Quantcast
Channel: Black Entertainment, Money, Style and Beauty Blogs - Black Voices
Viewing all 4256 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

Acting Up: Teyana Taylor Makes Her Movie Debut

September 22, 2010, 3:10 am
$
0
0

Filed under: , ,

Acting Up: Teyana Taylor Makes Her Movie Debut
Teyana Taylor is a singer/rapper/choreographer/dancer that's best known for her single 'Google Me' released on Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment label in 2008, but now the über-socialite, who rose to stardom after being introduced on MTV's 'My Super Sweet 16' in 2007, is adding actress to her long list of titles.

The 19-year-old personality makes her acting debut in the Rain Forest Films/Sony straight-to-DVD feature, 'Stomp the Yard: Homecoming' alongside Pooch Hall, Collins Pennie, Tika Sumpter, Keith David, Stephen "tWitch" Boss and Kiely Williams.

(Read: 'Teyana Taylor: 'Google Me' Girl Joins Stomp The Yard Cast')

BV Buzz caught up with the Harlem-bred star in Atlanta where we talked about all things Teyana!

How does it feel to add "actor" to the long list of titles you already have?

It feels great, man. My character, Rena that I play is so similar to me so it's good that I can bring out the fun side and bring out the swag. I'm pretty excited. HopefTeyana Taylorully, I'll get a lot of offers and get to the point where I don't even have to audition all the time and they can just say, 'we want Teyana Taylor for the part.' I ain't there yet, but I'm very excited and want to do some more stuff. I want to start playing some characters that are very opposite of me so that I can start showing my talent.

How was it getting adapted to life on the set and meeting your cast and crew?

My cast is great. Working with Rob Hardy and Will Packer- they are so cool and it doesn't get any better than that. They are so cool and down to earth that they make you feel when you come to the movie set you're coming home and that makes you want to do your job even more. The people around me have just been so amazing. The cast could have been cocky, but we all vibe out and our chemistry is just so crazy.

This movie shows life in college, though you haven't been yet. Is it giving you a foretaste of what's to come?

It feels great because I just graduated high school [not too long ago]. I can't really go to college right now because I'm singing, but I am gonna go. I want to go to Clark Atlanta University and it feels good to have that early start of how college feels so when I do go it will be just as exciting.

Tell me about your music. It's been a long time in the making.

Musically, I've just been putting a lot out on the Internet because that is where the majority of my fans are. You can't go wrong with the Internet so I've been putting out a lot of music on the Internet. I am launching my lip gloss line, which is called Dope Lips. I'm very excited and I have a lot going on. I have been writing and I'm about to start working with a lot of great people.

Teyana Taylor & Tika Sumpter in 'Stomp the Yard: Homecoming'
Are you still signed to Pharrell's music label?

Musically, I am still working with Star Trek/Interscope. I have just been recording some stuff while I've been in the studio and just creating new stuff on the side.

You got this crew you roll with and you guys love to compete to see who has the best abs.

Me, Omarion, Chris [Brown] and Bow Wow have always been close. After the whole Chris and Rihanna situation, it really brought our circle closer and it showed that we were really his friends and really there for him. Everything happens for a reason and it definitely brought us a lot closer.

Everyone is trying to figure out how you became a socialite. Is your daddy rich? Are you some trust fund baby? Explain it to me.

Daddy doesn't have money; daddy has a lot of kids! Mommy works hard and daughter works hard. You see what I'm doing? We work hard and hard work pays off! It's definitely not a daddy thing.

Omarion, Teyana Taylor, Chris Brown & another friend show off abs
You've become known as a trendsetter for your unique style and fashion forward wardrobe choices, where do you draw inspiration for that?

It's weird because my style has always been kinda natural for me. I used to not wear anything but black. If it wasn't black, I wasn't wearing it. My mom told me that I was such a biker chick. I have a picture from when I was like four and I had on some black Ray-Bans with my black motorcycle jacket and black spandex that looked like jeans because they were so big and I was so little. I had the black 5411's and a black v-neck and I was murdering it. I've been doing the fashion thing and my mom is a little fashionista herself and she styles as well. Growing up around her and her dope fashion sense just rubbed off on me.

*****

'Stomp the Yard: The Homecoming' is available starting today in a Blu-ray and DVD combo pack.

*****


 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
Search

Jesse Jackson Jr. Rocked By Blagojevich, Personal Disclosures

September 22, 2010, 3:43 am
$
0
0

Filed under: , ,

Jesse Jackson Jr., Giovana Huidobro: Alleged Mistress of Jesse Jackson, Jr

I know it seems like 50 years ago, but remember the Illinois governor with the big hair and unpronounceable name (Rod Blagojevich) who tried to sell President Barack Obama's old Senate seat to the highest bidder? OK, well, in the investigation of that whole hot mess, a certain Congressman's name came up in connection with the purchase of that Senate seat: Jesse Jackson Jr.

The Sun Times reported that in 2009 Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. asked a political fund-raiser to offer then-Gov. Blagojevich $6-million dollars in exchange for an appointment to President Barack Obama's former Senate seat.

But that isn't even the juicy part. Political corruption in Chicago is old hand.

The kicker is that Jackson ALSO had the fund-raiser pay for two airline trips for a blond "social acquaintance," according to federal authorities. She is pictured below:


Giovana Huidobro, Jesse Jackson Jr.



JESSE JACKSON JR. HAD AN EXTRA-MARITAL AFFAIR WITH THE LADY IN THE ABOVE PHOTO.

Ok, let's just let that sink in for a moment.

According to the Sun-Times, the blond "social acquaintance" is a Washington, D.C., restaurant hostess named Giovana Huidobro whom Jackson Jr. allegedly flew from D.C. to Chicago multiple times. On two occasions, Jackson had Nayak pay for her flights from D.C. to Chicago, on other occasions, Jackson Jr. reimbursed her for her travel between the city.

None of the trips show up on Jackson Jr.'s congressional expense reports, but it's unclear if there is any ethical lapse. Nayak produced credit card receipts, showing that he paid for two flights for Huidobro to travel to Chicago, according to the Sun-Times.

Jesse Jackson Jr. doesn't deny involvement:

"The reference to a social acquaintance is a personal and private matter between me and my wife that was handled some time ago." Jackson Jr. said in a statement. "I ask that you respect our privacy."

Are you serious, Jesse?

Jackson Jr.'s wife serves as alderman for the 7th Ward on Chicago's City Council and was rumored to be eyeing the Chicago mayoral race. This pretty much puts the kibosh on that.

This is so pathetic. Has no one learned from Tiger Woods?

Side pieces will take you down every time.

Good job, Jesse. I guess he gets it from his daddy.


 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
↧

New Yorkers for Children Fall Gala Red-Carpet Round Up

September 22, 2010, 4:00 am
$
0
0

Filed under: , , ,

The stars came out to shine at last night's annual New Yorkers for Children Fall Gala at Cipriani 42. The gala -- one of the biggest charity events in New York -- attracted celebrity philanthropists such as New York Giants Keith Bullock, founder of the Keith Bullock Believe and Achieve Foundation.

Also in attendance was Kanye West, Selita Ebanks, Veronica Webb, Rachel Roy and Estelle, who served as the guest performer. We were happy to see some of our favorite celebs dressed to the nines. Here's a rundown of last night's red carpet.

Selita Ebanks looked stunning in a charcoal gray gown that hugged her in all the right places. She kept her accessory game simple, pairing the look with matching looped earrings and a few over-sized rings.
Estelle opted for a shorter dress with zebra-esque stripes. She paired the chic look with an over-sized clutch and black suede booties.

Kanye West looked dapper in a black tux and black bow-tie. Of course, his look could not be complete without a pair of stunna-shades.
Veronica Webb hit the red carpet in a simple strapless purple gown. The former model could have definitely jazzed up the look with some eye catching jewelry. Rachel Roy was all about layers. The designer chose a three-piece outfit which was less than flattering. A long gown would have suited her better than a blazer, shirt and skirt.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

Newark schoolyard slaying suspect admits he pulled the trigger

September 22, 2010, 4:02 am
$
0
0

Filed under: , ,

Newark schoolyard slaying suspect admits he pulled the trigger

Finally, the cloud of senseless murder and mayhem that covered Newark for the past three years has lifted with a guilty plea from a suspect in the 2007 schoolyard killing case.

Melvin Jovel, 21, a native of Honduras, admitted his guilt in the execution-style killing of three college students in a Newark schoolyard.

The plea means no more suspicions about why the victims were at the school or the nagging possibility that some of the men charged were actually innocent of the crime.

Now it's just a matter of dotting the I's and crossing the T's on a few legal documents and locking away these perpetrators for the rest of their lives for the senseless and brutal murders of Iofemi Hightower, Dashon Harvey and Terrance Aeriel (pictured below).

Newark schoolyard slaying suspect admits he pulled the trigger

The lone survivor of the attack, Natasha Aeriel, bravely testified at the trial of the first defendant, Rodolfo Godinez (pictured below), who was convicted and sentenced to 243 years in prison. Natasha Aeriel's chilling eyewitness account of the slaying was key to the conviction of Godinez, who proclaimed his innocence.

Newark schoolyard slaying suspect admits he pulled the trigger

Thankfully, the case of Jovel was much different.

In a nonchalant style, Jovel told the court in Spanish how he and others lined the victims up against the wall. He said he shot each one in the head once before confronting Natasha Aeriel a few yards away. She was shot and sexually assaulted but survived to graduate from Delaware State University.

Asked why he shot the four friends, Jovel responded, "To kill them."

Jovel, who grew up in Newark and was a classmate of some of the victims, faces 214 years in prison at his November sentencing.

Jovel is in the country legally but is not a U.S. citizen.

Six people have been charged in the murders, and authorities aren't sure how Jovel's admission will affect the trials of the other four defendants who all have ties to the violent Central American street gang MS-13.

For a time during the early chapters of the investigation, questions were raised as to why the victims were at the school. Some even theorized they were taking part in a gang initiation with their killers.

Now all of those faulty theories can be put to rest, and the families of the slain don't have to endure another trial to hear how their loved ones suffered at the hands of the murderers.

Nothing will bring back the victims but at least a small part of justice will be done.

　

　

　

　



 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

Glenn Beck Mock's Michelle Obama's Healthy Foods Campaign

September 22, 2010, 5:46 am
$
0
0

Filed under: , , ,

At a "Right Nation" event held in Chicago, "The Great" Glenn Beck felt the need to mock First Lady Michelle Obama. This time, the source of his frustration involved carrot sticks and her healthy food campaign. Noting that Michelle Obama has been encouraging Americans and children to eat healthier snacks, like apples and carrots, Beck had this to say:

"Get away from my french fries, Mrs. Obama. First politician that comes up to me with a carrot stick, I've got a place for it. And it's not in my tummy."

Beck is on the chubby side, so I can see why he'd be offended by health food. He's also on the racist side, which is why he might also be offended by a powerful, intelligent African American woman. But Beck has a power of his own that must be acknowledged. He has lifted himself as the face and voice of the Tea Party and is now one of the leading Republicans in America. People take him more seriously than Rush Limbaugh, since he is now perceived to be as much of a political figure as an entertainer. Don't be surprised if he runs for office one day.

The Obamas are handling Beck in the right way, they simply ignore him. Beck is the kind of beast who feeds on your anger, like a fire feeds on grease and oxygen. The more you are annoyed by him, the more he does to try to irritate you. He's like the poison ivy on your leg that you want to scratch. As you scratch to reduce the discomfort, the poison only spreads to the rest of your body.

We know that the world needs Michelle Obama's initiative on healthy eating and childhood obesity. Our kids have been turned into chubby little Xbox addicts who can't spell the word "NBA." Part of me feels sorry for Michelle, for I truly believe she was meant to be more than Barack's wife. I do expect, however, that she will one day elevate to a position of independent political power that doesn't require her to sit and smile next to the man in charge.

By the time Michelle does take power, Glenn Beck will probably be gone from the public eye. As powerful as Beck might be, he is similar to some of the people who gained prominence during the nation's backlash against George W. Bush. He is a product of our nation's lynch mob mentality and once white males stop feeling marginalized, Beck will find that his audience is not nearly as enegetic. At the very least, if Republicans regain power and our nation is still headed in the wrong direction, neither Beck nor his Tea Party Minions will have Barack Obama around as a scapegoat.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
↧

Roy Wood Jr: 'Last Comic Standing' Finalist Takes the Buzz Blitz

September 22, 2010, 6:15 am
$
0
0

Filed under: , ,

Roy Wood Jr: 'Last Comic Standing' Finalist Takes the Buzz Blitz
Birmingham, Ala.-bred comedian Roy Wood Jr. was a finalist on this season's 'Last Comic Standing' on NBC.

The 31-year-old comic, who has been doing standup for 12 years, has appeared on shows like 'Russell Simmon's Def Comedy Jam,' 'Chelsea Lately,' 'Late Show with David Letterman,' 'The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,' 'Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen,' and Comedy Central's 'Premium Blend.'

Known for his hilarious prank phone calls, Wood's audio can be heard on over 40 national radio shows, including Jamie Foxx's Foxxhole Radio on Sirius|XM Satellite Radio.

BV Buzz caught up with Woods, who is currently on the 'Last Comic Standing' 60-city tour, and had him take our Buzz Blitz.

*****

WhWanda Sykeso is your favorite female comedienne and why?

Wanda Sykes is untouchable to me right now in her analysis of society. Wanda is fun to watch. Adele Givens is the most fun to work with. I actually look forward to working with her. She respects you as an equal. She's one of the few black comics from the old school that doesn't treat new guys like dirt. She's quick to pull you aside and give you a little advice as well. Sheryl Underwood as well.

Name a common food that people would be surprised that you don't like.

I hate just about all melons: honeydew, cantaloupe and mangos. I can tolerate watermelon if it's really cold and really firm. To this day I can't eat a fruit salad if there are melons in it. It all feels like a slimy snot covered glob of mush. I can't even pick around melons in a fruit salad to get to the grapes. The grapes are contaminated with the slime. I don't even want melons loose on my breCrunch N Munchakfast plate. The melon juice always touches my bacon. I don't want melon-favored bacon. Sorry, kind of got on a tangent there.

What three things would you take to an island with you if you were on 'Survivor?'

A box of Crunch n Munch. A PlayStation 3, but I'm not sure where I'd plug it up at. A gallon of southern style sweet tea.

If you could prank call anyone and get away with it, who would you chose and why?

I don't get to prank call many celebs and the ones I haDiddyve pranked usually don't give me the permission to release the call. George Bush or Glenn Beck would be nice, but Puff Daddy would be the easiest. There's enough people that have beef with him for one reason or another so I'm sure he already gets phone calls with people cursing at him, so me doing my pranks on him would fit right in.

You're about to get into a fight and can call any celebrity to have your back. Who would you chose and why?

Mike Tyson. Do I really need to explain why? [Insert bite joke here] LOL

Finish this sentence: "Best way to piss me off is to..."

Talk bad about my city (Birmingham, AL) in my presence. Or steal my jokes, blogs, or prank calls and present them as your own. Here's an examChris Rockple, 'Balls of Lint on My Scrotum - An Open Letter to Rippa.'

Chris Rock, Paul Mooney and Kat Williams are performing comedy concerts at the same time and you can only go to one. Which one would you chose and why?

Chris Rock. It's not a knock on Mooney or Williams, but Chris Rock is the comic I grew up with. Mooney's been doing it longer than either of them, but unfortunately Rock's stand-up was more commercially viable to me in the late 90's. When I started in 1998, Chris Rock's 'Bring the Pain' special was like Comedy: 101 to me. Still is! I've also had more access to Chris. About five years ago I saw Rock come through Birmingham and comfortably work through two hours of new material, trying to whittle it down to the hour of material that would ultimately be his 'Never Scared' stand-up special. After having witnessed his process of developing his act it only made me admire his work that much more.

*****
Roy Wood Jr
For more information on Roy Wood Jr., visit him online at www.roywoodjr.com.

*****

For related stories, read also: 'Comic Rodney Perry Takes the Buzz Blitz'

& 'Rickey Smiley: Raising 10 Kids Is No Laughing Matter.'

*****


VIDEO: Watch Roy Wood Jr on 'Last Comic Standing.'




 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

African Americans Reported to be 'Happier' Despite Economic Hardship: Is it Because of 'Disappointing' Black President?

September 22, 2010, 6:20 am
$
0
0

Filed under: ,

Living vicariously through someone else's success makes many people happy. We cheer for our favorite teams and celebrate when they come through with a win in the clutch. We take pride as a race in watching other black people rise to the top of professions like academics, science and entertainment. I've even seen two brothers come to blows over whether Jay-Z or 50 Cent made more money in a 2008. Again, by-proxy success is a very real thing.

Still, I wonder if watching someone else succeed from a distance really has any lasting psychological effect on our overall happiness. A new study seems to suggest it does -- especially considering noted gains in happiness for African Americans over recent decades. The New York Times reports:

Set aside some prominent success stories, like the current occupant of the White House, and the last few decades have not been great ones for African-American progress.

But now a new study has found that there is one big realm in which black Americans have made major progress: happiness. The happiness gains for black women have been a bit bigger than for black men, who are still more satisfied than they were in the 1970s, but less so than a decade ago.

The share of blacks saying they are not too happy has dropped noticeably, to about 20 percent in surveys over the last decade, from 24 percent in the 1970s. [Researchers] call the changes to blacks' answers, "one of the most dramatic gains in the happiness data that you'll see."

The new study is part of a deluge of happiness research by economists, who are discovering what the rest of us have long known: money isn't everything.

Read the rest on The New York Times: For Blacks, Progress in Happiness

This "study" doesn't draw any solid conclusions for these "all-time high" happiness ratings for black folks, but just below the surface is the assertion that the election of a black President is a contributing factor -- otherwise, why bring Obama up? With black unemployment in the high teens, and a President who's increasingly squeamish about any issue related to race (just as Shirley Sherrod), you sorta wonder if this perceived bump in happiness is really because of who's occupying 1600 Penn. Ave., or is merely a media creation.

Related:
+Black Woman Tells Obama, 'I'm Exhausted of Defending You & Disappointed': Should We All Be?
+Studies on Gender, Wealth & Happiness Don't Scratch the Surface of Economic Impact on Blacks

On the other hand, increased salaries and wealth (because of increased opportunities) certainly would be contributing factors in the perceived increase in black happiness, but I wonder just how much. Study after study over the years has proven that once you eclipse the $75,000 a year mark your overall happiness is a wash. Simply put, money doesn't seem to make your life any better once it's no longer really a factor.

I personally don't know what to make of all this. While November 4th, 2008 was a great day in the annals of black history, Obama's election hasn't necessarily made my life dramatically better or worse and a well-paying corporate gig sure didn't signal the end of my money woes. Happiness is ultimately about being around folks whom you love and who love you back, money or President aside.

Then again, that's just me. What do you think?

Questions: How do you explain the results of this study? Did the election of President Obama make you happier overall? What salary would make you content? Are YOU 'happier'?

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

500-Pound Teen Dies in Fire, Too Fat for Rescuers to Lift

September 22, 2010, 6:29 am
$
0
0

Filed under:

Teen Dies in Fire; Too Fat for Rescuers to LiftWhether it's Michelle Obama's health initiatives or programs to make school lunches more healthy, there has been an increasing focus on America's increasing waistline and obesity epidemic.

However, a suburban community is realizing that there are even more consequences to being overweight than simply high blood pressure and diabetes.

According to WREX in Rockford, Ill., a fire began in a one-story home just before 4:00 a.m. Monday. The two parents, Joe and Delores Herron, escaped, but when firefighters arrived, their daughter and two foster sons, ages 10 and 11, were still trapped inside.

Firefighters were able to get the 2 boys out through the window, but firefighters could not lift Jamaya through.

Investigators say she weighed more than 500 pounds.


Winnebago County Coroner Sue Fiduccia said, "That [the weight] did hamper the fire department and fire rescuers from taking her out a window. They did have to bring her out the door and in doing that, two firefighters we're actually injured."

By then, it was too late for Jamaya.

The daughter of a pastor and a singer at the church died at the scene. Fire Chief Derek Bergsten, stated:

"They gave 110 percent, did their best and sometimes we're not able to save everyone, but we were able to get two individuals out of that structure alive."

Investigators say Jamaya died from breathing smoke. There will be an autopsy later this week.

Fannie Barbee, a relative of the family, says, "She was very faithful in the church. Whenever I go over there, she was a really nice person."

This is just one example of the impact obesity is having on more and more aspects of American society. It is no longer about vanity. In addition to health consequences, there are consequences with regard to public safety. It is the community's and the parent's responsibility to make sure that we don't have 500 lb teenagers. This young woman's death is unfortunate and preventable and likely so was her obesity.


 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
Search

First Lady 'Hell': So What If Michelle Obama Hates Her Job?

September 22, 2010, 7:00 am
$
0
0

Filed under:

I guess the 2012 presidential campaign is already in full swing. Yes, it's two years before the next presidential election, but no need to wait on the political back-biting and smears that accompany the modern political campaign. It's 2010 and everything old is new again, including the attacks on First Lady Michelle Obama. As the founder of a blog called Michelle Obama Watch, I have a PhD in MIchelle Obama Victriology. By 'Victriology,' I mean the rabid anger and rage directed at a woman who did nothing more than marry a man with political ambition and abandoned her relatively quiet life as mother to two adorable children to support her husband's ambitions.

And support it she did. Many of you who joined the Obama bandwagon AFTER the Iowa caucuses may have forgotten, but back in the days of 2007, then Senator Barack Obama was not the most beloved figure of all of Black America. Let's get real. Many black folks viewed him with outright suspicion. There were even articles wondering if Barack Obama was "black enough." Does anybody remember 'Barack the Magic Negro'? That meme was originally started by a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, whose mother is half African American.

Back then, Senator Obama was running against two tag teams, Hillary and Bill along with Elizabeth and John. In addition Senator Obama had a problem that he continues to suffer from to this day -- he had no charismatic surrogates. It was just him. The black political caste system was either sitting on the sidelines or openly in favor of the candidacy of Hillary Clinton. Michelle Obama didn't really have a choice in the matter regarding whether to step up and fulfill that role. Her husband was battling two political couples and suspicion from us black folks. She had to step out there and step out there she did.

Back in the summer of 2007, it was Michelle Obama at the Iowa caucuses who made the most coherent and passionate argument for why she was making the sacrifice of allowing her husband to run for president of the United States. It was one of her best speeches ever, before she got bum-rushed by vitriol and hateration and the Obama campaign panicked and shuffled her off to an undisclosed location for months. Back then in that Iowa gymnasium, Michelle Obama conceded that she had reservations about the impact his candidacy would have on her family, but the problems we faced as a nation were so big, she was willing to make the sacrifice and she wasn't afraid. 'Be Not Afraid' still holds up three years later as her best speech of all time.

All Michelle Obama smears are rooted in stereotypes about black women. Stereotypes many of us have encountered in the work place. The most persistent strain is that Michelle Obama is angry, entitled and ungrateful for the magnificent blessing of the bounties and fruits of this exceedingly perfect nation. Last week, when I saw a tweet from Sandra Rose indicating that there was some new "bombshell" related to Michelle Obama, as the founder of a blog called Michelle Obama Watch, I was compelled to read.

According to reports from a British newspapers, ( always a red flag to me) Michelle Obama purportedly went up to a complete stranger, the wife of the French head of state none the less, and announced not halfway into her husband's presidential term that she "hated" the job of being First Lady of the United States. This was the bombshell? That Michelle Obama hated her job and thought it was "hell"? Really? I was expecting something more salacious than job dissatisfaction. I instantly rolled my eyes and thought "nonsense!" This smear is almost identical to almost a half a dozen smears that only a non-black person could have come up with.

Remember the Whitey-tape rumor during the primaries? Someone floated the ridiculous notion that Michelle Obama, a Princeton and Harvard educated lawyer was video taped shouting from a pulpit saying something to the effect of hating "Whitey." Really? Professional black folks who rack up massive student loan debt routinely take to random pulpits to do imitations of George Jefferson? On videotape?

Or what about Lobster-gate? You know the story that the New York Post chose to run with about Michelle Obama purportedly engaging in the outrageous act of purchasing lobster and running up a $400 room service bill. Really? Because a Harvard-educated lawyer would naturally always order a crustacean that tends to leave seafood smelling muck all over the place right before making a major public appearance. I guess there was no caviar on the menu.

All of these "rumors" were pure works of fiction. The NY Post had to issue a swift retraction about lobster gate -- she wasn't even at the hotel in question on the day of the purported lobster ordering. No need to fact-check when you can rely on stereotypes instead.The media doesn't care if these Michelle Obama stories are true, they just want them to be true.

Which brings us to our latest smear which I have no doubt is completely false. This latest, like all the other smears, tells us more about US than it does about Michelle Obama.

To believe these smears you have to believe the following:
  1. Michelle Obama is indiscrete -- To believe that Michelle Obama went up to Carla Bruni and offered up the opinion that the job of being FLOTUS is hell, you'd have to believe that Michelle Obama didn't know how to keep her own counsel.

  2. Michelle Obama is stupid -- To believe this story you'd have to believe that Michelle Obama, a Harvard-educated lawyer, was none too bright.

  3. Michelle Obama is perpetually pissed off -- You would also have to believe that Michelle Obama was somehow angry that her husband was the most powerful man in the free world after she worked her heart out to get him in that position.

  4. Michelle Obama is classless -- Can anyone really believe that Michelle Obama doesn't know how to comport herself on the world stage despite you know... graduating from not one, but TWO Ivy League schools and working at a big law firm AND navigating the treacherous nature of Chicago politics? She can't handle a polite meet and greet with Mick jagger's ex-girlfriend without making a massive faux pas? Please.

In other words, to even entertain this latest nonsense and chicanery about First Lady Michelle Obama, you would have to be an unmitigated FOOL!

If Michelle Obama DID hate her job, which I don't think she does, she has good reason to. After all, she took a demotion to take this job. If you recall, she was the primary breadwinner in that family and was a hospital executive before she was Mom-in-Chief. She had to move her kids to take this job. She had to place her ambitions and dreams and goals on hold for this job. She works hard at the job of being FLOTUS, holding over 300 events in her first year alone and oh yes:

She doesn't get paid and she has to do customer service like respond to unsubstantiated rumors that anyone with half a gnats brain wouldn't repeat!

My response to this and every other smear is, not only is it not true, but so what if it was true! Michelle Obama, like millions of Americans, is entitled to hate her ding dang job. Show me the hand of someone who didn't have a job at some point that they hated and I'll show you a person that ain't ever had a J-O-B.

Hating your job is as American as thinking lobster is the epitome of a luxurious meal. Hating your job is like a Snuggie... everybody has one ( or has considered purchasing one), but hates to admit it. Hating your job is like food poisoning: its unpleasant but natural and eventually everyone will experience the sensation. I don't see anything wrong with hating your job. Hating your job doesn't make you a bad person. It may make you a miserable person, but its no reflection on your personal character -- other than lacking the wherewithal to move on to a new job you hate less.

Buckle in folks, I thought we'd have until at least February of 2011 before we entered presidential campaign silly season, but I think we can mark this latest ridiculousness as the official start.

If you need assistance in detecting Michelle Obama Vitriology, I offer some guidance on how to examine FLOTUS rumors over at Michelle Obama Watch.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
↧

Hold Up, Wait a Minute: Here's the Real Deal on The Money Coach

September 22, 2010, 7:11 am
$
0
0

Filed under:

The power of the media always amazes me. It's funny how people can read various articles about me - the latest one on Yahoo - and piece together a bit of a Frankenstein profile of my life to date. People often look at headlines, but don't take the time to go beyond them. They also tend to make a lot of assumptions when they hear stories like mine.

And my story, no doubt, is a unique one: I had $100,000 in credit card debt back in 2001 and I paid it off in three years. Now I work as a Money Coach teaching other people how to better manage their finances. That's the story that many people know. But what most people don't know is a lot of the other challenges I faced during that time I paid off my debt and immediately afterwards. So let me set the record straight and provide a little background behind the headlines.

First of all, a lot of naysayers look at my story and go "Well, of course she could pay off her debt. She was making $100,000 a year!" In reality, I got downsized in 2003, and lost my six figure job as a Wall Street Journal reporter for CNBC. At the time, I was not only trying to pay off my credit card bills, I was also dealing with a crumbling marriage and writing my first book, Investing Success.

My original plan was to finish the book, and use my CNBC television gig as a platform to promote the book and share investment tips and advice. After losing my job, however, I had to come up with another strategy. Not just another strategy to promote the book, but another strategy to make money altogether and to support my family.

So I decided in 2003 to make writing my full-time career. Thus, I launched a small-publishing company, called Advantage World Press, which published Investing Success. I figured that one pink slip in a lifetime was enough for me. I didn't want to be subjected to Corporate America's whims, so I decided that entrepreneurship was a better path for me.

My second book, called Zero Debt, was written in 2004 and also put out by my publishing company. Zero Debt became a New York Times bestseller after I made national TV appearances on Dr. Phil and The Jane Pauley Show.

Because I owned the rights to Zero Debt, I made all the profits from book - not some big publisher. After that commercial success as an independent author, I knew I wouldn't be going back to corporate America and that I would pursue a career as a writer and Money Coach, teaching others about a range of personal finance topics.

Also, in 2004, I became a victim of one of the things I call The Dreaded D's - Divorce. After more than a decade of marriage, I decided it was time for my ex-husband and I to go our separate ways, which we did in January 2005.

If it wasn't for being self-employed, and having my publishing/writing business, I would not have been able to manage paying not only my own regular bills, but also a slew of new obligations in 2005: including child support and alimony to my former spouse. That's another assumption people make. When they hear that I divorced, they automatically think that I had a "rich" ex-husband and that he paid me. Actually, it was the other way around, with me paying him for nearly five years, from January 2005 until mid-2009.

In 2006, I landed a six-figure book deal (through my then literary agent and publishing consultant Earl Cox, who is now my husband) to write The Money Coach's Guide to Your First Million. In late 2006, Earl also got me on Oprah, which brought more recognition.

After the Oprah hit, Earl also committed to not going back to Corporate America, and focused exclusively on building my brand. He had already started his own literary agency and consulting business, initially part-time back in 1999, and then full-time in 2002, when he left his former job at John Wiley & Sons.

In 2007, Earl and I got married - on a lucky date, in fact: 7-7-7. By then, we'd had a daughter, Alexis, who is now four. In recent years, other media highlights, books and business deals have followed - along with same economic ups and downs that all entrepreneurs face. Through it all, though, I'm happy to say we've done well together and are stronger than ever.

This month, we launched my sixth book, Perfect Credit: 7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating. And we've decided to make Zero Debt free online. So many people are struggling with debt issues that it just seemed like the right thing to do.

You can read Zero Debt online via my blog, at AskTheMoneyCoach.com. Just click on the tab that says "Free Zero Debt" and it's all there. You can go beyond the headlines, and see for yourself the strategies and techniques that worked for me, and for countless other people, to pay off debt.

You may like my advice or not. Agree with it or disagree with it. Either way, I hope the real takeaway people get from my story is a message of inspiration and hope. No matter how troubling times get, no matter how deep your financial problems, I know you can get out of debt, too.


Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, an award-winning financial news journalist and former Wall Street Journal reporter for CNBC, has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, and the New York Times, as well as magazines ranging from Essence and Redbook to Black Enterprise and Smart Money. Check out her New York Times best seller 'Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom.'

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

Lawrence Summers to Leave Obama's Economic Team

September 22, 2010, 7:21 am
$
0
0

Filed under: , ,

Lawrence Summers to leave Obama's economic team

President Barack Obama's economic advisor, the sometimes controversial Lawrence Summers, is leaving his post as director of the National Economic Council to return to Harvard University.

The move, which White House officials say was planned, also comes as Obama appeals to voters to give congressional Democrats more time to improve the economy as mid-term elections approach and the economy continues to lag.

The AP writes:

Though administration officials said Obama had known for some time that Summers would depart this year, news of his pending exit comes amid deep concern over the sluggish pace of the recovery, as well as criticism of the team that conceived the administration's economic policies.

Summers was the chief architect of many of those policies, playing a central role in the massive economic stimulus and the government bailout of the auto industry. He also was an advocate for the financial regulatory legislation Obama signed into law earlier this year. But with those issues behind him and the end of his two-year leave from Harvard looming, a senior administration official said Summers felt it was the right time to go.

Summers served as Treasury Secretary under former President Bill Clinton. He was one of the youngest professors to receive tenure at Harvard and eventually rose to the university's president. As president, he attributed the small number of women involved in the fields of math and science to gender differences. Summers resigned as Harvard's president in 2006.

Despite his dubious arguments regarding women, Obama said the country was better off because of Summers' policy suggestions during a time of "great peril for our country."



"While we have much work ahead to repair the damage done by the recession, we are on a better path thanks in no small measure to Larry's wise counsel," Obama said.

It does appear that the economic stimulus and government bailout of the auto industry have helped pull the country back from the verge of complete economic collapse. An implosion of the U.S. economy would have likely taken the rest of the world economy with us.

By most accounts, the auto bailout was a success. Business Week writes:

So far, it is tough to argue that the bailout hasn't worked. GM is in the black, having reported an $865 million profit in the first quarter with black ink looking likely for the rest of the year. GM's results are strong enough that the company is preparing for an initial public offering that should start selling stock in November. Chrysler is at least making an operating profit, which puts the company in much better shape than most analysts thought it would be a year ago. With much lower costs, both companies should be able to make money going forward.

There's also positive news about the $787-billion economic stimulus. The White House estimates that there are 1.5- to- 2-million more jobs in the economy because of the stimulus:

"Fiscal stimulus has the biggest impact on growth rates when it's first ramping up," said Christina Romer, (pictured above with Obama and Summers) chairwoman of the Council of Economic Advisers.

David Leonhardt of The New York Times reported that the outlook for jobs because of the stimulus is even better. He writes:

Just look at the outside evaluations of the stimulus. Perhaps the best-known economic research firms are IHS Global Insight, Macroeconomic Advisers and Moody'sEconomy.com. They all estimate that the bill has added 1.6 million to 1.8 million jobs so far and that its ultimate impact will be roughly 2.5 million jobs. The Congressional Budget Office, an independent agency, considers these estimates to be conservative.

Summers and Obama also deserve credit for the financial-regulation bill, the most sweeping overhaul of Wall Street since the Great Depression. In addition to regulating the crazy risks that some Wall Street banks were taking that lead to the financial collapse, the bill also created a consumer financial protection.

Listening to Republican rhetoric on the economy, you might think all of Obama's and Summer's efforts were miserable failures.

So, politics aside, Summers should receive credit for the work he did on behalf of Americans as he heads back to Harvard.



 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

Rising Death Toll During Economic Crisis Signals Need for Mental Health Care

September 22, 2010, 7:30 am
$
0
0

Filed under: , , ,

Las Vegas Police recently announced that murder-suicides are on the rise because of "a bad economy."

Last month, a 29-year-old unemployed South Carolina mother, sent shockwaves across the nation when she confessed to committing filicide when she killed her two sons because she had no means of taking care of them.

And the mayor of an affluent Dallas suburb reportedly killed her 19-year-old daughter before turning the gun on herself in the face of financial distress, including almost losing her home to foreclosure.

Indeed, these are tough economic times. And mental health professionals report that people are growing increasingly desperate and calling hotlines for help.

Terrie M. Williams, author of 'Black Pain: Real Talk For When There's Nowhere to Go But Up' and a licensed clinical social worker, told Black Voices that today's economic environment is when people vulnerable to depression or those who are depressed need to take the extra steps to seek mental health treatment.
Equally as important, Williams said, is for family and friends to reach out to those who are depressed to ensure they are okay. Looking for signs of trouble and knowing the right questions to ask may help, she said.

"Ask a probing question,'' Williams said. "'I heard you say such and such. I was really wondering what you were thinking or feeling.' Sometimes that just gives a person a license to initiate a conversation that that they wouldn't have because they have always been thought of as the strong one. I've seen it so many times.''

Sometimes all a person needs is an opening.

"Sometimes we think it's none of our business," she said. "If you see something, call it. You could really be a lifeline for that person.''

Some signs of depression include: insomnia; weight loss or gain; forgetfulness; lack of concentration and never wanting to go anywhere or do anything. If a person is experiencing economic problems, her or she should seek help from reputable credit counselors and lawyers.

Carl Bell, Ph.D., a renowned Chicago-based psychiatrist, suggests that the economy is not responsible for the death toll. He says people who commit these crimes are already suffering from a major psychiatric illnesses.

"If you have a major psychiatric illness, it causes people to catastrophize,'' he said. "You tend to think, 'Oh, my God, this will never end.' That is not helpful. You feel hopeless and nobody needs that.''

Dr. Bell suggests seven things that people need:

Create a village of friends and family for moral and emotional support.

Eat a proper diet that includes Omega III fish oil and read spiritual texts, which help people keep hope.

Connect to something good and of value, such as yoga, exercise, book and movie groups.

Develop a strong sense of self-esteem, which is defined as a sense of power. It leads to positive ways of thinking, such as "I may not be able to pay my bills, but I'm with my family."

Nurture good social and emotional skills. If people know how to regulate their tempers that is an emotional skill. If a person knows how to talk to a bill collector without upsetting them and getting themselves into deeper trouble, that is a social skill.

Develop a strong safety net. Have people check in on you to help keep track of your bills, clothes and phone calls.

Minimize trauma. So, a person is broke, but started a garden at the beginning of the summer. They can sell or eat those fruit and vegetables. It's called mastering your destiny.

In other words, don't allow friends and relatives to give up. Help them to "stay strong," as Williams often says.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

Solange Knowles Covers Fashizblack Mag in Afro-Chic Hauteness

September 22, 2010, 7:35 am
$
0
0

Filed under:

Solange Knowles is more than just Beyonce's little sister. The mother and pop diva surely knows a thing or two about keeping herself relevant and maintaining a daring style. Solange appears on the cover of Fashizblack's September cover with a full Afro, slightly resembling that of Diana Ross. 70s style is making a comeback, and the songstress has no problem pulling it off in her spread.
Psychedelic prints and bold colors are a must for this fall. Solange appears to be staying true to her roots with pieces inspired by Mama Africa. Take for instance these tiger print bangles by Laurucci, or these ferocious thigh high boots by Lawrence Scott.

Solange lets it be known that she is equally as fierce in Kente cloth as she is in Balenciaga. Here she is rocking a pair of printed Jewel by Lisa hot pants. The fashion forward Solange favors designers like Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Marni, as well as retailers such as Topshop and H&M. It's comforting that some celebrities are capable of wearing things other than thousand-dollar duds!

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
↧

Solange Knowles Covers Fashizblack Mag in Afro-Chic Style

September 22, 2010, 7:35 am
$
0
0

Filed under:

Solange Knowles is more than just Beyonce's little sister. The mother and pop diva surely knows a thing or two about keeping herself relevant and maintaining a daring style. Solange appears on the cover of Fashizblack's September issue with a full Afro, slightly resembling that of Diana Ross. Seventies style is making a comeback, and the songstress has no problem pulling off the look in her spread.
Psychedelic prints and bold colors are a must for this fall. Solange appears to be staying true to her roots with pieces inspired by Mama Africa. Take, for instance, these tiger-print bangles by Laurucci (above) or these ferocious thigh high boots by Lawrence Scott (below).

Solange lets it be known that she is equally as fierce in Kente cloth as she is in Balenciaga. Here she is rocking a pair of printed Jewel by Lisa hot pants. The fashion-forward Solange favors designers like Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Marni, as well as retailers such as Topshop and H&M. It's comforting to know that some celebrities are capable of wearing things other than thousand-dollar duds!

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

Boris Kodjoe's 'Undercovers' To Test NBC's Investment In Black Lead Roles

September 22, 2010, 8:05 am
$
0
0


With so much money spent on advertising since May and with some early reviews from TV critics giving the series a thumbs up, a lot is riding on Boris Kodjoe to deliver on his new TV gig, the NBC spy series 'Undercovers,' which pairs him with British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Of most of the new shows airing on TV, 'Undercovers' is the only series with African Americans in lead roles.

Not including the now-defunct UPN network which had numerous shows with African Americans in lead roles and unless it's a comedy series like ABC's 'My Wife and Kids,' which starred Damon Wayans and Tisha Campbell-Martin, or Fox's 'The Bernie Mac Show,' the last time a major network put so much investment in a series starring an African American was ABC's now-cancelled series, 'Daybreak,' which starred Taye Diggs. Airing in November 2006, the show was cancelled after six episodes.

During the 2000 season, CBS had a medical drama television series called 'City of Angels,' that starred Blair Underwood, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Warren, and Hill Harper. The series lasted two seasons.

Written by J.J Abrams ('Felicity,' 'Alias,' and 'Lost') and Josh Reims, 'Undercovers' is a series about a domesticated husband (played by Kodjoe) and wife (played by Mbatha-Raw) who are re-activated as CIA agents after years of retirement.

To put the spark back in their marriage, some couples take a tropical vacation. Not Steven (Kodjoe) and Samantha (Mbatha-Raw). They rejoin the CIA. Now they're discovering things about each other they never knew. Like which lock-picking technique each prefers and who killed who. As well as how well they work together in a hostile environment.

Gerald McRaney, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Carter MacIntyre and Ben Schwartz are featured in the series.

Premiering this week, NBC will air 'Undercovers' on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
Search

Michael Vick Gets Another Chance: Will He Mess It Up?

September 22, 2010, 8:09 am
$
0
0

Filed under:

It's official: Michael Vick is an NFL baller once again. Roughly three years after his dog-fighting scandal, Vick is now the primary quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Michael's resurgence is no surprise to anyone who's seen any of his performances over the past several years. The man is an amazing athlete and one of the top quarterbacks in the league. The problem is that when he starts to taste sweet success once again, there are some who wonder if Vick will remember the value of making good personal choices. It's really hard to tell.

I've rooted for Michael Vick, as I do for most black athletes who get into trouble. It's not to say that I condone all of the stupidity we see on television, but we must remember that our nation sees black male athletes as the modern day personification of the big, buck field slave. In the mind of his master, this slave deserved neither freedom nor power, for he would never know what to do with either. There is a thin line between the black male athlete and the black male convict, as they both strike fear into the hearts of millions of Americans. There's admiration for the athlete's physical prowess, until the athlete's power takes a turn for the worse. At that point, the objective becomes complete extermination.

Our nation has been trained to see the black male athlete as a being something less than human, and less than civilized. So, when a black athlete gets into trouble, citizens have a very different reaction from the one we see when a white player has a similar issue. The media is quicker to jump on the story, and the response is one of paternalistic condemnation, with a whole bunch of finger wagging and second-guessing by people who are far from perfect themselves.

Michael Vick was caught up in the racism of America during his dog fighting scandal. But he also made things worse for himself by displaying arrogance toward his situation and believing that he was untouchable. After he was "touched" over and over again, I am hopeful that his long days and nights in prison helped Vick to rethink his priorities. I am also hoping that he and other black athletes will embrace the idea of having power with a purpose, with that purpose being deeper than buying yet another gold medallion, fancy car or third baby's mama. Michael Vick is one of the leaders of his generation and perhaps his new place with the Philadelphia Eagles will help him to truly reveal his potential.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

Oprah Donates $1 Million to California Charter Schools

September 22, 2010, 8:39 am
$
0
0

Filed under: ,

Oprah has donated $1 Million to help California charter schools as part of a $6 million public education gift, in a season of giving that has also included a plan to take her viewers to Australia. In this latest act of Winfrey generosity, the media mogul is keeping her giving closer to home. The Associated Press reports (via Newser):

An Oakland nonprofit that operates 30 charter schools in California is being recognized with a $1 million donation from Oprah Winfrey's Angel Foundation. Aspire Public Schools was one of six public school reform groups honored with grants from the talk show host Monday.

The charter school network serves nearly 10,000 students in East Palo Alto, Modesto, Oakland, Stockton, Sacramento and Los Angeles. The gift came during a show Winfrey devoted to a new documentary about public education called "Waiting for Superman."

Please read the rest of the story on Newser.com.

I commend Oprah Winfrey for all of her charitable acts of giving, and definitely applaud her giving a gift to the American people. While Winfrey has the right to give away her money where she sees fit, it's always wonderful when a wealthy person rewards the very people who helped to make her rich -- in this case, us. When Winfrey opened her school in South Africa, the only complaint many had was over the fact that the American education system is in shambles. Why not spend the money here?

Well, now people can no longer make such complaints. While Oprah is not saint, and certainly does not owe anybody anything, it still smarted to see her making such a powerful investment in education first on non-American soil. Perhaps it's like the controversy around the "Ground Zero" mosque. Even though it does not make any sense, emotionally the idea of it troubles people, all logical arguments to the contrary.

Perhaps Oprah Winfrey giving to a California charter school system was an act of symbolism to let the American public know that she might spread her positive power all over the world, but we still hold a special place in her heart. Whatever Oprah's motivation behind her $1 million give, it strikes me that way, and I very much appreciate the gesture.

Related:
+Oprah to Cost Australian Taxpayers $2.8 Million for Show
+80% of School Districts Lay Off Teachers

In addition, Oprah's giving draws attention to the need for more communities to help out their school systems, giving whatever it takes to support our failing learning institutions. The downturn in the economy has ripped apart the local tax base in many areas, leading to massive cuts in our public schools. Charter schools are a controversial issue, but might be one solution to the many economic challenges school systems are facing. As they are often run in an independent fashion, and are freerer to operate more efficiently and raise their own funds, charter schools might become both an educational and economic necessity.

In the coming years, if we are to not only maintain but also increase the quality of public education available to our kids, charter schools might become the best option. Charter schools got Oprah's $1 million vote!

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
↧

Federal Inmate Sued for Suing Stevie Wonder, Michael Vick

September 22, 2010, 9:53 am
$
0
0

Filed under:

Michael Vick
Federal inmate Jonathan Lee Riches has a reputation for suing people. He is so famous for suing people, Riches even has his own Wikipedia page documenting his history of excessive lawsuits, all filed from his jail cell. Newser elaborates on the story:

Federal inmate Jonathan Lee Riches has sued Stevie Wonder. He's sued George W. Bush. He's sued Michael Vick and Martha Stewart. He's sued the philosopher Plato and the ex-planet Pluto. Riches has filed more than 3,800 lawsuits while in jail-many of them against people or entities that can't be sued-and now he's being sued himself by federal officials seeking to stop the flood of frivolous lawsuits, the AP reports.

Come on! I can see Michael Vick, but who sues sweetheart Stevie Wonder?


You may have guessed that a mad man like Jonathan Lee Riches might be most interested in getting money from the people he has sued, among his other diabolical motivations, as most of his victims seem to be from the ranks of the rich and famous. His other intention might be just to get back at the system that has tried to curtail his evil ways, thus the suing of an inanimate ex-planet and a dead philosopher (who was probably poor while alive). Being at least partially obsessed with easy money, Riches is of course in jail for an online credit card scam.

But despite having been in jail for over a decade, Jonathan Lee Riches does not seem to have reformed from being an anti-social, disruptive individual intent on quick cash. He also has way too much time on his hands, because the 3,800 law suits he been able to file over the past ten years are becoming a drain on the court systems handling his complaints. Thus he might at last be getting his revengeful wish in getting back at the law.

In fact, Jonathan Lee Riches has done so much damage that "Federal officials want the Bureau of Prisons to block his outgoing mail or have a court employee designated to determine whether the lawsuits are frivolous before they are filed" (Newser). Really? They are just thinking of that?

It's hard to know what is more of a waste of money -- processing the frivolous lawsuits of Jonathan Lee Riches, or hiring someone's whose only job is to throw them in the trash. But either way, Riches needs to lay off Stevie. Stat.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

What To Watch: 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,' 'Stomp The Yard: Homecoming' DVD

September 22, 2010, 10:30 am
$
0
0

Filed under: ,


Coming out this week is the return of Michael Douglas in the role that garnered him an Academy Award for Best Actor. In 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,' Douglas reprises his infamous role as Gordon Gekko.

Directed by Oliver Stone, the sequel to 'Wall Street' also stars Shia LaBeouf, Carrie Mulligan, Josh Brolin, Frank Langella, and Susan Sarandon.

When Gekko comes out of prison, he essentially has to redefine himself, redefine his character, he's looking for that second chance.

LaBeouf portrays Jake Moore, a young Wall Street broker and the fiancé of Gekko's daughter, played by Carey Mulligan; Josh Brolin as the head of an investment bank; and Susan Sarandon as Jake's mother. Langella will play Lewis Zabel, an old-time broker who mentors LaBeouf's character, Charlie Sheen, who played the central role of Bud Fox, a young trader, in the original, will make a cameo in the sequel.

Also coming out this week is the acclaimed documentary on the educution of children in 'Waiting for Superman,' directed by Davis Guggenheim.

For a nation that proudly declared it would leave no child behind, America continues to do so at alarming rates. Despite increased spending and politicians' promises, our buckling public-education system, once the best in the world, routinely forsakes the education of millions of children. Oscar(R)-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim ("An Inconvenient Truth") reminds us that education "statistics" have names: Anthony, Francisco, Bianca, Daisy, and Emily, whose stories make up the engrossing foundation of "Waiting for 'Superman.'" As he follows a handful of promising kids through a system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth, Guggenheim undertakes an exhaustive review of public education, surveying "drop-out factories" and "academic sinkholes," methodically dissecting the system and its seemingly intractable problems. However, embracing the belief that good teachers make good schools, Guggenheim offers hope by exploring innovative approaches taken by education reformers and charter schools that have-in reshaping the culture-refused to leave their students behind.

Out on home video is 'Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming,' the sequel to the 2007 box office hit.

Directed by Rob Hardy, and produced by Will Packer, the cast includes Meena Payne, who co-wrote and co-produced the film, actors Collins Pennie, Pooch Hall, Tika Sumpter, Terrance T.P. Polite, Antjuan Tobias, Lamar Stewart, Terrence J, Lil Duval, Kiely Alexis Williams, Keith David, rapper David Banner and music artist Teyena Taylor.

The film follows Chance Harris (played by Pennie) looking to find a balance between his school, work, relationships and opportunity to perform at the nationally televised step competition during homecoming weekend at Truth University.

'Autumn's Eyes' is a compelling documentary about a 3-year-old girl who tries to navigate through the harsh reality of severe poverty, her teenage mother's incarceration and looming foster care. Charming, obedient, and unable to fully comprehend the severity of her environment, Autumn is shielded from her own reality. Caught between the innocence of childhood and the growing necessity to be an adult, she represents hope to a family of women caught in the cyclical web of abuse, incarceration and poverty. AUTUMN'S EYES captures this impressionable time in this child's life, and ask the greater question: is there truly hope for a child growing up in these circumstances? Through the perspective of a little girl, 'Autumn's Eyes' explores this perilous state of hope.

Watch more free documentaries

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧

"Precious" Director Lee Daniel's Sister Charged After Guns Arrest

September 22, 2010, 11:05 am
$
0
0


Leah Daniels-Butler (pictured above, right), sister of famed "Precious" director Lee Daniels (pictured above, left), was charged on Tuesday in Brooklyn for taking guns and cash out of her California home after her husband got busted last month for allegedly selling drugs.

Daniels-Butler's home near Thousand Oaks was placed under surveillance by the Ventura County Sheriff's office August 3 after her husband Henry Butler was arrested and charged with smuggling large amounts of cocaine from Los Angeles to New York using overnight shipping. A federal prosecutor was in the process of arranging a house search when Daniels-Butler was arrested.

The 44-year-old casting associate, who helped her brother discover newby actress Gabourey Sidibe the star of Precious, was seen carrying a suspicious-looking bag out of her home, then driving away in a late model Mercedes-Benz. Officers followed Daniels-Butler for a short while, then pulled her vehicle over. According to an affidavit filed by Drug Enforcement Administration agent Steven Miller, Daniels-Butler consented to the search of her car.

Police found a loaded 9-mm. handgun, an unloaded Intratec Tec-9 handgun, several loaded magazines and boxes of ammunition were found in the bag along with $39,500 in cash in the woman's vehicle.

Daniels-Butler whose casting film credits include "Phat Girlz," "ATL" and "The Cookout" was charged with obstructing a federal investigation and ordered to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet. She was released on $50,000 bail.

Police investigators believe, that the items found in Daniels-Butler's car were evidence of her husband's alleged drug trafficking.



 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

↧
Viewing all 4256 articles
Browse latest View live
Search