Freddie Stone simply does not get the historical credit he deserves. But then again, neither does Jimi Hendrix. Then again, according to Eddie Santiago's biography, "Sly: The Lives of Sylvester Stewart and Sly Stone," Hendrix used to be an opening act for Freddie & the Family Stone. Although Hendrix gained more fame, Freddie was no less gifted. In fact, Freddie could sing and play rings around Hendrix. Hendrix never really liked his own voice. According to Santiago, Hendrix tried to recruit Larry Graham and Gregg Errico for The Band of Gypsies. Yet no way could Hendrix have integrated his brand of playing into the super funk rock that Freddie anchored with the Family Stone. If Sly was the head and Larry was the heart, Freddie was clearly the lungs of one of the world's true megagroups. He put the air in the head and the heart of the Family Stone.
I caught Freddie twice in 1971 and one thing was clear from that experience: Freddie would carry Sly when Sly was too distracted by, well, you know. It is amazing how much Freddie and his brother looked and sounded alike in their youth. That is how Freddie could carry Sly's vocal parts. But Freddie's guitar work is some of the best musicianship and 'art' ever created. Sometimes when I listen to Stone cuts, I just check out Freddie's riffs. He had that strange playing style but it was perfect for the groups' formula of super funk/rock. Freddie was the first to 'fuzz-it-up' too. Nobody, let me repeat, nobody put the guitar licks in the soup the way Freddie did. He still does it in his latest disc. And with all the talent that was in the Family Stone, Freddie was efficient in delivering the chops. I could list the songs and licks but I recommend you go back and listen for yourself.
Now I doubt the group will ever get back together before one of the principals dies. A whole lot of stuff went down between Freddie and Larry, Freddie and Sly, Larry and Sly and surely among the other members of the band. Probably humanly impossible for them to bury all those hatchets to make wonderful music for their fans again. But we can long for the day. Sly already stumbled around and gave us some joy over the last year or so. I would be willing to bet, that with the right corporate and management backing, this supergroup could raise the roof and burn the joint down just the way they did it forty years ago. We are hearing that Freddie is playing better than ever too. [Fred's MySpace]
вторник, 30 декабря 2008 г.
By Environment Man
четверг, 25 декабря 2008 г.
By Environment Man
Relax. This is not a complaint, just a casual observation. I recently watched another show about the town in Kansas that was completely destroyed by a Tornado on May 17, 2007 and noticed the basketball team. It featured them winning some type of championship after the gym was rebuilt and there were no black players. This got my interest so I decided to check on the demographics of the town and found that no blacks are listed in the percentages. Greensburg, Kansas is 97% white with the rest being Asians and Hispanics. Of course, according to the 2000 Census, the city has only 1,574 people with 730 households.
I only cover it here because Greensburg is often featured on television as a subject for reality shows as a result of the Greensburg City Council's decision to rebuild the city as a 'green' town. A documentary on its reconstruction, called "Greensburg," has received heavy rotation on the new green network called "Planet Green." So there are no environmental justice issues in Greensburg based on race. No black side of town. No 'soul food' joints. But it sounds like there are plenty of green jobs. And don't forget, Barack Obama's mother was from Kansas. (Wiki)
среда, 24 декабря 2008 г.
If President-Elect Obama is Morris Day, then Reggie Love, left, is Jerome Benton. And if Love is not available then Eugene Kang is there to assist the Commander-In-Chief-Elect. Do they carry the codes. Not yet and probably never will. Do they assist the most powerful chief executive in the world-to-be to be all he can be? Of course. These two personal assistants are confidants to an incoming United States president.
Reggie Love, 26, attended Duke University where he was a wide receiver on the football team and played on the basketball team.
Eugene Kang, 24, is a political activist who ran for the Ann Arbor City Council and lost. Kang, right, was an assistant and adviser to Obama during the campaign.
суббота, 13 декабря 2008 г.
By Holly Wood
Our best guesses of which nominees will win a 2009 Golden Globe award at the 66th Annual event.
BEST PICTURE - COMEDY/MUSICAL - "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
BEST ACTOR - DRAMA - Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
BEST ACTOR - COMEDY/MUSICAL - Javier Bardem, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
BEST ACTRESS - COMEDY/MUSICAL - Meryl Streep, "Mamma Mia"
BEST DIRECTOR - Danny Boyle - "Slumdog Millionaire"
BEST SCREENPLAY - Eric Roth - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM - "Gomorrah"
The Golden Globes are given by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Our best guesses of which nominees will win a 2009 Golden Globe award at the 66th Annual event.
BEST PICTURE - COMEDY/MUSICAL - "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
BEST ACTOR - DRAMA - Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
BEST ACTOR - COMEDY/MUSICAL - Javier Bardem, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
BEST ACTRESS - COMEDY/MUSICAL - Meryl Streep, "Mamma Mia"
BEST DIRECTOR - Danny Boyle - "Slumdog Millionaire"
BEST SCREENPLAY - Eric Roth - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM - "Gomorrah"
The Golden Globes are given by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
пятница, 12 декабря 2008 г.
By Environment Man
The 2008 remake is getting mixed reviews, particularly for leaving out the favorite phrase from the 1951 classic. Yet it has Neo with Gort as a cross between Morpheus and the Sentinels. It has an environmental theme compared to the cold war nuclear holocaust theme of the 20th century film.
It opened at $31 million domestically, taking in $70 million with the international take. With a production budget of $80 million, we would say it is a big hit.
Our favorite 'cool' alien dude, Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, says:
"...if the Earth dies, you die. If you die, the earth survives. I’m a friend to the earth. …I came to save the Earth [woman's response--you came to save the Earth from us].”
The globes were arks collecting species. All except humans. The plan was to wipe the Earth clean of the polluting, Earth-destructive humans. This is deep ecology hoowee.
Genetically Organized Robotic Technology [GORT] did not disappoint. He is a cross between 'old GORT and the Silver Surfer. GORT had nano robotic helpers that eat through anything and everything. Gort morphed into countless locust and they ate through the underground military facility. Then they started eating everything. Nano locust. Klaatu stopped the locust and left. Mankind was worth saving after all.
Of course Keanu as Klaatu did his Jesus routine. He walked on water and raised the dead. With 'GREEN' everywhere these days, I guess Klaatu as savior ain't all bad. 'Gort, Klaatu Barada Nikto.'
By Alan Smithee
Whoever comes out on top after the Christmas Day shootout will be perceived as being the number one box office star for 2009.
Whoever comes out on top after the Christmas Day shootout will be perceived as being the number one box office star for 2009.
It's Will Smith vs Tom Cruise vs. Brad Pitt vs Jim Carey vs Adam Sandler for Christmas 2008. Who will come in first and who will come in fifth in the superstar shootout? Our guess is the listed order except for the Cruise wild card. Do people REALLY want to see an assassination-of-Hitler movie on Christmas? He would have a better chance with Mission Impossible IV.
Will Smith has "7 Pounds." Tom Cruise has "Valkyrie." Brad Pitt has "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Jim Carey has "Yes Man." And Adam Sandler has "Bedtime Stories." WOW. The most interesting ones are "7 Pounds" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." They will also get all of the ladies and men. The two comedies will get the preteens and teens. That does not leave very much for Mr. Cruise. The kids sure aren't going to see a war movie on Christmas Day.
четверг, 11 декабря 2008 г.
By Holly Wood
"News & Notes" has been dropped due to budget cutbacks. We thought Ray Kroc's widow left NPR about $250 million. Let's say right up front that they better leave "Tell Me More" alone or we will get the signs out and circle the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters. It is very disappointing that NPR did not attract the African American audience they have tried to reach for years now with different formats and personalities. "News & Notes" is just the latest casualty. Neither Ed Gordon nor Tavis Smiley attracted an African American audience. Clearly these are talented guys so it must be the formats. Michel Martin is a dynamo and we hope her show will stay on the air.
понедельник, 8 декабря 2008 г.
By Alan Smithee
Live Nation signed Madonna for $120 million. Live Nation signed Jay-Z for $150 million. They signed U-2 for a similar amount excluding recordings. The deals for these megastars are for 10 years and include recorded music sales, concert tours, merchandise sales, Web operations, endorsements and even some entrepreneurial business ventures. Live Nation is headed by promoting wizard Michael Rapino, left, and he is the mastermind behind Live Nation's 360 deals.
But now Michael Rapino has pulled his biggest coup by signing Environment Man for $120 thousand and in an unprecedented move, the deal is for 10 months instead of 10 years. Rapino believes Eman T-shirts alone will generate massive profits for Live Nation. They are banking on the Emeister selling millions of T-shirts and other merchandise. A television show is also in the works on Planet Green called "The Never Ending Adventures of Environment Man." Eman's live show includes caulking guns and solar panels. Of course, the nuclear power plant replica in the live show stage background is sure to generate some controversy on the worldwide tour. There are rumors that it is real and is used to power the electric live show. [TMZ.com, and other unverified sources]
суббота, 29 ноября 2008 г.
By Environment Man
Ed Begley, Jr. is alright with us. Met him before in L.A. and he is cool with the regular people. Good actor. Committed to personal energy and environmental efficiency and effectiveness. He was in Washington, D.c. [but forgot to call us - HQ is there] to work with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association in their "Hunter Fan Look Up" campaign to promote the energy-saving capabilities of ceiling fans and programmable thermostats.
Begley, Jr. biked around the Mall and posed for The Washington Post [Names & Faces Section]. Begley, Jr. has also biked around Chicago, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Columbus, Ohio.(The Washington Post, 11/29/08)
пятница, 28 ноября 2008 г.
By Alan Smithee
Kelly Ripa pulls off her wig each morning and shuttles from the "Live With Regis & Kelly" show in New York to Washington, D.C. to transform into White House Press Secretary Dana Perino. It is amazing what they can do with makeup these days. But not much needs to be done with these two, er one. They could easily be twin sisters. Yet if you look closely, you can see that Kelly is really Dana.
Regis Philbin brilliantly pulled this off without anyone noticing except AAEA-Hollywood. Those who know us know we are always on the cutting edge of research. This 'find' is one of our biggest coups. Why hasn't anyone else noticed this? All of Hollywood and the New York elites missed it. Now the paparazzi will be stalking the show to try to catch Dana in her mad dash back to DC. Yet Dana will be leaving the White House soon so maybe 'Reeg' will finally spill the beans. Now don't go thinking that 'Reeg' is really George Bush.
вторник, 25 ноября 2008 г.
By Alan Smithee
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is talking strike when a depression is about to hit Hollywood. Haven't they noticed that even Sumner Redstone is pleading with his bankers and will probably get in the government soup line soon with the other Wall Street welfare recipients? Duh.
Clearly this must be coming from the cream of SAG and not the rank and file. For to strike right now is to bust your own union. Then again, the SAG cream did separate itself in the last skirmish with the producers. The rank and file wanted to strike and the cream did not. Sounds like SAG could end up splitting into two separate unions: the Haves and the Have Nots.
Get a clue SAG. Arguing with the captain about the arrangement of the deck chairs when the ship is sinking is futile.
понедельник, 24 ноября 2008 г.
Chicago friend and 49-year old Harvard MBA divorcee Desiree Rogers is the social secretary for President-Elect Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Let's just put it out there now: PLEASE INVITE US TO STATE DINNERS. PLEASE.
Okay. Now that we have that out of the way. When will the media get tired of the 'first black' title? What? "First black to enter the White Hosue today?" "First black to drive the Obamas?" "First black to mow the White House lawn for the Obamas?" "First black to, well, you get the idea. Not that there is anything wrong with identifying race [note our name], but maybe this 'first black' title will be road kill pretty soon once it has been run over enough times.
Anyway, back to Ms. Rogers. This beautiful, smart and dynamic woman will be an asset to the White House and to Washington, D.C. We hope she will creatively mix locals with other people from all over the country and from all around the world.
пятница, 24 октября 2008 г.
It is being reported that Terrence Howard has been unceremoniously dumped from "Iron Man 2." Howard must have pissed somebody off because he says in published reports that he already had a contract for "2." Howard told National Public Radio that it wasn't about money. Will Howard sue? Doubtful. He wants to work and suing studios, particularly big powerful ones, can get you black balled.
Looks like Howard's bad luck, or personality clash with somebody, is Don Cheadle's good luck. Clearly somebody is 'putting Howard in his place.' Everybody was looking forward to Howard donning the suit too. We bet that is the rub. They must have kept Howard out of the suit and Howard probably fought for it and the producers decided to replace him. So if Cheadle is not in the suit in "2" then we will have our answer.
вторник, 21 октября 2008 г.
CNN is premiering a new, "unconventional" weekend show hosted by comedian D.L. Hughley called "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News," which will feature Hughley's humorous take on the week's events. The show is set to start airing on Saturdays at 10 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 25 and will feature Hughley and guests discussing on politics, entertainment, sports and pop culture. Hmmmm. Although other news services are comparing this show to Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report," we believe it is a response to Comedy Central's new David Alan Grier Show, "Chocolate News."
David Alan Grier of "In Living Colour" fame has a new show called, "Chocolate News" that is a black, tongue-in-cheek program similar to "Dateline." Look at the similiarities in description: Grier's show is described by IMDb as, "A magazine-show parody hosted by comedian David Alan Grier covering urban pop culture topics." It too debuted in October. Of course Hughley has been quoted as saying that his show will be more like the late-night talk shows of Jay Leno and David Letterman.
David Alan Grier of "In Living Colour" fame has a new show called, "Chocolate News" that is a black, tongue-in-cheek program similar to "Dateline." Look at the similiarities in description: Grier's show is described by IMDb as, "A magazine-show parody hosted by comedian David Alan Grier covering urban pop culture topics." It too debuted in October. Of course Hughley has been quoted as saying that his show will be more like the late-night talk shows of Jay Leno and David Letterman.
Well we love the competition. Let's call this new littering of talk shows with more black faces The Obama Effect (TOE). Better hope Obama wins, or they could disappear just as fast as they appeared. Just don't forget to have us on when discussing energy and environment.
понедельник, 20 октября 2008 г.
Legendary Motown Records lead singer of the Four Tops, Levi Stubbs, left, died Oct 17 at his home in Detroit, Michigan due to complication from a stroke. He was 72 years old. Although most people probably do not remember what he looks like because he blended into the group [never a Levi Stubbs & The Four Tops], everybody in America knows his distinctive voice. And everybody knows their hit songs:
"Bernadette"
"Baby I Need Your Loving"
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)"
"It's the Same Old Song"
"Reach Out, I'll Be There"
"Standing In The Shadows of Love"
"Ain't No Woman Like The ONe I Got"
"When She Was My Girl"
Mr. Stubbs also played the man-eating plant in the 1986 version of "Little Shop of Horrors."
пятница, 17 октября 2008 г.
By Alan Smithee.
I guess I am ambivalent about America.
In reality.
Does America love me?
I think not.
Do I really care?
Yes I do.
Does America care whether I love her or not?
I don't know.
But sometimes she shows signs of wanting my affection.
Or at least my loyalty.
I don't know.
Doesn't sound like a marriage made in Heaven to me.
I guess I am ambivalent about America.
In reality.
Does America love me?
I think not.
Do I really care?
Yes I do.
Does America care whether I love her or not?
I don't know.
But sometimes she shows signs of wanting my affection.
Or at least my loyalty.
I don't know.
Doesn't sound like a marriage made in Heaven to me.
четверг, 16 октября 2008 г.
By Alan Smithee
I just finished reading "Deconstructing Sammy" by Matt Birkbeck. Sammy has been described as the best entertainer of the 20th Century (Elvis really couldn't dance), but most people don't know that he invested in coal. Although it was a bad investment by a bad business partner, it shows that Sammy was one of the few Blacks, then or now, to invest in America's energy sector.
Birkbeck writes:
I just finished reading "Deconstructing Sammy" by Matt Birkbeck. Sammy has been described as the best entertainer of the 20th Century (Elvis really couldn't dance), but most people don't know that he invested in coal. Although it was a bad investment by a bad business partner, it shows that Sammy was one of the few Blacks, then or now, to invest in America's energy sector.
Birkbeck writes:
"The case was known as Davis v. Commissioner and the court was asked to rule on a previous decision that determined Sammy and Altovise were not entitled to deduct losses from tax shelters they invested in over a five-year span, from 1978 to 1982. As an example of the unworthiness of the investments, the court focused on details of one particular shelter, a limited partnership known as Cannel City Associates. Cannel City planned to lease the rights to approximately three thousand acres of land in Kentucky to mine and sell coal in five or ten pound bags to consumers at fifty cents per pound. A market and economic report offered projections of 9 million tons of coal available in reserves in Kentucky, which would be sold at $200 per ton, which was ten times tha actual market price. There was no explanation in the prospectus for the discrepancy between the consumer price and the expected per ton sale price."Albert "Sonny" Murray, Jr. worked to revive Sammy Davis, Jr.'s estate by settling IRS debts from these types of bad tax shelters. Sonny was the prosecutor who brought down E.F. Hutton and he almost helped Altovise to get back on her feet. Unfortunately she was too broken to fix and Sammy's legacy lingers in oblivion to this day. More on the coal venture:
"Cannel City, said the court, was never a genuine mining operation, with no realistic expectation that the coal could even be dug from the ground, and the lofty market studies predicting millions in revenue were fictitious. The court determined that Cannel City had "no economic substance" and the entire endeavor was a carefully crafted scheme designed to defraud investors, whose money ended up in the account of another shell company, Salem Coal Corporation. By 1983 Sammy and Altovise claimed losses n their tax returns totaling over $2.5 million, which were later denied by the tax court."
пятница, 10 октября 2008 г.
Just when Hollywood really started getting money to make movies from Wall Street, they go broke. Studios were tapping into hedge fund capital as another source of financing films. Now there is probably no money available from Wall Street to finance Hollywood films. Maybe the era of the $100 million dollar production budget for films is over. The CGI companies better find a cheaper way to generate those special effects. Of course, the rich celebrities will not suffer unless they put all of their money in the stock market, but members of the Screen Actors Guild could be at considerable risk of losing the limited increase in benefits they just received. And that could just be the beginning of what they could lose.
The sexopoly of Viacom, Fox, NBC Universal, Time Warner, Sony and Disney are very big companies but they too are subject to the laws of economic downturns. If people stop going to movies, the bottom line of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) will suffer. AMPTP will share that pain with SAG. Although the public mostly hears about foreclosure nightmares, the possible recession/depression has not really gotten into the suburbs. The malls and multiplexes are still humming each weekend, but if things really turn south and the bailout does not work, Hollywood could be negatively affected by the economic downturn. Don't forget, it is the popcorn where the real money is made at the theater.
The first big sign is Hollywood big boy Viacom having trouble. Sumner Redstone controls Viacom, CBS and National Amusements Inc and all are adjusting to the liquidity and credit crunch issues currently rocking America. National Amusements had to sell $400 million of stock in Viacom and CBS to meet debt coverage agreements. Viacom is also expecting diluted earnings-per-share growth for this year. Viacom shares are currently at $16.50 per share and CBS shares closed this week at $8.10.
Some directors are now looking abroad for financing for their films. Stephen Spielberg, Spike Lee and Oliver Stone have all funded recent films with foreign capital. Some of the global group of investors include: Bill Block-QED International , Christopher Mapp-Omnilab Media (Australia), Thomas Sterchi-(Swiss investment millionaire), Albert Yeung & Albert Lee-Emperor Group (Hong Kong), Johnny Hon (Hong Kong venture capitalist), and Victor & Samuel Hadida (France).
(New York Post, 10/11/08) (The Wall Street Journal, 10/11/08)
пятница, 3 октября 2008 г.
Current lead actor William Peterson, who plays Gil Grissom, is leaving "CSI" in January and will be replaced by Laurence Fishburne. Nobody seems to know exactly why Peterson is leaving one of the top-rated shows on television. Although he will be missed, Morpheus on "CSI" should be very interesting.
Laurence Fishburne brings appropriate gravitas to the role. But if Keanu Reeves or Carrie Ann Moss shows up, then we have a problem. Good luck Larry. Las Vegas is lucky to have you.
Laurence Fishburne brings appropriate gravitas to the role. But if Keanu Reeves or Carrie Ann Moss shows up, then we have a problem. Good luck Larry. Las Vegas is lucky to have you.
среда, 1 октября 2008 г.
By Holly Wood
Sheryl Lee Ralph, left, participated as a panelist at Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's Science and Technology Braintrust at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Friday and then went on a stage at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus on 16th Street NW in a one-woman show "Sometimes I Cry" on Saturday. This theatrical production exhorts the public to acknowledge the problem of HIV/AIDS. The actress-turned-activist has toured the work nationally and internationally and she gave a forceful performance in a show subtitled "The Loves, Lives and Losses of Women Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS." Ralph's solo turn is part memoir, part dramatized oral history, part civic and medical harangue, ringing with sermon-like cadences. Standing in front of a screen that relays photographic projections and terse epidemiological statistics, she delves into her subject by way of a bittersweet memory of the 1980s, when she created the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway staging of "Dreamgirls." While she was reveling in her fame, she recalls (an Ebony cover featuring the "Dreamgirls" stars splays across the screen behind her at this point), the AIDS outbreak was gathering force.
She segued between matter-of-factness and anguish, portraying two characters: a 45-year-old entrepreneur who struggles to maintain her dignity as an AIDS-ravaged body fails her, and a 68-year-old grandmother who has trouble comprehending her HIV-positive diagnosis. Some of the evening's most touching moments cropped up in a Q after the show. Ralph gave sympathetic, supportive answers to audience questions.
From The Washington Post Style Section Review
Sheryl Lee Ralph, left, participated as a panelist at Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's Science and Technology Braintrust at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Friday and then went on a stage at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus on 16th Street NW in a one-woman show "Sometimes I Cry" on Saturday. This theatrical production exhorts the public to acknowledge the problem of HIV/AIDS. The actress-turned-activist has toured the work nationally and internationally and she gave a forceful performance in a show subtitled "The Loves, Lives and Losses of Women Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS." Ralph's solo turn is part memoir, part dramatized oral history, part civic and medical harangue, ringing with sermon-like cadences. Standing in front of a screen that relays photographic projections and terse epidemiological statistics, she delves into her subject by way of a bittersweet memory of the 1980s, when she created the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway staging of "Dreamgirls." While she was reveling in her fame, she recalls (an Ebony cover featuring the "Dreamgirls" stars splays across the screen behind her at this point), the AIDS outbreak was gathering force.
She segued between matter-of-factness and anguish, portraying two characters: a 45-year-old entrepreneur who struggles to maintain her dignity as an AIDS-ravaged body fails her, and a 68-year-old grandmother who has trouble comprehending her HIV-positive diagnosis. Some of the evening's most touching moments cropped up in a Q after the show. Ralph gave sympathetic, supportive answers to audience questions.
From The Washington Post Style Section Review
Earlier in the same day, Sheryl participated in a sit-in at the Lincoln Memorial, along with her husband, Pensylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, to bring attention to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the U.S. (The Washington Informer)
понедельник, 29 сентября 2008 г.
According to the HBO website for the show, Rutina Wesley is a classically trained actress who graduated from Julliard, received her BFA from the University of Evansville, attended the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts. She also studied Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts. Now she is playing Tara Thornton on HBO's Sunday night flagship show "True Blood." Tara is a quirky character with a southern accent and plenty of attitude. The show is about vampires trying to mix in with human society. Tara is best friends with Sookie Stackhouse, who can read minds and has a crush on a vampire.
This is the role of a career for Rutina. It is a breakout role that will hopefully lead to even bigger roles. Tara has a huge crush on Sookie's brother but he seems to sleep with every other woman loose woman in town except Tara. The crush goes back to childhood when he helped protect her from her alcoholic mother. Tara also has a one night stand with her bar owner boss. And this by the 3rd episode.
суббота, 27 сентября 2008 г.
By Holly Wood
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson knows how to put on a forum. She sponsored her 16th forum at the 2008 Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Legislative Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. But don't think that she just goes through the motions. Clearly she orchestrated this event like a maestro. Her staff operated like a finely tuned precision team. They produced art. Thank you.
Congresswoman Johnson met the panelists for Breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Grand Cafe at the Grand Hyatt hotel. She got to know each panelist a little by participating in engaging conversation. This was the first conference for some of the panelists and one would have thought that it was the congresswoman's too based on her enthusiam. The buffet breakfast was excellent too. And to top this off she provided exquisite chaffeured transportation for the panelists to the convention center. She made the panelists look like stars.
The theme of the Science and Technology Braintrust was "Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Environment." Congresswoman's Bernice Johnson's statement:
Thank you for attending the 2008 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Science and Technology Braintrust. As a senior member on the House Committee on Science & Technology, I am dedicated to diversifying our domestic workforce in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Exchanging ideas and engaging in a dialogue is essential in recruiting and developing our next generation of STEM professionals. During this year's S&T Braintrust we will examine the next generation of environmental technology.It is my hope that today's discussion will inspire our next generation of scientists to pursue careers in the STEM fields.
Your participation is key for a successful Braintrust. I believe that today's discussions will spark imaginations and leave each of us with a new viewpoint.
The panelists included (in order of presentation):
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Actress and education advocate
Norris McDonald, President, African American Environmentalist Association
Miquela Craytor, Executive Director, Sustainable South Bronx
Miranda Anderson, Director of Corporate Affairs for Sustainability, Wal-Mart
Bob Langert, V.P. of Corporate Social Responsibility, McDonald's
Curtis Etherly, V.P. of Public Affairs, Coca-Cola
- Cynné Simpson - Anchor, ABC7/WJLA-TV - Moderator
Congresswoman Johnson recruited about 40 high school students to attend the forum.
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson knows how to put on a forum. She sponsored her 16th forum at the 2008 Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Legislative Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. But don't think that she just goes through the motions. Clearly she orchestrated this event like a maestro. Her staff operated like a finely tuned precision team. They produced art. Thank you.
Congresswoman Johnson met the panelists for Breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Grand Cafe at the Grand Hyatt hotel. She got to know each panelist a little by participating in engaging conversation. This was the first conference for some of the panelists and one would have thought that it was the congresswoman's too based on her enthusiam. The buffet breakfast was excellent too. And to top this off she provided exquisite chaffeured transportation for the panelists to the convention center. She made the panelists look like stars.
The theme of the Science and Technology Braintrust was "Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Environment." Congresswoman's Bernice Johnson's statement:
Thank you for attending the 2008 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Science and Technology Braintrust. As a senior member on the House Committee on Science & Technology, I am dedicated to diversifying our domestic workforce in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Exchanging ideas and engaging in a dialogue is essential in recruiting and developing our next generation of STEM professionals. During this year's S&T Braintrust we will examine the next generation of environmental technology.It is my hope that today's discussion will inspire our next generation of scientists to pursue careers in the STEM fields.
Your participation is key for a successful Braintrust. I believe that today's discussions will spark imaginations and leave each of us with a new viewpoint.
The panelists included (in order of presentation):
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Actress and education advocate
Norris McDonald, President, African American Environmentalist Association
Miquela Craytor, Executive Director, Sustainable South Bronx
Miranda Anderson, Director of Corporate Affairs for Sustainability, Wal-Mart
Bob Langert, V.P. of Corporate Social Responsibility, McDonald's
Curtis Etherly, V.P. of Public Affairs, Coca-Cola
- Cynné Simpson - Anchor, ABC7/WJLA-TV - Moderator
Congresswoman Johnson recruited about 40 high school students to attend the forum.
They were bright eyed, enthusiastic and asked interesting questions. Sheryl Lee Ralph provided an inspirational message to them and they responded accordingly. They rushed the stage after the presentation to meet her. She was very accomodating and patiently engaged each and every student who approached her. It is also interesting that Ms. Ralph costarred in "The Distinguished Gentleman" with actor Eddie Murphy, which was based in Washington, D.C. with Mr. Murphy playing a congressman.
The forum was well attended with a standing room only packed house. After the forum, the congresswoman's militarily efficient staff herded the panelists back to the limo at the front of the convention center and they were wisked to The Willard Hotel for a fabulous lunch sponsored by Texas Instruments and a presentation on, "Dropouts, Diplomas, and Dollars-U.S. High Schools and the Nation's Economy," by former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise.
All-in-all it was a wonderful event.
AAEA President Norris McDonald pictured with Sheryl Lee Ralph, top and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Jones, bottom.
The forum was well attended with a standing room only packed house. After the forum, the congresswoman's militarily efficient staff herded the panelists back to the limo at the front of the convention center and they were wisked to The Willard Hotel for a fabulous lunch sponsored by Texas Instruments and a presentation on, "Dropouts, Diplomas, and Dollars-U.S. High Schools and the Nation's Economy," by former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise.
All-in-all it was a wonderful event.
AAEA President Norris McDonald pictured with Sheryl Lee Ralph, top and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Jones, bottom.
среда, 24 сентября 2008 г.
David Alan Grier of "In Living Colour" fame has a new show called, "Chocolate News" that is a black, tongue-in-cheek program similar to "Dateline." Think black "The Daily Show" but with news skits. Chocolate News will make its debut on "Comedy Central" in October. (More on Grier)
It is described by IMDb as, "A magazine-show parody hosted by comedian David Alan Grier covering urban pop culture topics."
Don't forget to have us on David.
вторник, 23 сентября 2008 г.
суббота, 20 сентября 2008 г.
By Environment Man I just caught a couple episodes of "Stuff Happens," Bill Nye's new show on "Planet Green." As is his reputation, the shows were very informative and very entertaining. They were informative and entertaining without seeming contrived or overly cute. When you tune in to Nye you do not want to change the channel because you know you are going to learn something from his presentation.
Nye is like Lee Iococca in that as Lee knew how to be an engineer and a pitchman, Bill knows how to be a scientist while being entertaining at the same time. I mean Nye makes learning about wine and chocolate fun. Go for it Nye. We want a show too. We just hope we can be half as entertaining and informative as you.
четверг, 18 сентября 2008 г.
When you go to the Obama Waffles page you get a WARNING:
"This site contains humor, parody, political satire, and a few other forms of speech enjoyed by Americans thanks to the First Amendment. If you're cool with that ENTER HERE. If political satire and humor are not your thing, or if you just need more fiber in your diet, pick your exit: EXIT LEFT/EXIT RIGHT."
They actually sell waffles. They even tell you that if you buy two orders, you get one free. They even have a picture of Michelle Obama asking you to order now..."They're selling like hotcakes."
Well they have a BLOG too. Probably the more attention this gets, the more money they will make.
Hey, let us know what you think?
This is a takeoff on Aunt Jemima pankakes and Uncle Ben's Rice. Well at least they give you a warming.
Well they have a BLOG too. Probably the more attention this gets, the more money they will make.
Hey, let us know what you think?
And check out the video as the creators try to explain themselves:
среда, 17 сентября 2008 г.
By Environment ManGeorge Clinton and the Gangsters of Love All Stars performed a blistering rendition of his new song "Aint That Peculiar," which was popularized by Marvin Gaye in the 1960's on the Sept 17th, 2008 edition of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
El Debarge and Sly Stone perform the song on Dr. Funkenstein's new album, "Gangsters of Love." On the LP, El does El and Sly uses a vocorder in the background. The set was tight though. When George is serious about the music, nobody (with the possible exception of Stone) is tighter. It was the best funk/rock I have heard in a very long time, particularly performed live. They followed with "Higher" by Sly & the Family Stone.
понедельник, 15 сентября 2008 г.
By Environment Man
The NFL rules against celebrating are aimed to prevent and reduce self expression by the African American football players (some whites too). 'Hot dogging' is part of the African American culture. Does it go overboard? Yes? Is it entertaining. Hell yes. So why is the NFL reducing entertainment content in a sport designed to entertain on television and in 80,000-seat stadiums? It is because NFL ownership is not familiar with the black community or black culture. Or they are familiar with it and reject it as being somehow vulgar. But shouldn't a player be allowed to express himself almost any way he wants when he scores a touchdown? Of course he should.
I am going to invoke the 1st Amendment protection for freedom of speech here but I know the NFL owners will bark that they are a private club. Yes but you also have a government monopoly exemption that puts you under federal government guidelines. Plus you are a public accomodation under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If I had some money I would sue. Why does the NFL Players Association let this slide? Probably no blacks in leadership (or who will exercise leadership).
I was moved to write this when New Orleans Saints player Reggie Bush scored against the Washington Native Americans and was penalized 15 yards for pointing his finger at a Washington defender before he entered the endzone. Not only that but then one of the commentators said the player had to "control your emotions a little bit." Huh? In a sport where grown men run full speed into each other? Duh. The Saints went on to lose the game.
The unsportsmanlike conduct rules are listed below:
* Individual players are prohibited from using foreign objects or the football while celebrating. They are also prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground. A celebration shall be deemed excessive or prolonged if a player continues to celebrate after a warning from an official. Previously, players were not prohibited from using props or celebrating on the ground. Reason for the change: Promotes sportsmanship. [New NFL Rules for 2006]
* Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any act contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship. [NFL Digest of Rules #32]
* "Flamboyant" celebrations will be penalized automatically for 15 yards. [2004 NFL Rule Changes and Clarifications]
четверг, 11 сентября 2008 г.
среда, 10 сентября 2008 г.
What does it mean to be Black (better capitalize it)? This issue currently plagues Barack Obama and has been debated in the past regarding O.J. Simpson, Tiger Woods and Michael Jackson, among others. AAEA took this issue to our laboratory and our researchers developed a 'Certification of Black Authencity' so that poeple will have an objective measure.
Please answer the questions below with a 'yes' or a 'no' to describe yourself. If you qualify, we will send you a certificate upon your request with your name on it just like the one shown above with our president's name (click on it to see larger version). It is free. You will have to provide your own frame.
Please answer the questions below with a 'yes' or a 'no' to describe yourself. If you qualify, we will send you a certificate upon your request with your name on it just like the one shown above with our president's name (click on it to see larger version). It is free. You will have to provide your own frame.
1. Articulate
2. Educated
3. Aspire to be middle-class or higher
4. Dress well
5. Pious
6. Polite
7. Neat
8. Organized
9. Generous
10. Kind
If you answered 'yes' to at least 7 of the questions, then you are an Authentic Black. To order your certificate click HERE. Leave your address and the certificate will be mailed to you.
пятница, 5 сентября 2008 г.
By Environment Man
I really want to like Planet Green, but everytime I tune in it seems the same two or three shows are on. The Emeril cooking show seems to always be on. Sometimes I think Planet Green should be called The Cooking Show. No wonder they get the votes on the website. Emeril has the dominant number of episodes. Not that it isn't a good show, but it is just on all the time. The Greensburg shows are on all the time too. I guess 24 hours is a lot of time to fill.
Now I really like Renovation Nation and Supper Club, which is the best show on the network. Of course I like Mario Menounnos "Hollywood Green" show, but whenever Hollywood and green are mixed, it always seems so hypocritical. The celebrities should show us their homes and cars too if they are going to show us their green 'hobbies.' We ain't mad, we're just jealous because the rest of us want riches and fame too. The celebrities [except for Ed Begley, Jr.] just should not act like they are just driving around in a Prius and depending on solar for all of their electricity in their one little hugely expensive retrofitted or constructed 'environmentally friendly' house.
I really wanted to like "Battleground Earth" featuring Ludacris and Tommy Lee. But there was no chemistry between the two principals and the competition just seemed contrived. The conversation stilted. This probably looked really good on paper though. I know I was excited to see how it would work out. It is just that the result ended up seeming to trivialize what are serious energy and environmental issues. I know you were gunning for viewers via the use of celebrities and a boring 'documentary-type' of energy or environment show sends viewers clicking away, but surely these topics can be made interesting and entertaining.
I guess you also know by now we are leading to letting us show what we can do. Oh? We need a major sponsor? No problem. We have one or more. Give us a call. Of course I just saw where you've recruited Bill Nye the Science Guy. Now he always knows how to be educational and entertaining. Good addition. Now add us. Please.
среда, 3 сентября 2008 г.
The tracks on George Clinton's new album, "Gangsters of Love," include P-Funk style versions of George's favorite classic R&B tracks from over the years as well as one original song. Special guests include Carlos Santana, Sly Stone, El DeBarge, Kim Burrell, the RZA (of Wu Tang Clan), Shavon (from System of a Down) , the Red Hot Chili Peppers and P-Funk legends Belita Woods and Gary Shider. This marks the first in a series of special projects for Shanachie Entertainment.
On "Gangsters" Clinton covers Shirley & Lee's "Let the Good Times Roll" with the Chili Peppers, Barry White's "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up," Johnny Ace's "Pledging My Love," Shep & the Heartbreak's "A Thousand Miles Away," Bobby Rydell's "Kissin' Time" and Ruby & the Romantics' "Our Day Will Come." The album includes one new song, "Mathematics of Love" (which features Burrell) and a new take on the Parliaments' "Heart Trouble." Much of the album was produced with longtime Eminem cohort Mark Bass. (Billboard)
On "Gangsters" Clinton covers Shirley & Lee's "Let the Good Times Roll" with the Chili Peppers, Barry White's "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up," Johnny Ace's "Pledging My Love," Shep & the Heartbreak's "A Thousand Miles Away," Bobby Rydell's "Kissin' Time" and Ruby & the Romantics' "Our Day Will Come." The album includes one new song, "Mathematics of Love" (which features Burrell) and a new take on the Parliaments' "Heart Trouble." Much of the album was produced with longtime Eminem cohort Mark Bass. (Billboard)
All Tracks:
"Gypsy Woman (featuring Carlos Santana)"
"Ain't That Peculiar (featuring Sly Stone & El Debarge)"
"Let The Good Times Roll (featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers)"
"Never, Never Gonna Give You Up"
"Pledging My Love"
"A Thousand Miles Away"
"Kissin' Time"
"Our Day Will Come"
"Mathematics of Love (featuring Kim Burrell)"
"Heart Trouble"
"Ain't That Peculiar (featuring Sly Stone & El Debarge)"
"Let The Good Times Roll (featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers)"
"Never, Never Gonna Give You Up"
"Pledging My Love"
"A Thousand Miles Away"
"Kissin' Time"
"Our Day Will Come"
"Mathematics of Love (featuring Kim Burrell)"
"Heart Trouble"
Sly Stone is on the move again. The funk rock fox has teamed with Funkmeister George Clinton and El Debarge for a new song. There is also a new book: "Sly: The Lives of Sylvester Stewart and Sly Stone," by music industry veteran Eddie Santiago. Seems Sylvester Stewart is having quite a time since last year's successful world tour. Come back? He already came back. Now he is back. Or so it appears.
From Eddie Santiago's Blog:
From Eddie Santiago's Blog:
"The first new track from Sly Stone in years is a cover of Marvin Gaye's classic "Ain't That Peculiar" that appears on George Clinton's new album Gangsters of Love. The track features El DeBarge supplying a velvety smooth lead vocal that contrasts sharply with gruff ad-libs by Sly that are relayed through a vocoder - a favorite device of Sly's that he has used on stage in his recent appearances. Like Sly, DeBarge is returning to recording after being sidelined with drug addiction and other problems."Now if only the Magnificient 7 (Sly & the Family Stone) could just check their egos, coordinate their schedules and redeliver the funk rock, the universe would be back in alignment. Having just read Eddie Santiago's book though, I am not encouraged. A lot of mud went down and it is probably humanly impossible for humans to clean those sheets and make music together again.
Sly writes:
“I respect hip-hop,” Stone says. “As a matter of fact, I love hip-hop. Any hip-hop artist should know they don’t have to sample my music; I will participate with any artist, just call me and I’m coming to help. My new nickname is Hip Pop, because somebody has to make people understand(OC Weekly)
that pop music can’t go away; it’s the melodies. At the same time, it’s hip-hop that gives us the beat. We need that beat and we need the melody. So from now on, I’m Hip Pop!”
понедельник, 1 сентября 2008 г.
By Alan Smithee
We all miss the entertainment genius that was Bernie Mac. We are also happy that he left quite a legacy on film. Yet we could not help but notice that virtually none of the white celebrities he worked with attended his memorial service. If you were there and we missed you, please let us know. Although they looked like friends on screen, clearly it must have been part and parcel of the great Hollywood product of illusion. I guess this reflects society in general where whites and blacks work together but, largely, do not befriend each other or otherwise socialize after work.
Yet his black costars were evidently real friends because many of them flew to Chicago to say goodbye to their colleague and to comfort Mac's family and friends. Don Cheadle was there (Ocean's Eleven). Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley (Kings of Comedy), Chris Rock (Head of State), and Samuel L. Jackson (Soul Men) were there.
White costars not at memorial: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon (Ocean's 11,12 & 13), Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Demi Moore (Charlie's Angels), Shia LeBouf (Transformers), and Ashton Kutcher (Guess Who)(Punk'd), among others.
пятница, 29 августа 2008 г.
пятница, 22 августа 2008 г.
By Holly Wood
Sometimes when you see someone for the first time you know right away they are going to be a big star. Think Prince. Madonna. Jimi Hendrix. Well put Selene Luna, pictured at right with Margaret Cho, in that category. And it is not just her small stature that makes me say this. It is the entire package. Selene has acting talent and style. Plus, although she has a political edge, she has a dignity in the face of what could be cruel mockery. This year, Luna is co-starring alongside Margaret Cho in Cho's new VH1 comedy series, The Cho Show. Luna can also be seen in a supporting character role in Lionsgate's 2009 release of My Bloody Valentine 3D feature.
Selene Luna is a one-of-a-kind entertainer with a look and style all her own. At 3'10", Luna is a small package with a very big presence. She is a talented performer with timeless sex appeal that makes her equally viable as a vintage Hollywood glamour girl or a modern music video vixen. She is part burlesque star and part rock and roll queen. Luna is a performer who embodies the eccentricities of 1930's screwball comedies, combining a keen sense of comedic timing with smoldering sensuality. She is a larger than life personality, with a body of work, which is as impressive as it is eclectic. Luna began her career performing among Hollywood's eccentric artist community.
Sometimes when you see someone for the first time you know right away they are going to be a big star. Think Prince. Madonna. Jimi Hendrix. Well put Selene Luna, pictured at right with Margaret Cho, in that category. And it is not just her small stature that makes me say this. It is the entire package. Selene has acting talent and style. Plus, although she has a political edge, she has a dignity in the face of what could be cruel mockery. This year, Luna is co-starring alongside Margaret Cho in Cho's new VH1 comedy series, The Cho Show. Luna can also be seen in a supporting character role in Lionsgate's 2009 release of My Bloody Valentine 3D feature.
Selene Luna is a one-of-a-kind entertainer with a look and style all her own. At 3'10", Luna is a small package with a very big presence. She is a talented performer with timeless sex appeal that makes her equally viable as a vintage Hollywood glamour girl or a modern music video vixen. She is part burlesque star and part rock and roll queen. Luna is a performer who embodies the eccentricities of 1930's screwball comedies, combining a keen sense of comedic timing with smoldering sensuality. She is a larger than life personality, with a body of work, which is as impressive as it is eclectic. Luna began her career performing among Hollywood's eccentric artist community.
четверг, 21 августа 2008 г.
AAEA President Norris McDonald, left, and actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, right, have been invited by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) present testimony at the Science and Technology Braintrust panel on September 26th during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference.
Original DREAMGIRL, Sheryl Lee Ralph is an acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage. Her award winning body of work includes creating and originating the role of Deena Jones on Broadway in the landmark musical Dreamgirls, which earned her both a Tony and Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Actress. After Dreamgirls, Ms. Ralph turned her attention to music, television and film. She scored a top-ten selling dance hit in the mid-eighties and again in the nineties.
Actress, Activist, Social EntrepreneurAward-winning actress, singer, and producer Sheryl Lee Ralph has embraced the role of AIDS activist. In 1990, she founded The Diva Foundation, a national not-for-profit 501C(3) charitable organization as a memorial to the many friends she had lost to HIV/AIDS. Diva Foundation's goal is to focus on generating resources and coordinating activities to create awareness of and combat the pressing issue of HIV/AIDS. The DIVA Foundation utilizes music and entertainment as a vehicle to inform, educate and erase the stigma still attached to this deadly disease. The organization’s first production was Divas Simply Singing, a star-studded, fundraising extravaganza, produced by, and featuring Ms. Ralph and a host of committed Divas, the likes of Chaka Khan, Stacey "Fergie" Ferguson, Miss Nancy Wilson, Loretta Devine, Melissa Manchester and Raven Symone. This annual event has helped raised millions and put the Diva Foundation on the map as one of the pre-eminent AIDS-awareness organizations.
Ralph is a graduate of Rutgers University, and is a member of the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni. She holds the distinct honor of being the first woman to graduate from Rutgers College, a once all-male institution, and an accomplishment she achieved within just three years at the age of nineteen. In 2004, Ms. Ralph was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. because of her steadfast commitment to arts, community and women's well being. Ms. Ralph resides in California with her children and is married to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes.
Original DREAMGIRL, Sheryl Lee Ralph is an acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage. Her award winning body of work includes creating and originating the role of Deena Jones on Broadway in the landmark musical Dreamgirls, which earned her both a Tony and Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Actress. After Dreamgirls, Ms. Ralph turned her attention to music, television and film. She scored a top-ten selling dance hit in the mid-eighties and again in the nineties.
Actress, Activist, Social EntrepreneurAward-winning actress, singer, and producer Sheryl Lee Ralph has embraced the role of AIDS activist. In 1990, she founded The Diva Foundation, a national not-for-profit 501C(3) charitable organization as a memorial to the many friends she had lost to HIV/AIDS. Diva Foundation's goal is to focus on generating resources and coordinating activities to create awareness of and combat the pressing issue of HIV/AIDS. The DIVA Foundation utilizes music and entertainment as a vehicle to inform, educate and erase the stigma still attached to this deadly disease. The organization’s first production was Divas Simply Singing, a star-studded, fundraising extravaganza, produced by, and featuring Ms. Ralph and a host of committed Divas, the likes of Chaka Khan, Stacey "Fergie" Ferguson, Miss Nancy Wilson, Loretta Devine, Melissa Manchester and Raven Symone. This annual event has helped raised millions and put the Diva Foundation on the map as one of the pre-eminent AIDS-awareness organizations.
Ralph is a graduate of Rutgers University, and is a member of the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni. She holds the distinct honor of being the first woman to graduate from Rutgers College, a once all-male institution, and an accomplishment she achieved within just three years at the age of nineteen. In 2004, Ms. Ralph was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. because of her steadfast commitment to arts, community and women's well being. Ms. Ralph resides in California with her children and is married to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes.
понедельник, 18 августа 2008 г.
By Environment Man
There is a new angry evil black woman America might come to love to hate. It is Kim 'Poprah' on Diddy's new show, "I Want to Work For Diddy." She is morbidly obese and has a sword-like tongue. She is smart as a whip and a cutthroat businesswoman. She would clearly be the best assistant for Diddy. She will have to drop some weight though. If for no other reason than her health.
She has so far outmaneuvered the other reality cast mates with cunning and trickery. She has baited and switched and bamboozled her competitors with vigor. On one show it was debated as to whether she faked and asthma attack to get out of hiking through the wooods. She might have induced the attack but the wheezing and coughing were real. I am an asthmatic. I know. She actually beat a guy who was in the military who had map and outback experience. He got the compass and map directions wrong.
Kim is narcissistic to the point of delusion. She has compared herself to Jesus and Martin Luther King, Jr. But you can tell that she is super sharp. Super aggressive too. She has that snarky self confidence that Omarosa has too. And the take-no-prisoners style. She snaps at people. She is mean. Yet she cries during the decision making process. Then in the 'after' comments brags that it is all an act. Watch out Omarosa. You have competition.
There is a new angry evil black woman America might come to love to hate. It is Kim 'Poprah' on Diddy's new show, "I Want to Work For Diddy." She is morbidly obese and has a sword-like tongue. She is smart as a whip and a cutthroat businesswoman. She would clearly be the best assistant for Diddy. She will have to drop some weight though. If for no other reason than her health.
She has so far outmaneuvered the other reality cast mates with cunning and trickery. She has baited and switched and bamboozled her competitors with vigor. On one show it was debated as to whether she faked and asthma attack to get out of hiking through the wooods. She might have induced the attack but the wheezing and coughing were real. I am an asthmatic. I know. She actually beat a guy who was in the military who had map and outback experience. He got the compass and map directions wrong.
Kim is narcissistic to the point of delusion. She has compared herself to Jesus and Martin Luther King, Jr. But you can tell that she is super sharp. Super aggressive too. She has that snarky self confidence that Omarosa has too. And the take-no-prisoners style. She snaps at people. She is mean. Yet she cries during the decision making process. Then in the 'after' comments brags that it is all an act. Watch out Omarosa. You have competition.
"Tropic Thunder" opened at number one with $25.8 million for the weekend and $37 million including the Wednesday opening. Everybody was waiting to see Robert Downey, Jr.'s performance as a black man. Evidently he pulled it off. No big outcries. In fact, most blacks seem to be enjoying the role and the humor. Kudos to Downey, Jr for his brilliant performance and Stiller for having the knowledge and sensitivity to pull it off. Clearly Ben Stiller 'gets' black people.
You absolutely forget that Robert Downey, Jr. is Lazarus. Or you look for Robert Downey, Jr. in Lazarus. The oveall satire, the actions of every character and the send up of action movies and stars are so over the top that you know going in not to take anything in this movie too seriously. It starts with the scene when Lazarus is overacting and so is Stiller in the scene where Stiller's hands had been blown off by a grenade. Yet Stiller's character, Tugg Speedman, was shot several hundred times in an earlier scene.
The implications of the Lazarus character are interesting when juxtaposed to Spike Lee's upcoming movie, "Miracle at St. Anna," whereby black soldiers who were overlooked in World War II movies are featured. Both movies will hopefully get Hollywood to be more balanced in including, or at least not excluding, blacks in roles where they should be included to accurately reflect events. Not only can blacks be included in dramas, but also send ups that do not spill over into stereotypically racist images. The movie "Caddie Shack" was ruined by having the black guy in the small boat 'bug' his eyes when Rodney Dangerfield's huge yacht was coming towards him.
Brandon T. Jackson, left in photo, is an up and coming actor who was kind of discovered by Chris Tucker. He adds legitimacy to the movie "Tropic Thunder" because the blackface Robert Downey, Jr. role would have been harder for blacks to accept without another black in the movie. Props to Ben Stiller for knowing this. We hope Brandon will 'handle' any criticisms directed at the movie because it is a very funny movie. And Downey, Jr's performance is the most memorable in the movie. Others should not go thinking that anybody can pull this off in any movie. It has to be in the right context or it will just come off as racist.Brandon's character Alpa Chino is a hip-hop star looking for crossover fame. See the Robert X. Golphin, of ReelBlack TV, interview with Brandon in the video below.
Spike Lee's new movie, "Miracle at St. Anna," will give black soldiers in World War II the starring roles that are missing in other Hollywood films about that epic conflict. History books and documentary films seem to have missed the service of these black heroes too. AAEA also still experiences this type of blackout even to this day. The movie is based on James McBride's 2002 novel of the same name and chronicles the story of Joseph Stephenson, who fought in the all black 92nd Infantry Division.
There were no blacks in "Saving Private Ryan"--[maybe Vin Diesel, but he seems ambivalent], "Flags of Our Fathers," "Letters From Iwo Jima," "The Thin Red Line," "From Here to Eternity," and many other films. A few other films have featured blacks in integrated casts. And of course, now you have a white man, Robert Downey, Jr., playing a black man in the satire on Hollywood war movies, "Tropic Thunder." Of course, they also have other blacks in this funny film.
Unfortunately, when our society thinks World War II, they do not picture any blacks participating. The reality is that many blacks served in that war. They also dealt with the racism waiting for them when they got back to America. Spike Lee recently goosed Clint Eastwood for not including blacks in his two war films. Needlessly to say, Clint fired back. Clint has produced films starring blacks, including "The Charlie Parker Story" starring Forest Whitaker.
Many in America continue with the insanity of purposefully excluding blacks from history making events and activities. This speaks to the continued need for black operated and owned institutions, because if not for Spike Lee, it appears that no white person would tell this story. But with the insanity that permeates American society, even when a white person does step forward, as Steven Spielberg did with "The Color Purple," blacks complain about the white director. The same thing happened with the movie "Malcolm X," where the white director was eventually replaced by Spike Lee. Racism is a whacky confounding variable in normal activities and an incredible inefficiency in the American system.
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