12-15-09 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
'PRECIOUS' AND ITS STARS FILL AWARDS SEASON: Film among AFI's top 10 of 2009; Mo'Nique, Sidibe, Daniels earn kudos.
*As predicted, the film "Precious" and its stars Mo'Nique and Gabourey Sidibe are making a statement in the early part of awards season, with several film groups either selecting or nominating the project among the best of 2009.
"Precious" made American Film Institute's Top 10 films of the year, sharing the honor with "The Hurt Locker," the comedies "Up in the Air" and "The Hangover" and the animated tales "Up" Rounding out AFI's list are the dramas "The Messenger," "A Serious Man," "A Single Man" and "Sugar." The filmmakers behind the top 10 choices will be honored at a luncheon Jan. 15.
The African American Film Critics Association named "Precious" its best picture winner, the film's helmer Lee Daniels its best director and Mo'Nique its best supporting actress of 2009. The comedian, who stars as a viciously-abusive mother, has also won the best supporting actress title from both the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the Boston Society of Film Critics. She has been nominated in the category by the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), which will announce its winners at the upcoming Critics' Choice Movie Awards.
"Precious" is also up for BFCA's best picture honor. It will compete against "Avatar," "Inglourious Basterds," "Nine," "An Education," "The Hurt Locker," "Invictus," "A Serious Man," "Up" and "Up in the Air."
Sidibe received a BFCA nod for lead actress, alongside Emily Blunt in "The Young Victoria," Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side," Carey Mulligan in "An Education," Saoirse Ronan in "The Lovely Bones" and Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia."
"Precious" director Lee Daniels also scored a BFCA nod, and will face Kathryn Bigelow for "The Hurt Locker," James Cameron for "Avatar,"
Clint Eastwood for "Invictus," Jason Reitman for "Up in the Air" and Quentin Tarantino for "Inglourious Basterds."
The BFCA's Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, hosted by Kristin Chenoweth, airs at 9 p.m. Jan. 15 from the Hollywood Palladium and is currently in the final year of a pact with VH1.
CHARLIE MURPHY'S WIFE DIES OF CANCER: Tisha Taylor Murphy 'passed away peacefully with family at her side,' according to actor's rep.
*Charlie Murphy's publicist has revealed that the actor's wife has died following a long battle with cancer.
The publicist stated: “Tisha Taylor Murphy passed away peacefully on Sunday, with family at her side after facing the challenges of cancer for the past two years. The Murphy Family appreciates all the support they have received from friends and fans and requests privacy during this very difficult time.”
Tisha leaves behind her daughter Eva, son Xavier and Charlie's son from a previous marriage.
MARY J. BLIGE, USHER SING FOR THE OBAMAS: Singers join roster of performers for 'Christmas in Washington' concert.
*Mary J. Blige and Usher were part of an all-star lineup that performed for President Barack Obama at the annual "Christmas in Washington"
concert, held Sunday night at the National Building Museum.
The event, taped for a TNT special airing Dec. 20, was hosted by comedian George Lopez and benefited the Children's National Medical Center.
Blige sang "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),"
while Usher crooned "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Other performers included Neil Diamond, who started the evening with "Joy to the World" and "Winter Wonderland," and teen Internet sensation Justin Bieber, who sang "Someday at Christmas."
"This season we celebrate that sacred moment, the birth of a child, the message of love preached to the world," Obama said from the stage, where he was joined by first lady Michelle Obama. "More than 2,000 years later, that spirit still inspires us."
The president also spoke of helping those in need during the holidays, as well as honoring those in the military.
"With our men and women in uniform serving far from home, in harm's way, our fervent wish remains this season, and all seasons: Let there be peace on earth," he said.
Two of the holiday songs were original numbers. Country group Sugarland performed "Gold and Green" and Rob Thomas sang "A New York Christmas."
After addressing the crowd, the Obamas stayed on stage with all the performers to sing carols, starting with "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." The president reportedly wiped a tear from his eye during the sing-along.
BADU PREPARES TO RELEASE 'AMERYKAH II': 'I called it 'The Return of the Ankh' because it's the sister of the left side of my brain,' she explains.
*Erykah Badu's sixth studio album, "New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh," is scheduled to drop on Feb. 23, 2010 via Universal Motown, reports Billboard.com.
The 38-year-old Dallas native says the set is not as conscious-driven as "New Amerykah Part I: 4th World War." Part II, she says, is "more free and full of life."
"I called it 'Part II: The Return of the Ankh' because this album is the sister of the left side of my brain -- it is the right side," Badu explained during a listening session this week at New York City's Chung King Studios.
"'Part I was the left side of my thoughts -- it was more socially political and my thought process was more analytical," she said. This time there wasn't anything to be concerned with -- the album is more emotional and flowy and talks about feelings. It reminds of the days of 'Baduizm' -- this is just about beats and rhymes in a cipher."
Per Billboard:
Tracks like "Window Seat," featuring The Roots' ?uestlove on the drums and James Poyser on piano, finds Badu requesting "a window seat...I don't want nobody next to me," over drums and clasps. Meanwhile, she questions "What did I do to make you fall so far from me?" atop keyboard riffs on the 9th Wonder-produced "20 Feet Tall."
On the banjo-laden "Don't Be Long," Badu pleads her lover to return soon although she understands "you gotta get your hustle on." She taps into her inner B-girl and pays homage to the Notorious B.I.G. on tracks like "Get Money," which features elements of the Junior M.A.F.I.A. feat. Notorious B.I.G. track of the same title, and "Incense," on which she harmonizes the Biggie lyrics, "there's gonna be a lot of slow singing and flower bringing if my burglar alarm starts ringing," over a beat reminiscent of Alicia Keys'
"Unbreakable."
Some of the other stand-out tracks include "Fall In Love" which finds her candidly warning potential lovers, "You're loving me and I'm driving your Benz / you're loving me and I'm fucking your friends;" the harp-heavy " Out of My Mind Just in Time (Part I) (Undercover Over-Lover),"
on which she pleads, "I hate for you, when I hate you too, if you want me to;" and " Out of My Mind Just In Time (Part 2)," on which she confesses, "I am a recovering undercover over-lover / recovering from a love I can't get over / and now my lover thinks he wants another," over piano strokes.
"Jump In The Air" was slated to appear on the album, but parts of it leaked on the internet earlier this week, and as a result Badu is unsure if she will include it on the set. "If anything leaks, I won't put out this album," she said about potential future leaks. "I worked too hard for that to happen. Let a bi*** make some money some kind of way."
The track is said to feature nine MCs including Lil Wayne and her son Seven's father, rapper Andre 3000.
DWIGHT HOWARD SEEKING CUSTODY OF SON: Lawsuit joins previous action taken to stop baby's mom from blasting him in public.
*Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has filed two lawsuits in Orange County, Fla. against the mother of his son.
Documents obtained by WFTV in Orlando and posted on TMZ.com and WSB-TV.com show that Howard’s lawyers filed one lawsuit seeking $9.2 million in damages against Royce Lyndsay Reed and the other to get custody of their 2-year-old son.
When news of the legal action broke last week, Howard denied that the lawsuits existed. But, court documents obtained by WFTV show the lawsuit was filed Dec. 7. He accuses Reed, along with associates of hers, of violating a previous agreement made between them that disparaging comments made directly or indirectly against Howard not be made or published via the internet or any other communication mediums, according to court documents.
The comments are said to have been made on a Web site called “Lipstick Alley” titled “the ‘real’ Dwight Howard????.” Some of the comments
include:
• "He hasn't shown up for his scheduled visitation in...three months
but loves his son?
• "Royce is gorgeous, and a class act. The new girl is trash..."
• "So apparently he hits ladies...what else?"
• "Has another baby in Atlanta. Pays for ladys home, and keeps it in
his cousins name."
Court documents state that such remarks could have an adverse effect on Howard’s career and relationship with companies he has endorsement deals with.
Howard’s lawyers seek $500 per remark posted online multiplied by the 17,410 times they have been viewed, adding to the $9.2 million in damages, reports WFTV.
According to TMZ, Reed's lawyer is "flabbergasted" by the lawsuit and claims to have nothing to do with the comments.
POLICE ACCUSE BUJU OF MASTERMINDING COKE DEAL: Reggae star allegedly tried to buy drug off of undercover cop.
*Newly-released court documents reveal details of the drug case against Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton, including allegations that he attempted to buy cocaine from an undercover police officer.
As previously reported, the artist has been in U.S. federal custody in Miami since Thursday and faces a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, joined with two others to contact a police informant last week about buying cocaine in Sarasota, according to court documents. Drug Enforcement Administration agents say Banton negotiated the purchase and was observed inspecting cocaine offered by the undercover cop.
The other men were arrested Thursday when they allegedly attempted to buy the drugs, the Associated Press reported.
EMINEM, BEYONCE RULE BILLBOARD'S DECADE: Artists are best-performing male and female act of the past 10 years based on music charts.
*Music trade publication Billboard has announced that its "Artist of the Decade title belongs to Eminem, based on activity from the magazine's two charts: the Billboard 200 albums list and the Billboard Hot 100 songs tally.
More than 10 years after he made his Billboard Hot 100 debut, Eminem is officially the best-performing act from Dec. 4, 1999, to Nov. 28, 2009.
He is also the top male artist of the decade. The female honor goes to Beyoncé.
Beyoncé's solo career began in the '00s, notching 23 Hot 100 singles and five No. 1s. On the Billboard 200, she's racked six entries, including three studio efforts that all went to No. 1.
While Eminem is the decade's top artist, he was never the top performer for any single year as reported in Billboard's annual Year in Music issue. In 2000 and 2001, Destiny's Child netted the prize, followed by Nelly in '02, 50 Cent in '03 and '05, Usher in '04, Chris Brown in '06 and '08, Akon in '07 and Taylor Swift in '09.
The reigning best-selling digital song of all time, Flo Rida's "Low"
(5.2 million and counting), ranks No. 3 on the decade-end Hot 100 songs recap, behind Usher's 2004 single "Yeah!" at No. 2 and Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" at No. 1.
Usher takes the title of the Top Hot 100 Artist of the Decade. He racked up 13 consecutive top 20 singles, with seven of them reaching No. 1.
And, those seven chart-toppers collectively spent 41 weeks at No. 1-the most weeks atop the list for any act in the decade.
With Carey's crowning of the decade-end Hot 100 songs list with "We Belong Together," she now owns the most popular songs of the '90s and the '00s, as her duet with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day," was No. 1 on the '90s-end recap. "We Belong Together" spent 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart during the decade, tying the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" for the most weeks atop the list in that span.
The Peas' anthem is at No. 5 on the decade-end Hot 100 Songs retrospective, one step below the duo/group of the decade, Nickelback, with "How You Remind Me."
On the Hot 100 Songwriters decade-end tally, Timbaland finishes atop the list, courtesy of the performance of the 63 charted hits he wrote or co-wrote in the decade. Directly below Timbaland at No. 2 on the list (viewable in full at Billboard.biz) is Pharrell Williams, one-half of the production duo the Neptunes. On the Hot 100 Producers recap, the Neptunes come out on top while Timbaland is at No. 2.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ANNOUNCES AWARDS: 'Precious,' Mo'Nique, Daniels, Freeman, 'Princess and the Frog' among the winners.
*The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has named “Precious” as the best picture of 2009, helmer Lee Daniels as its best director and Mo'Nique as best supporting actress.
Mo’Nique received the AAFCA's first ever unanimous vote in an acting category, the nationwide group of African-American media professionals announced Monday.
Anthony Mackie earned best supporting actor recognition for his performance in “The Hurt Locker.” Morgan Freeman was selected as best actor for “Invictus,” while Nicole Beharie earned AAFCA recognition as best actress for “American Violet.”
There was a tie for best screenplay: Ron Clements, Rob Edwards, John Musker for "The Princess & The Frog" and Geoffrey Fletcher for "Precious."
“In 2009, the film community produced a dazzling array of performances from African-American talent both in front of and behind the camera,” states Gil Robertson IV, AAFCA Co-Founder. “This year’s selections give a strong indication that the film community is becoming more committed to a wider range of stories that entertain and educate.”
AAFCA bestows its Special Achievement Award to Michael Jackson, whose seminal film “This Is It” captured a lifetime of exemplary creative expression.
At press time, AAFCA was to present this year’s honors Monday night at its first live event at the historic Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles.
The African-American Film Critics Association’s Top Ten Films of
2009 are as follows in order of distinction:
Precious
The Princess and The Frog
Up In The Air
The Hurt Locker
This Is It
American Violet
Goodbye Solo
Medicine for Melancholy
Good Hair
Up
TILLMAN SEES SOMETHING IN 'SAW': 'Notorious' director to helm romantic film based on missed-connections ads.
*George Tillman Jr. is attached to direct and produce the film "I Saw You" through his State Street Pictures with Robert Teitel.
Following an all-out bidding war, DreamWorks Studios reportedly paid in the mid-six figures for the pitch from screenwriter Andrea McCloud, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Based on a comics anthology edited by Julia Wertz, the story revolves around four intersecting love stories derived from missed-connections ads.
Tillman's directing resume includes "Notorious," "Men of Honor" and "Soul Food."
DCF PROBES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLAIM AT TIGER'S HOME?: Web site has police dispatch notes claiming incident with a weapon took place in front of kids.
*Radar Online is reporting that Florida's Department of Children and Families has an open investigation into a possible domestic violence incident -- with a weapon -- between Tiger Woods and his wife.
The Web site says it obtained police dispatch notes that provide proof and details of the investigation and DCF's attempt to make an in-home visit to the Woods' residence just days ago. Click Here to See the Police Dispatch Notes.
The dispatch notes, according to the site, detail that the investigation centers on possible domestic violence between Tiger and his wife taking place in front of their young children.
Using police code, it also spells out that an unknown weapon may have been involved. RadarOnline.com says "a source close to the situation"
claims the weapon is a golf club.
SPEEDSKATER SHANI DAVIS HEATS UP UTAH: Athlete wins two titles, breaks a record in weekend match leading up to 2010 Winter Olympics.
*Shani Davis, the African American Olympic speed skater, heads into the 2010 Vancouver Olympics having broken a world record and won two titles in three days at the final long-track speedskating World Cup in Utah, reports the AP.
The athlete won the 1,000 meters in 1 minute, 6.67 seconds Sunday at the Utah Olympic Oval, again beating rival Chad Hedrick, who was fifth.
"I'm really excited. Skating's been really good, strong performances, consistent performances," he said at a press conference.
Davis won the 1,500 on Friday, lowering his own world record by eight-tenths of a second. He also owns the world mark in the 1,000, but didn't come close to breaking it on the final day of competition.
"I've never been in the shape that I've been in and it just goes to show that I'm really strong," he said. "I just hope that I can continue to keep this momentum throughout the season and Vancouver."
Davis famously chose not to participate in the team pursuit at the
2006 Turin Olympics, setting off a beef between him and Hedrick. At that time, Davis had already made it clear that he didn't want to skate the pursuit, believing the first-time Olympic event would hurt his individual races. He went on to become the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Games.
Hedrick — who entered five events — felt Davis let down his country by skipping a chance to give the Americans another speedskating medal. With Davis on the sideline, the U.S. team had to use a slower skater and was eliminated in the early rounds.
Hedrick owns the only U.S. berth in the 10,000, but if he decides not to compete in the grueling race, then Davis could claim the spot as the first alternate. However, Davis indicated that was unlikely, saying, "I just have no ambitions or motivations to skate a 10,000. I'm a middle-distance skater."
Skaters have until Dec. 24 to commit to specific events.
RIHANNA'S 'GO HARD' VIDEO TO PREMIERE THURSDAY: MTV, VH1, Facebook, MySpace and singer's Web site to air it simultaneously.
*On Thursday, Viacom is premiering Rihanna's new video "Go Hard" on a number of its outlets, including VH1, VH1 Soul, MTV, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, MTVU, MTV Tr3s, VH1.com, MTV.com, VH1 and MTV Mobile.
The clip, featuring Jeezy, will also premiere on the Facebook and MySpace pages for VH1 and MTV, as well as Rihanna's Web site, RihannaNow.com, and her official Facebook and MySpace pages.
Rihanna will also be on hand to participate in the video premiere, by sending messages to her fans, which will appear alongside the video online. Fans are also encouraged to submit their messages via the online player.
MTV.com and VH1.com are currently running a 30-second sneak peek of "Go Hard." Additionally, both MTV Mobile and VH1 Mobile are offering one exclusive Rihanna ringtone each. Monthly VH1/MTV mobile ringtone subscription holders can access the ringtone by going to m.MTV.com or m.VH1.com.
ALLEGED 14TH TIGER MISTRESS HIRES GLORIA ALLRED: Theresa Rogers claims she dated golfer before and after his wedding.
*A 14th woman is claiming to have had an affair with Tiger and has already hired power attorney Gloria Allred to represent her, reports Radar Online.
Theresa Rogers of Wellington, Florida says her affair occurred both before and after he married Elin Nordegren. She also claims to have traveled with Tiger extensively during the past five years, often meeting him in various cities for sexual hookups, RadarOnline.com reported.
The 13 alleged mistresses previously identified are: Rachel Uchitel, Jaimee Grubbs, Kalika Moquin, Cori Rist, Jamie Jungers, Mindy Lawton, Holly Sampson, Joslyn James, Loredena Jolie, unidentified former cocktail waitress from Orlando, unidentified British TV presenter, unidentified "sex-addicted cougar," according to a British tabloid, and Julie Postle.
KANYE'S 'DROPOUT' IS EW'S ALBUM OF THE DECADE: 'I was most inspired by "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," rapper says in accepting the honor.
*Kanye West shows a rare display of humility in reaction to Entertainment Weekly's choice of his 2004 album "College Dropout" as its Album of the Decade.
“Wow, this is really flattering. I’ve had some ups and downs this year, we’ll actually this decade. Just seeing this cover takes me back to that time of my life,” said the rapper, who has chosen to take a break from the spotlight in the wake of his Taylor Swift incident at the MTV Video Music Awards.
“I remember how much pain and love went into this album," he said.
"No one saw it coming. This project wasn’t about me, it was about a time in people’s lives where people force opinions on you and you have to make choices for yourself. We loved 50 Cent but we wanted to be the yang. We wanted to wear pink polos and rap about being hurt on this album everyday.”
Other hip hop albums behind "College Dropout" on the magazine's Album of Decade list include Outkast’s "The Love Below/Speakerboxxx," 50 Cent’s "Get Rich or Die Tryin’," and Jay-Z’s "Blueprint."
“I was most inspired by "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" and I listened to that album everyday while working on my debut,” West revealed.
“Thank you for the acknowledgement and for putting 'Blueprint' on the list also. I loved 'The Love Below' and 'Get Rich or Die Tryin’,' also. They equally deserved the number one spot in my eyes but there can only be one number one!”
Kanye's award appears in the magazine's upcoming issue.
'30 ROCK'S' GRIZZ NEEDS A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: Actor who plays Tracy Morgan's money manager seeks help on today's 'Dr. Oz.'
*"30 Rock's" Grizzwald "Grizz" Chapman is on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, but the 6-foot-11, 378-pound actor is too overweight to be considered a viable candidate for the procedure.
Doctors told him he must lose over 75 pounds before he can be eligible, so Grizz has turned to Dr. Oz for help in losing the weight and staying as healthy as possible until a kidney becomes available. The actor will tell his story on today's episode of "The Dr. Oz Show."
"A lot of this stuff is new to me. Opening up is something I have to learn how to do if I'm going to be in this business," Chapman, 35, told the New York Daily News following the taping. "At first I didn't want to do it, but I felt that it would be a good situation for me to enlighten people to what's going on."
Grizz says he is suffering from severe hypertension that has him on a dialysis machine three times a week. In today's episode, Chapman reveals that he ignored his high blood pressure for 10 years, even refusing to take medication for his condition. Now, according to Oz's "Truth Tube," Chapman has only 5% function of his kidneys.
"It's a painful problem for physicians to see because it's preventable," Oz said. "There are more than 25,000 cases of kidney failure in America each year because of high blood pressure, and the African-American community is especially at risk.
"I learned a lot today about what's going on in the minds of folks living with high blood pressure and not managing it," he said.
Chapman and Oz met at the 8th Annual Kidney Walk to benefit the National Kidney Foundation Serving Greater New York in October. Oz vowed to help Chapman but in return, asked him to become the face of hypertension in America.
Oz also had Kevin Brown, aka "Dot Com," Chapman's co-star on "30 Rock," come on the show to help support his friend.
"He's getting that transplant!" Brown told the audience. "I'll lose the weight with him. For every 10 pounds he loses, I'll lose one pound.
That's a deal!"
Doctors have told Grizz that the kidney transplant wait is at least five years. Oz has assembled a team of medical experts to help Chapman take the right steps to stay healthy until a kidney becomes available for him.
Chapman is trying to stay positive, and says that just talking with Oz "makes you feel like you're healed already."
But Oz is quick to point out that Chapman still has a long road ahead of him.
"The reality of the prognosis is ... we don't know," said Oz. "It depends on how things are managed. It's like being at the halftime of a game. We didn't play so well in the first half, but there are a lot of opportunities moving forward. He's got a winning spirit, and if we follow his story carefully, everyone's going to learn a lot from it."
TIGER BEAT: Chevron ratings sink without Tiger; Elin spotted pumping gas without wedding ring; Golf Digest defends Tiger/Obama cover; Accenture releases statement.
*Following Tiger Woods' absence from the Chevron World Challenge last week, NBC's telecast drew 1.2 million viewers, plummeting 54 percent from the previous year when Woods competed in it, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Such a ratings plunge has happened before when Woods doesn't play.
Following knee surgery in 2008, the golfer was unable to participate in major competitions, causing viewership to drop significantly. The 33-year-old posted a statement on his Web site Friday apologizing to his fans for his "infidelity" and announcing an "indefinite break" from the game.
*Elin Nordegren, Tiger's 29-year-old wife, was spotted Saturday pumping gas in Florida near her home – without her wedding ring. It's the first Elin sighting caught on camera since the sex scandal broke, and one of the rare times (if not the only time) she has been photographed in public sans wedding ring.
*Golf Digest is standing by its decision to photoshop Tiger Woods and President Barack Obama together on its January cover, which went to press almost two weeks before the mistress scandal broke. The cover features Woods, 33, and Obama, 48, with the cover line: "10 Tips Obama Can Take From Tiger." The article reads: "Woods is a good role model ... because he has always been able to pull himself together after setbacks. Woods never does anything that would make himself look ridiculous." A rep for the publication told Usmagazine.com: "Our statement remains the same, that is Golf Digest has had a long-standing relationship with Tiger Woods to provide instruction articles for the magazine, and we do not have any plans to change that."
*As previously reported, consulting company Accenture announced it is ending its six-year relationship with the golfer, who made an estimated $110 million a year in endorsements. "We are disappointed but respect their decision. That is all I have to say to you," Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, told the Wall Street Journal. Gillette also said it plans to suspend advertising featuring Woods, while AT&T and Tag Heuer are reconsidering their deals with the athlete. Standing by Woods (at press time): Nike and Electronic Arts.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Obama's 'Oprah' and '60 Minutes' ratings; Jay-Z's Rocawear Christmas party; Blige, J.Lo on 'SYTYCD' finale.
*"Oprah's Christmas at the White House" special was ABC's most-watched program in the time period this season behind the American Music Awards. The hour-long broadcast drew 11.8 million viewers and a 2.8 rating, according to Nielsen. Oprah and the Obamas managed to accomplish the ratings feat despite its 10 p.m. slot having a reduced lead-in from a two-hour, Mary J. Blige-enhanced "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (10.3 million, 3.1) instead of "Desperate Housewives" this week. Meanwhile, President Obama's interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" Sunday drew 14.6 million.
*Jay-Z and Beyoncé held court at the rapper's Rocawear label holiday party at New York's Hudson Terrace. The New York Post's Page Six said the staff's Christmas gift to him was a video spoof of his hit single, "Empire State of Mind" -- starring his assistants, secretaries, interns and designers. "The couple stood and cheered and took time to pose for pictures and sign autographs for everyone's kids," says a spy. "They were pretty great."
*FOX has tapped Jennifer Lopez, Leona Lewis and Mary J. Blige to take the stage during the season finale of "So You Think You Can Dance." The champ-crowning episode is scheduled to air on Dec. 16.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Obama's 'Oprah'/'60 Minutes' ratings; Jay-Z's Rocawear holiday party; Blige/J.Lo on 'SYTYCD' finale; George Clinton's mom dies, J.Reid 'Got Jokes'; Norwood's party.
*"Oprah's Christmas at the White House" special was ABC's most-watched program in the time period this season behind the American Music Awards. The hour-long broadcast drew 11.8 million viewers and a 2.8 rating, according to Nielsen. Oprah and the Obamas managed to accomplish the ratings feat despite its 10 p.m. slot having a reduced lead-in from a two-hour, Mary J. Blige-enhanced "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (10.3 million, 3.1) instead of "Desperate Housewives" this week. Meanwhile, President Obama's interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" Sunday drew 14.6 million.
*Jay-Z and Beyoncé held court at the rapper's Rocawear label holiday party at New York's Hudson Terrace. The New York Post's Page Six said the staff's Christmas gift to him was a video spoof of his hit single, "Empire State of Mind" -- starring his assistants, secretaries, interns and designers. "The couple stood and cheered and took time to pose for pictures and sign autographs for everyone's kids," says a spy. "They were pretty great."
*FOX has tapped Jennifer Lopez, Leona Lewis and Mary J. Blige to take the stage during the season finale of "So You Think You Can Dance." The champ-crowning episode is scheduled to air on Dec. 16.
*The mother of funk pioneer George Clinton has died, according to the Motown Alumni Association. A viewing for Mrs. Julious G. Keaton was held Monday in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m.
today at Love and Faigh Christian Fellowship (4344 Blackberry Rd.) in Greensboro.
*In a hard-fought battle between two talented Las Vegas natives, 26-year-old rising star J. Reid has emerged victorious as the winner of season four of the TV One comedy competition series “Bill Bellamy’s Who’s
Got Jokes?”
*Each year cars line-up bumper to bumper and crowds gather from miles around to get a glimpse of the stunningly decorated Hancock Park Estate known as “Youngwood Court” located at the intersection of 3rd and Muirfield in the elite Hancock Park neighborhood in Los Angeles. This year, King of Hancock Park, Norwood Young kicks off the holiday season inviting friends and neighbors to come and witness as he illuminates the entire block with his extravagant Christmas exhibit. Guests will enjoy a live performance by Young himself. There will be a prize given to the individual who can guess how many thousands of lights adorn the Christmas display. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 304 S. Muirfield, Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA.
EUR FILM REVIEW: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Headline: Wes Anderson Directs Animated Version of Roald Dahl Classic
Film Review by Kam Williams
When you think of Wes Anderson, what ordinarily comes to mind is a sublime sense of humor appealing to a sophisticated cinematic palate, as evidenced by movies like Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and The Darjeeling Limited.
Fantastic Mr. Fox, however, represents a substantial departure for the wry director from his trademark, understated fare for a foray into a readily-accessible, animated adventure ostensibly aimed at kids.
Based on Roald Dahl's children's novel of the same name, the film stars George Clooney in the title role with a supporting voice cast featuring Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe and Jason Schwartzman.
Superficially, the movie looks a lot like Chicken Run (2000), another stop-motion cartoon set on a farm. But that's where any similarities end because Fantastic Mr. Fox proves to be not nearly as charming, coherent or comedic as that delightful crowd-pleaser.
The plot is only loosely based on the book, and revolves around a chicken thief (Clooney) who tries to go straight after being caught in a trap while burglarizing a hen house. But after settling down with his wife, Felicity (Streep), to raise their son, Ash (Schwartzman), and nephew, Kristofferson (Eric Chase Anderson), he soon becomes bored with his safer line of work as a journalist.
Missing both the taste of chicken and the excitement of staging daring raids, Fantastic Mr. Fox decides to pull off one last big job before finally retiring for good. So, with the help of Kylie (Wallace Wolodarsky), an opossum, he hatches an elaborate plan to steal poultry and cider from a trio of neighboring agribusinesses owned by a trio of mean, gun-toting
fox-haters: Franklin Bean (Michael Gambon), Walter Boggis (Robin Hurlstone) and Nathan Bunce (Hugo Guinness).
In the wake of the heist, during which Mr. Fox suffers the indignity of having his tail shot off, the irate farmers resort to desperate measures to catch him. Unfortunately, neither side looks particularly sympathetic in the ensuing, escalating battle of wits. The owners destabilize the local eco-system, excavating fields and flooding foxholes, to flush out the wily predator, while the four-legged perp selfishly endeavors to devour rather than rescue the livestock caged by the corporate conglomerates.
The movie's glaring absence of a moral compass might be forgivable if it at least elicited a few side-busting belly laughs along the way. Instead it tends to trade in a plethora of pithy comments like, "He's just another dead rat in a pail behind a Chinese restaurant."
In essence, what we have here is a creepy cartoon filled with inappropriate inside jokes that are mostly over the head of the desired tyke demographic, exactly what one would you expect of a claymation vehicle crafted by the cerebral Wes Anderson. Too bad adults aren't apt to be any more engaged by this uninspired variation on the age-old children's fairy tale theme of farmers vs. foxes.
Been there, seen that!
Fair (1.5 stars)
Rated PG for action, smoking and slang.
Running time: 88 minutes
Studi 20th Century Fox
To see a trailer for Fantastic Mr. Fox, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2igjYFojUo
================
EUR DVD REVIEW: Ghosted
Headline: Monika Treut's Homoerotic Whodunit Released on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
Ya-ching Chen (Yi-Ching Lu) comes up with so many reasons to deny her daughter Ai-ling (Huan-Ru Ke) permission to travel to Hamburg to visit her Uncle Chen Fu (Jack Kao), it starts to sound suspicious after awhile.
First, she reminds her impatient offspring of an upcoming dance audition.
Then, she tells her that the food in Germany is terrible, and that her tongue will end up in knots from trying to speak the language.
And when none of the above works, she warns that as the owner of a couple of flourishing Chinese restaurants Uncle Chen won't have any time for her.
For Ya-ching knows that her daughter's reason for making this long trip from Taiwan to Europe in the first place is to learn as much as she can from him about her late father.
But Ai-ling stubbornly refuses to take "No" for an answer, and finally departs with her mother's blessing. However, upon her arrival, she discovers that her mother was right about Uncle Chen being busy, for he immediately asks Patrick (Kevin Chen), one of his employees, to escort his niece while
she's in town.
Although Ai-ling and Patrick are both about the same age, love doesn't develop between the two, because she is gay. So, when he takes her to the movies, she instead finds herself attracted to Sophie Schmitt (Inga Busch), the flirtatious stranger sitting on the other side of her. Soon the two lesbians are dating, and possessive Sophie starts sending the object of her affection urgent text messages like, "You've put a spell on me." But then, just as their romance is blossoming, Ai-ling dies mysteriously under unexplained circumstances.
This is the point of departure of Ghosted, an intriguing whodunit from Monika Treut, a director from Deutschland best known for her graphic exploration of homoerotic themes. Here, however, her focus is less on sexuality and more on the possible murder at the center of the story. For although the German authorities call Ai-ling's death a suicide, Mei-li Wang (Ting-Ting Hu), a writer for the Taipei News, decides to conduct her own investigation.
She tracks the still-grieving Sophie down for an interview about her whirlwind affair with Ai-ling. Via a series of vivid flashbacks, Sophie reconstructs the events leading up to the day her lover died. It soon becomes clear that Ai-ling was murdered and that there are many suspects who might be responsible for the crime.
Could it be Uncle Chen, who didn't want anyone to know that Ai-Ling was his daughter? Or was it Patrick, who might have been upset about being rejected, especially for a woman? Then there's Herr Lee (Nik Dong-Sik), the mobster who had been blackmailing Uncle Chen? How about Leon (Marek Harloff), Sophie's next-door neighbor who always leered at Ai-ling? Or Katrin Bendersen (Jana Schulz), the lecherous lawyer trying to steal Ai-ling away?
And finally, could Ai-ling have been killed by the Asian barfly (Wen Nai) with blonde hair who had a crush on Sophie?
A compelling crime saga with supernatural overtones made all the more worthwhile by some spectacular Taipei locales and its celebration of Chinese culture.
Excellent (3.5 stars)
Unrated
In English, German and Mandarin with English subtitles.
Running time: 89 minutes
Studi First Run Features
DVD Extras: Bonus film, Monika Treut's documentary Tigerwomen Grow Wings which looks at three Taiwanese women from different generations: opera singer Hsieh Yue-hsia, novelist Li Ang and filmmaker Chen Ying-rong against the radical changes taking place in Taiwan today.
To order a copy of Ghosted, visit:
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000
&lc1=0000FF&t=thslfofire-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0
FBG2&asins=B002OIMVNU
To see a trailer in German for Ghosted, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tab6T98WwR0
To see a report in Chinese from Ghosted's premiere, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYsMGeqlZe0&feature=PlayList&p=E38450E053AC5F
C1&index=4
THE JOURNAL OF STEFFANIE RIVERS: Overselling the Dream
*I was at work when I heard about it. It starts with a phone call to the North Pole. At least that’s what parents tell their children. The person on the other end of the phone pretends to be Santa Clause agreeing to dispatch one of his trusty underlings – better known as an elf - to their house to take reports leading up to Santa’s big night out.
The elf comes with directions on how to get children to be on their best behavior in anticipation of a visit from Santa. Children are smarter these days. So to sell the phone call parents are told to disguise the number they dial by programming "Santa" in the phone and erasing it after the call is complete to prevent re-dials.
Parents play an important role in this cover-up.
The second step is for them to purchase the elf at an area store, bring it to the house and place it inside the child(ren)’s room. So when the tykes come home and see the elf they are excited, yet on their best behavior between now and Christmas Eve. Every night it’s the parents’ responsibility to move the elf from one room to the next selling the idea that while the children slept the elf submitted its daily behavior report to Santa about whether the kids have been naughty or nice.
That’s the motive behind this farce: To sell the concept of Santa Clause, his elves and a round-the-world-in-one-night-voyage - powered by a team of reindeer - to a new generation of elementary and preschoolers.
I understand that childhood comes with an amount of Christmas mystic. I too used to believe in Santa Clause, but this Elf on a shelf stuff is overselling the dream.
A recent report revealed that elementary school aged children have little to no knowledge about the Bible and failed to recognize the names of characters in popular Bible stories moreso than the generation before them. It seems some parents prefer that their children know more about Santa Clause than Jesus Christ.
That could be because more adults between 18 and 30 have not claimed a particular religion as their own and view the Bible only as a reference book on religion instead of a guide for how to live and treat other people. That’s according to another report.
Freedom of religion is a constitutional right. But when Jesus Christ and Bible stories take a back seat to Santa and elves, it’s no wonder more people are concerned with what they will get for Christmas instead of what they can give to those less fortunate.
Send questions, comments or requests for speaking engagements to Steffanie Rivers at teamtcbadvertising@hotmail.com. And see the video version of her journal at youtube.com/steffanierivers.
THE SOCIALIST’S JOURNAL: Raleigh, North Carolina
*Initially I thought the headline was a joke, but then the New York Times is not known for pranking the public. Ergo there really are people contemplating filing a lawsuit because an elected official has professed atheism. Cecil Bothwell is a city councilman who is being attacked for his religious non-beliefs. What is noteworthy here is not Bothwell's atheism, but that those in opposition of him believe it a sound use of the state’s funds to hear a lawsuit regarding this matter.
Bothwell’s situation is why the phrase “separation of church and state” was coined. Those who want to see him lose his post are not arguing that he would be overwhelmed by the job, neither are they saying he advocates things that would not be beneficial to the people of Raleigh; there is no mention of his political philosophy. Theoretically people are chosen to represent people because they reflect the political ideology of those voting. That should be the only qualification, and because Bothwell was indeed democratically elected, where is the problem?
Likely the problem is that Bothwell’s politics are different from those who highlight his religious views, and they use those views to hopefully replace him on the city council. And ultimately David Morgan, a conservative newspaper publisher in the area, and those who support him are in the process of deciding whether to bring a lawsuit. Technically they can do this because the North Carolina state constitution has an antiquated clause that requires public servants to profess a belief in God. But even if a lawsuit is brought, any action against Bothwell would only be temporary because the clause in the state constitution is contrary to the United States Constitution.
If it were only Bothwell’s money that would be used in the process of fighting this lawsuit, then it might be an understandable, if distasteful part of the playing of politics. But if a lawsuit is filed, it would also cost the people of North Carolina and later the United States in paying administrative costs for the case to be heard initially and then on appeal. At the end of the day the federal government is not going to alter the First Amendment so any legal maneuvering would be in vain and a waste.
Come on people. In a democracy, there will be times when the candidate you support will lose their bid for a post. That should not be an invitation for frivolous lawsuits.
TURNER’S TWO CENTS: Invictus – The Life-Changing Power of Dreams
By Cameron Turner
*Dumping water into her daughter’s face, the abusive mother scolds cruelly, “There you go dreaming again!” Of all the horrendous things Mo’Nique’s character says to her child in the film “Precious,” that is one of the most malicious. Abusers seek to destroy the spirit so, along with brutalizing the body through beatings, rape and/or other horrors, they use verbal assaults to control the mind. Like many victims, the title character in “Precious” seeks refuge inside the only safe space she knows – her imagination. Precious’ mom knows that her daughter has the capacity to liberate herself through her thinking, so she seeks to enslave the child psychologically by telling her that she is worthless and has no hope. She tries to abort Precious’ dreams before they hatch. But, as Precious begins (with the help of a kind and patient teacher) to discover courage and love within, she begins to free herself from the nightmare that’s been inflicted on her by her parents. She realizes the life-changing power of her dreams.
Dreams are the doorway to liberation, empowerment and joy because they enable us to see beyond our circumstances. The first step toward changing or escaping from a grim reality is to recognize there is a better world somewhere and to know that we have the right and the ability to flourish in that better world. This is what the esteemed physicist Albert Einstein meant when he said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.”
Even when we are powerless to change our physical surroundings, imagination enables us to endure and even transcend the worst conditions. Clint Eastwood’s new film “Invictus” dramatizes how South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela drew strength during his 27-year political imprisonment by reciting the empowering words of 19th century British poet William Ernest Henley:
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul…
The title of Henley’s poem, “Invictus,” comes from the Latin for “unconquered.” The verses speak of the courage to face the worst outcomes of life – torture and death – without yielding one’s spirit. This is imagination, the power of dreams, at its most powerful.
Dreams are also the driving energy in Disney’s animated family adventure “The Princess and the Frog.” The hard-working heroine, Tiana, pursues her goal of opening an elegant restaurant despite financial hardship, racist real estate agents and even a backfired voodoo curse that turns her into a green, web-footed amphibian. In the end, Tiana achieves more than even she imagined. This Disney fantasy is a glittering homage to the real-life tenacity and odds-defying success of African-Americans which has inspired struggling peoples all over the world.
The life-changing power of dreams is nothing short of extraordinary. But grasping this power can be difficult. So often we fall short of our greatness, or fail to find even simple happiness, because we focus on our perceived limitations and flaws. We concentrate on what is rather than what can be. But, when we lay hold to a greater vision – when we look beyond where and what we are and concentrate instead on what and where we could be – then we find that the wind begins to rise beneath our wings!
So, during this holiday season, into the coming New Year and throughout all of our days and nights – may we all be sustained, inspired and filled with joy by the dreams which empower us all to live “unconquered!”
Thanks for listening. I’m Cameron Turner and that’s my two cents.
THINK! IT AIN’T ILLEGAL…YET!
Read more “Turner’s Two Cents” on www.UrbanThoughtCollective.com, and www.PasadenaJournal.com. In Los Angeles, watch Cameron Turner on “The Filter with Fred Roggin” selected weeknights at 7:30 on KNBC’s digital companion station, NBC Plus (available on your local cable system).
AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: Visionary playwright David Mamet plays the RACE card on Broadway
By Audrey J. Bernard, Lifestyles/Society Editor
*RACE, the exigent new play written and directed by acclaimed and award-winning playwright David Mamet officially opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (located at 243 West 47th Street) on Sunday, December 6, 2009 to a star-studded audience. Like it or not, the controversial RACE -- about black and white issues -- is the most provocative production currently on the Great White Way.
Mamet has a reputation for not being afraid to deal with confrontational issues (Oleanna, Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed the Plow, American Buffalo) and RACE pushes all the buttons on the topic and all things relating thereto, i.e., shame, guilt, lies, sex, etc.
The thought-provoking play stars David Alan Grier as Henry Brown, Richard Thomas as Charles Strickland, Kerry Washington as Susan and James Spader as Jack Lawson; and understudies Jordan Lage, Ray Anthony Thomas and Afton C. Williamson.
As the curtain opens, two law partners, one Black (Grier) and one White (Spader), together with their young, Black female law clerk (Washington) are candidly discussing whether or not to take the case of a wealthy white man (Thomas) accused of raping a young Black woman.
Elements of Mamet’s captivating take on race are woven throughout the production that will surely anger some theatergoers but garner amen from others. The infamous red sequined dress – prominently showcased in the play’s steamy poster – is the play’s damaging evidence.
Grier and Spader are excellent making Washington’s role convincingly harder to achieve. Her scenes after scene of repetitive questions are made more annoying by her lackluster performance. Thomas’ modest role, albeit short, is fine tuned.
I don’t think that the play’s incendiary issue will change your views – whatever they are – on race but it will incite challenging dialogue. Mamet has the effrontery to do something that most prefer to ignore or sweep under the carpet . . . TALK ABOUT RACE and all of its negative nuances.
On Opening Night, I saw many theatergoers shaking their heads in disbelief (Did he just say that? Did he just go there?) about Mamet’s brutally honest take on race long after the final curtain came down. And I saw others giving the rabble-rousing playwright high fives. In any case, the fast-paced litigiously delightful play is one not to be missed.
RACE reunites Mamet with Tony Award winning scenic designer Santo Loquasto who designed the set for the revival of Glengarry GLen Ross as well as the original American Buffalo.
It will also be a reunion for Mamet and Tony Award winning lighting designer Brian MacDevitt, who recently worked on Speed-The-Plow and American Buffalo. Costumes will be designed by Tony Award nominee Paul Tazewell, whose recent credits include Guys and Dolls, In The Heights and A Raisin the Sun.
RACE will be the fourth Mamet play to play at the Barrymore Theatre (Speed-The-Plow, November, American Buffalo) and will mark the third consecutive season for the Barrymore to be home to a Mamet play (November in the 2007/2008 season, followed by Speed-The-Plow in the 2008/2009 season).
RACE, which is produced by award-winning producers Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel & Steve Traxler, is not for the faint-hearted. The curtain went down on the wisely written and daringly directed play but not on the chatter that guests engaged in on their way over to the post party celebration at the Redeye Grill where the heated conversation continued over convivial drinks and delicious food.
The stellar Opening Night audience who were fired up and ready to take on Mamet’s RACE issues included The Rev. Al Sharpton, Dominique Sharpton, Woody Allen & wife Soon-Yi Previn, Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Williams, Jerry Seinfeld & wife Jessica, Toni Faye, Alec Baldwin, Sam Rockwell, Ed Gordon, Jason Wu, Flo Anthony, Gayle King, Kirby Bumpus, Will Bumpus, Karu Daniels, Isabella Rossellini, Eva Longoria-Parker, Billy Crudup, Wilson Morales, Val Kilmer, Roseanne Barr, George Faison & Mr. “T”, Laurie Metcalf, Barbara Smith & Dan Gasby, Tamara Tunie & Greg Generet, V. Diane Thompson and Jean Habersham Parnell. (Photos by Bruce Glikas/Broadway.com)
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
Today’s ‘Live Better With Willie Jolley’ Tip: The Fourth Day of Christmas – “Share The Gift of Hope!”
Edward Guest wrote, “The true measure of a person is not how did they die but how did they live, not what did they gain, but what did they give. These are the units to measure the worth of a person regardless of birth. These are the questions of which words should devote, these are the answers where you will find hope!” During this time of celebration share the gift of hope. No matter what is going on in your life, you can make it as long as you have hope! Nothing is more pitiful than a person without any hope. This Christmas share the gift of hope!
Visit my website at williejolley.com for a copy of today’s message and make this a great day!
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Dec. 15: Singer Cindy Birdsong (The Supremes) is 70.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Heather Headley's site is where you hear music from her "Audience of One" collection as well as music from her previous albums and videos of her performances. Go here: www.heatherheadley.com
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Dec. 15, 1896: Julia Terry Hammonds invented the apparatus for holding yarn skeins. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
