years. It's all a function media consolidation. The pundits are many and the gatekeepers have become very few. The media, once designed to inform us, now seeks to reform us, even when the truth is in our midst. It just doesn't seem fair. We know it's not fair.
Michael Moore's new documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story, offers a true insight on the rape of the free market economy in the United States. The separation of wealth in America is appauling. The conversation about "who's fault it is" is lost in the money grab that the financial markets pose as "stimulus" opportunity, but are really fradulent greed engagements. The disappearance of work is tied to the economic exploitation of workers and suppression of wages. The movie documents what happens when the people refuse to go home. The people keep a plant alive by taking it hostage from the exploits of capitalism. If only America can keep their foreclosed homes in the same way. The difference is that while workers can bond against their exploitation, homeowners cannot. They suffer in their individual situations, not knowing who to bond with, largely because they don't know their neighbor's predicament. Communities are being picked off, one at a time. The real unfairness is that the banks are able to hide their greed in unconscienable loans that they knew were unconscienable. The public conversation has been that people got in loans they knew they couldn't afford. That seems unfair. What is more unfair was that the sub-prime loans went unregulated to check against greed. Now major lenders are laying off loan and mortgage officers in the community most affected, so that no renegotiations can be done by the same loan officers that made the loans and are most familiar with the families that live in those in communities That's the real unfairness. In Moore's movie, one community refuses to give back the house and allow a family to be placed on the street. That just might be the way to go. What seems unfair cannot play out into real unfairness.
It seems unfair that the right wing would continue
