50 Cent sells his skin for money

You might have heard that 50 Cent is making a change. It seems that the bullet magnet is dropping one of his more notable marketing points in his effort to become less 'ghettofabulous'. What might this be? His tattoos.

Now most people of my age or older got tattoos because there was a meaning for them. Each of my 4 tattoos is a symbol of an event or moment in my life. But the meanings of tattoos changed over the years and now are just a common fad, with the majority of people getting them just because it's a popular thing to do. Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) is among that latter group.

50 Cent is removing his tattoos with laser removal to improve his chances of getting film roles. Which says 2 things clearly. The first is that the tattoos have little true meaning, which begs the question why place such a demonstrative and ideally permanent image on his body in the first place? The second is that Jackson (50 Cent) believes that the tattoos somehow interfere with his ability to act.

Personally I believe that a tattoo is a statement for life. No one should ever place something on their body that has no meaning to them. Unlike a hairstyle or clothing, a tattoo is not something that can be changed on a whim. Tattoos are not fashion but a declaration of a person in a manner that announces itself to the world - if it can be easily seen. Given that now such importance is not given to tattoos, sadly.

But as for the conflict with the acting ability of Jackson... well that is another matter. 50 Cent has stated that sleep is more important to him than the tattoos. That the time in make-up to hide the tattoos is detrimental to his film career. Likely there is also the thought that his marketability among Hollywood is higher when tattoos are not prominent.

Generally I find this to mean that 50 Cent is even more of a sell-out than ever before. If the tattoos were more than a statement of his desire to just be popular and follow a trend, then he would keep them. So it implies that he is weak willed in that respect.

His removal of the tattoos in an effort to receive monetaty gain implies his willingness to conform for a price. he is willing to enact extremes just to get a dollar. Which is not too suprising for a person willing to sell drugs for a living. Such an individual is little more than a whore for money, in my opinion, and obviously a sell-out given the chance.

But the thought I really find amusing is the thought that the tattoos in any way might influence his acting ability. One must have talent first, to have anything affect it. Thus far there is no hint of his ability to act, execpt if you include his minstrel act as acting. Therefore tattoos or not, he is rightly relegated to the standard D-class of acting that virtually all rappers-turned-actors deserve.

How good is 50 Cent acting? Well there is the upcoming film Twelve, where he has to stretch his abilities and reach to play a murdering drug dealer. Who knows if he can get into that role. Not that he has life experience there.

The film Get Rich or Die Tryin' was so impressive Samuel Jackson stated he did not want to lend credence to what he believed was an inexperienced and unproven actor. It also promted the quote from film critic Roger Ebert,

"Like Bill Cosby, Jackson is arguing against the anti-intellectual message that success for young black males is better sought in the worlds of rap and sports than in the classroom".

It also was a film that demanded immense acting skill, with 50 Cent playing a drug dealer that hoped to be a rapper.

All in all, lack of tattoos will not improve his lot in gaining roles. He is regarded as he should be, a drug dealer that got popular for being a minstrel. Hollywood has yet to have a reason to treat him better.

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The Star Wars comedy show

If you haven't heard about it yet, you will. Star Wars will be made into a comedy series. But if that isn't odd enough, it will be animated. Still need more? Seth Green will be one of the key minds behind the project.

If you are suddenly thinking of the Robot Chicken episodes dedicated to Star Wars, you are on the right path. Seth Green is one of the executive produicers of Robot Chicken. And George Lucas has been impressed enough with the specials that he is going to on a path touched on once, during the rarely spoken about Christmas special.

The concept is 'what do the characters in the Star Wars universe do when not saving the universe or fighting dark forces'? The proposal is some form of hijinks, in animated colors sure to amuse any 5 year old (or more than a few smokers, in college or not).

I understand why Lucas and Green are doing this. It will make tons of money. The merchandising could be incredibly lucrative. For Seth Green it gives him a chance to be part of one of the greatest media sucesses of perhaps all time.

But as a fan of Star Wars, and mostly of the original 3 films, I'm not as enthused by the idea. I see it as more of a trend to make a profit. Kind of like how Jar-Jar was meant to draw in children, though most anyone older only wanted to see the character get killed from the moment it was introduced.

Could Star Wars make a good comedy? Will watching Boba Fett do pratfalls week after week be endearing? Could the animated Yoda become Jerry Lewis to an Animated Jedi Mater Windoo? Will we ever see Emperor Palpatine get a pie in his face? Or will it just be characters we never heard of doing things that don't matter in a hopefully funny way?

No matter which direction is taken, I just can't get excited. Maybe I grew up with the best part of the story (the middle 3 chapters), or I've read too many of the novels continuing the story. Maybe I like the characters as they were, or fear even more Jar-Jar-esque characters. But if I feel like that, and my age range is the true support of the bulk what is the Star Wars franchise, what success does this new idea have?

Do you want to see an animated Star Wars comedy? Do you think it's a good or bad idea?

What would you ask anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan?

Cindy Sheehan is likely best known for the media circus around her protests of President Bush over the Iraq war. Less known, or at least reported, is her continued protests of Iraq and Afghanistan wars against President Obama.

Given that background, and having the chance to directly ask 2 questions of Ms. Sheehan, what might you say? Well the following video clip is of Michael Vass, president of M V Consulting and author of this blog, asking his 2 questions. What might be of most interest to some is her answer to the second question starting at 4:33 in the video.



How do you think she answered the question?

**For the full article on Cindy Sheehan in Binghamton New York, check out Is Cindy Sheehan a racist? **

Kal Penn picks marijuana over politics

Working in the White House under President Obama must be quite interesting. Possibly only slightly more interesting than the public tour since so many appointees seem to leave after short periods of time, in the middle of the night, over holiday weekends. Just ask Kalpen Suresh Modi - or Kal Penn as most would recognize.

The news has been confirmed that Kal Penn, best known as the marijuana craving Kumar of the Harold & Kumar movies, is leaving the White House after just 9 months. Kal Penn took the job in July 2009, leaving his high profile role in the hit series House. At the time Penn stated

"They [White House Office of Public Engagement] do outreach with the American public and with different organizations," Penn continued. "They're basically the front door of the White House. They take out all of the red tape that falls between the general public and the White House. It's similar to what I was doing on the campaign."

Obviously the job was not what it was cracked up to be. Or Penn couldn't hack it. Either way, the departure is not unexpected. I heard the rumor of Harold & Kumar 3 in Decomber 2009

"A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas- How is this possible since Kal Penn is now an Obama flunky in D.C.? I guess President Obama decided to finally shrink the Government by 1 job - Penn's."

Still I do wonder if it could it be that Kal Penn was on the verge of being revealed as the source of yet another scandal in the White House? His departure is so reminiscent of Van Jones and Anita Dunn.

Or are we to take it that the White House is so unpleasant a place to work that he couldn't handle it anymore (was Rahm mean to him)? Could it be that the manner in which the Health Care Reform was passed was too corrupt, or too weak, for his political beliefs? Has the Obama Administration ignored, broken, or amended too many campaign promises for Penn to stomach? Or did the failure of 50 speeches and Congress hiding from voters over Health Care Reform reflect badly on the Public Engagement office?

There is no way to know as the White House, and so far Penn, have nothing to say.

Thus Kal Penn is free to get back to the basics. He can continue with his one horse movie career(yes I know he was in other movies), making strides (with John Cho) in becoming this generations Cheech & Chong. Which means that Penn is most likely the Chong of that comparison. Not a great career move, especially since Cho at least has 1 more Star Trek revision in his future.

It does kind of go along with my original thought that

"So the Obama Administration is trying to gather more support and attention within Americans that recognize Penn primarily as a pot-smoking, junk food nay-do-well. This is the face of the Obama Administration that is being used to gain political attention."

Ultimately I will say this. I deeply respect Kal Penn for taking time, as short as it was, to stop his career and take on public service. He could have made far more money and helped his career by staying on House.

But he believed in what President Obama promised on the campaign trail. He believed that he could help improve America. I have no doubt that he tried to ensure that his time and efforts were in the best interest of the nation. To that end he is not unlike the host of actors and actresses that served this nation in WWI, WWII, Korea, and to a lesser extent Viet Nam.

I honestly wish that more of the actors, actresses, and entertainers of today cared half as much as Penn. Actually, most do only care half as much, since they talk alot but do little to actually be involved.

So if reward for his service to this country ultimately is to be merely this generations Cheech & Chong, I hope he is lauded for it.

Janelle Monae in Tightrope

Since I'm on the subject of music videos of late, I thought I might discuss Janell Monae. She has just released her latest video, Tightrope, which is quite interesting.



It's a catchy song, with a great backbeat. It kind of takes you back to the old glory days of Big Bands, swing, and James Brown soul. Which part of the video is meant to be a tribute to - ala a modified Footloose.

Comparisons of Janelle Monae to James Brown are sure to be made. Unlike many entertainers today Monae moves, she provides showmanship along with her melodious voice. The difference is so stark and obvious that even in the video Big Boi looks out of place not only in his attire, but in his lack of presentation. So in a sense it's akin to James Brown on stage with just about anyone except Michael Jackson doing James Brown.

Still Janelle Monae is not Brown. She has some moves, but they just don't inspire the style and impressiveness of Brown. Though she does stand far taller over her peers than her 5' would seem to allow.

This video is impressive, and if the rest of the albulm, soon to be released, is as good she will be taking the charts. In a way I see her potentially like Alicia Keys, an artist and entertainer. Someone who is more of a throwback to the days where there was substance to an entertainer; as opposed to the majority today (in virtually every music genre) that are throwaways, with far too much flash and nothing to back it up with besides a massive marketing campaign.

If nothing else, Janelle Monae continues to impress and cement her status as class and substance that is as much of a pleasure to see as to hear.

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Robin Williams vs. Australia - Williams is right

Australia seems to have less love for Robin Williams of late. The feeling might well be shared in reverse.

Robin Williams actually started all the fuss. He was on the David Letterman Show, and at 4:01 on the video he talks about Australia. It only takes a couple of seconds before he hits the nail on the head.



This goes on for a bit (4 minutes roughly back and forth). He denotes the redneck nature of the people (probably not all of them), the potential for some to drink their own piss, and decribes Australian Rules Footabll as a scene more likely to be found in Caligula than a sports arena. Then he plugs his film Happy Feet 2 (yes the kids will get more animated penguins soon). Then he gets in a dig on Prime Minister Rudd.

Well the Prime Minister of Australia didn't take kindly to the description of his country.

"I think Robin Williams should go and spend a bit of time in Alabama before he frames comments about anyone being particularly redneck." - Prime Minister Rudd

You know, Alabama isn't the greatest place in America when it come to historical (or likely current) events. But I think Prime Minister Rudd thinks Australia's shit doesn't stink.

They are the nation that turned the image of Snow White into a slut. They embarrassed Harry Connick Jr. with their rip-off version of the Gong Show (Hey Hey It's Saturday), which featured a beloved (among Australian Whites only) group called the "Jackson Jive" - 5 White Australians in blackface (interesting how this video got removed from Youtube after it got thousands of hits).

They promoted anorexia with their Australian Miss Universe choice - Stephanie Naumoska. Plus it's the nation where their movie execs (at least one publicly) felt the need to insult Oscar Award winner Forest Whitaker, first on his looks and then on his ability to act and be accepted by audiences.

But let's not forget, most of all, that Australia is a nation renown for their abuse and racial intolerance to the indigenous people of Australia, the Aborigines. In fact they are so well known for it that more than a few of the music entertainers from the nation (that are internationally known) BECAME popular for songs denouncing the racist attitudes in the nation.



Does Alabama still have problems? Sure does. But Prime Minister Rudd, if you don't want Australians called rednecks I can easily come up with a few more salty and far more accurate names to use instead.

LL Cool J - the elusive Black Republican?

Could you imagine that? Well obviously someone at Fox News media department did. Because he included an image of James Todd Smith, along with Jack Welch, and a Congressional Medal of Honor winner, in a promotional ad for an upcoming Sarah Palin special. How did they not see a problem coming?



When I saw the commercial last night, I really was shocked. Shocked that a Black celebrity would make public an affiliation with a Conservative view, or heaven forbid Fox News. I was also proud to see someone take a stand and remind everyone (Black people too) that African Americans are not cookie cutters, and some of us don't agree with Rev. Sharpton, President Obama, Democrats, and Liberals that just want to take care of us since we can't do it ourselves.

But that didn't last long. It seems that the inclusion of LL Cool J is inaccurate. The interview clip shown was from 2008, though I think Smith would like to still be considered a person who has overcome adversity - just not a Conservative or Republican one. So the commercial is being ammended to not include LL Cool J.

It's not the first time that any network has done such cut and paste work for a promotional commercial. It's been done over the years by EVERY news and media organization except possibly C-SPAN. But when a Black person is shown as a Republican, or Conservative, well that's just blasphemy. Because the universe would end if it were to happen.

"Popular conservative blogger Allahpundit tweaked liberals who accuse Tea Party supporters of racist sympathies, saying they'll be "shocked to find the alleged Grand Dragon of the tea-party movement making chitchat with a hip-hop legend."

Is this really such a big deal? It really shouldn't be. Is race really that important to what is supposed to be a show about real ordinary Americans doing the extraordinary? But it is. Because LL Cool J is Black, and therefore cannot be seen as a Conservative. It would end his career.

But the outrage, from a few seconds of positive imagery (as inaccurate as it was), seems to be a telling commentary. What it is saying will undoubtedly alter depending on the politics of the viewer, but if you step back and look objectively the message seems to be rather bleak - and it's not about the media comopany.

You almost feel bad for Uma Thurman

When Uma Thurman was picked to star in the comedy/drama Motherhood, you know that producers and the movie studio expected her name to draw fans. When the plot was written you know that the target audience was women. What no one knew, was that the film would be rejected by everyone - worldwide.

I have heard of bad films, every actor has a few, but this may have set a record. Seriously, this film is so bad that 12 people in England came out to see the priemere. It made a grand total of $130 (not a typo) it's opening weekend in the UK this past weekend. There are films made by students, appearing in a single theatre, without a single known actor, filled with bad writing and worse acting, that made more money last weekend.

In America, you might have missed the opening of the film. It wasn't in theaters long in 2009. It made all of $93,000 to date stateside. So far, with 5 more countries to preimere in, it has made a global total of $700,000. Which doesn't cover the cost of the posters most likely.

So you have to wonder how this film could have been so bad. What actively kept people away.

"Entertainment Weekly" speculates that "Motherhood"'s failure could be blamed on Thurman's dyed, bright-red hair..."

Yeah, red hair. That did it. Or, just maybe, it might have been reviews and word of mouth like this

"The problem I personally had with the movie is that I can't seem to categorize it. It's not a comedy, it's not a drama, it's not a love story, and it's definitely not a family movie. The only thing that comes to my mind is that it's perhaps a movie made for mothers who probably won't find to watch it, but if they do, it will make them feel better for a day or two...

Motherhood is extremely disappointing as a movie, especially if you weren't born with an uterus; instead of trying to diminish the fact that some mothers are indeed a little psycho, it creates even a bigger gap between the men and the women, between the fathers and the mothers."

No matter the reason, I think that Uma Thurman just may have set a record in Hollywood for an established international star. What a dubious honor indeed.

Stanley Howse just might be a coward

Not familiar with the name Stanley Howse? How about Flesh-N-Bone? They are one in the same, with Flesh-N-Bone being the stage name for Howse.

Now if you have not heard, Howse was arrested on Sunday for a warrant from 1998. It was at that time that he allegedly struck his mother in the head, with a gun, leaving a 2 inch gash.

Now I don't know the situation that surrounded this incident, but I am pretty sure that Flesh-N-Bone wasn't in a fight for his life. If he was, I'm pretty sure he would have gone to the police and cleared up the incident. If he was innocent, or had an excuse, he would have used any number of lawyers from his music company to deal with this situation. I could be wrong.

Thus if the charges are correct, it makes Howse a coward. Only a lowly self-important and wholly miserable imitation of a man would strike his own mother, in my opinion. The fact that a gun was involved makes it even more abominable, and him even less of a man if accurate.

I tend to believe this might be the case even more when you consider how Flesh-N-Bone got caught. Reportedly he was pulling a crowd onto the stage, once he noticed police, so he could run and hide in the confusion. Another act of a coward. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime as an old saying goes.

Now I could need to apologize to Howse. He might just be innocent. Then again, he is an ex-con, having done 8 years for another offense with a gun. Brilliant he is not.

The truely saddest part has to be that there are kids out there that want to be just like this apparent loser. They want to emulate his style and mannerism, in hopes of becoming a star entertainer and making a lot of money. But the price just seems to high.

The money and fame will never replace family or a mother. Even if she is a bad mother, she gave him birth. And a man that can't respect his own mother, likely can't respect any woman, I imagine. Thus that man can't even respect himself (another likely reason for his prior trip to jail).

Money can't buy respect. Jail is not the birthplace of success nor a goal to be attained. But it is the place that thugs seem to yearn to be in.

I am reminded of a quote.

"A fool and his money are soon parted."

Going to jail and acts of criminality are foolish. Plus it's a great way to end a promising career. Ask I'd say Tupac or Biggie, but you can't since they are dead.

Do I have any shred of respect for Flesh-N-Bone? None, if the charges are accurate. I can't imagine how anyone could.

Ricky Martin - another moment without importance

The news is out, Ricky Martin is gay. Is anyone surprised? More importantly, who cares?

I'm not commenting on the ability of Ricky Martin. He is an established singer, and an entertainer with a fan following he has earned. He has had several hit songs, and likely will have several more.

But what does his sexuality have to do with anything? At what point does his musical talents mix with his sexual preferences? How does any of this affect listening to his songs?

The fact is, unless you are of the limited mental capacity that believes listening to the music of a gay person makes you gay, Martin has not changed. His music has not changed.

I am just so tired of the circus that the major media places on the bedding antics of entertainers. This one is dating that one. This one might be gay/lesbian. Another is having marital problems. Are fans so desperate to diminish the talents of some people that they need to find ways to tear them down? Is the media that desparate for advertising dollars that they need to tear down or tarnish a celebrity to make money?

Honestly, I could live the rest of my life and never hear about the bedroom preferences and daliances of another entertainer ever again. It adds nothing to what they can do, or my ability to enjoy it.

I place one caveat to this. When it comes to committing a crime. Celebrities like R Kelly and Roman Polanski, who are criminals that have preyed upon children deserve - and demand - to be ostracized. Part and parcel with their punishments should be the very public dissolution of their entertainment careers. I have neither pity nor remorse for those that prey upon the innocent.

Thus Ricky Martin is gay, Mo'nique believes in some form of open marriage, Sandra Bullock has a marital problem just like Tiger Woods. So what. That's their lives, not mine. Until the day that I am involved directly with the situation I don't really care. Because I will or will not support their future entertainment efforts based on the quality of what they present, not what they do and with whom behind closed doors.

Anything less diminishes those that choose to judge and not those being judged.

Robert Culp - 1930 to 2010

Robert Culp passed away yesterday at the age of 79. he lived a long life and had a great career in movies and television. But some younger readers might not be familiar with who he is.

Culp was in more than 8 films, including playing the President in Pelican Breif starring Denzel Washington, but is probably best known for his work on televsion. He had roles on Everyone Love Raymond, Columbo, The Outer Limits (the great episode Demon with a Glass Hand) and The Greatest American Hero, even doing voice work for Robot Chicken.

But the single biggest role he is known for, and the television show that earned him 3 Emmy nominations, was in 1965 - 1968. It was called I Spy )and had nothing to do with the mockery of the movie with Eddie Murphy of the same name based loosely on the show).

I Spy was a significant show because of 1 special person, and the meaning the show conveyed. The show was about 2 American spys, who had the cover of professional tennis player and his trainer. Culp was the tennis star, the trainer was Bill Cosby.

This was the program that seriously launched Cosby on a national basis. It was also the first time that a Black actor was the co-star of a television series, while never once being a caricature. It was groundbreaking television at a time when the country was still trying to decide if African Americans could enter a diner by the front door, or ride on a bus in the front seats.

I liked Robert Culp in his role on the Greatest American Hero. I think Demon With A Glass Hand was great television. But more than anything else, I respect him for taking a stand, breaking a ridiculous standard in Hollywood at the time, and risking his career to be in a television show with a Black man on equal footing. It may not sound like much now, with actors like Denzel and Will Smith. But at the time it was unheard of. Without it, there would not be a Will Smith and Fresh Prince of Bel Aire or any other show with a Black lead.





Robert Culp was an accomplished actor with a career that spanned 50 years. He was a civil rights activist. And he was a father of 4. For all those reasons I am sorry to know he has died. I give my condolences to his friends as they must have so many more reasons to be sad at his passing.

Willis and Foxx are Kane & Lynch

So what do you get when you take a video game, 2 a-list celebrities, and decide to make a movie? Well you can either have a great movie (probably Prince of Persia), a good movie (Resident Evil, Hitman, Max Payne), or you can have crap (BloodRayne, Super Mario Brothers, Double Dragon, ect).

In this case the video game is Kane & Lynch. If you aren't familiar with the game it can be summed up by this video.



Yep, this is a game all about the massive kills, explosions, and mayhem that can be done with a modern video game system. And like most video games these days there is a solid backstory, character development, and solid graphics.

The one thing the game does not have are any real heroes. Both lead characters are scum. Neither is honorable, justified, or innocent. Which makes the copious amounts of violence understandable, as no hero would inflict this kind of pain on innocents.

Now take that and imagine this on the big screen. It's just not possible. Especially when you consider that Kane will be played by Bruce Willis, and Lynch is reported to be Jamie Foxx.

I'm not saying either actor is incapable, because they can definitely act. It's that the characters, as they exist, are just too violent and despicable for movie theaters. Willis and Foxx have also built up reputations as playing good guys, or at least the most good person in a movie of very grey characters. The roles of Kane & Lynch will dent those on-screen images. Which might be a reason for the actors to take the roles.

Still I see massive rewriting in the film version. I expect that at least Kane, possible also Lynch, will be toned down. The characters will be made less homicidal, and given a heroic cause for the mayhem they will create. Possibly even a bit of redemption too. Which could destroy the feel of the movie, or could cause viewers to cheer on the leads. It all depends on the writing.

And writing is something that Hollywood has been skimping on these days.

Whichever way the film goes, it will be interesting to see how it all comes together. Plus watching Willis and Foxx in an action movie sounds fun. Like the match up of Willis and Damon Wayans in the Last Boyscout (a good film by the way), but with a lot more action.

Figure it will be 1 - 2 years before the film is out. Until then, you can play Kane & Lynch 2 (out in August) and just imagine the film to come.

Who is Bombshell McGee?

I personally don't care about the rumors or scandal surrounding this woman. I believe strongly in the fact that whatever did or did not happen to Sandra Bullock's marriage is a personal matter and they shoudl be left alone.

Seperate of that I was interested in what this reportedly tattoed woman and fetish model looked like. Does she deserve the name 'Bombshell'? How good is her modeling?

Well there isn't much to go on. The best I could find was this video



Honestly not nearly as interesting as the name implies. I'm bored with this, and I have to ask - Now that you know who this woman is (and even if you didn't), what difference in your life does the scandal make?

King of Pop, now and forever?

Michael Jackson was many things to many people. A great musician, a troubled man, a businessman with the ability to make hoards of money, and a man who could spend money as fast as he made it. All are true, to varying degrees, but one thing may stand out above them all. He is still the King of Pop.

After all only a king could pull off what the Jackson estate is doing. Sony has now inked a deal of no less than $200 million, potentially $250 million, over 7 years with the Jackson estate. While that would not make the top 10 list of LIVING entertainers (actors in particular) it does make the top 20 I believe.

In fact this deal raises Michael Jackson from the top 3 position on the Forbes highest paid dead celebrity list, to almost assuredly 1st. With $90 million already made, plus the proceeds from This Is It, and now the Sony deal I would imagine he tops $350 million. Probably by quite a bit.

Elvis by comparison only had $55 million. Tupac, Biggie, and other notable dead singers that continued to have records published after their deaths don't even make the list.

Hell, this deal for the Jackson estate is so big even living celebrities are taking a back seat. Jay-Z only got $120 million. Maddona had $120 million. This doesn't even touch on the music library rights that the Jackson estate owns, worth roughly $2 billion (which includes rights to songs of Elvis and the Beatles among others).

When you add it all up, it really does become clear that Michael Jackson is (even after death), and for a long time to come will be, the King of Pop.

Open marriages - the new Hollywood trend?

The great thing about being up so late and working is that sometimes you run across news that you missed. In this case I noticed an item that really caught my attention.

Over the years I have heard Black women, and women in general for that matter, complain that there just aren't any good men left. That they can't find a solid relationship. That there isn't anyone worth keeping.

In Hollywood the situation is like the normal issues on crack. Celebrities seem to get engaged, married, and divorced like a ride on a merry-go-round. Often a soap opera will have characters with more fidelity. But Oscar winner Mo'Nique has never had that problem.

Mo'Nique has been married for 25 years. The secret of keeping her marriage?

"Let me say this: I have not had sex outside my marriage with Sidney...Could Sid have sex outside of his marriage with me? Yes. That's not a deal-breaker. That's not something that would make us say, 'Pack your things and let's end the marriage.'"

As often as Hollywood starts trends, as much as women try to copy the looks and actions of actresses, as much as Black women support African American actresses, I don't see this gaining favor.

Then again, it might.

A poll that went with this revelation stated that 18% of women thought the concept of an open marriage was the key to a better relationship. Given that the divorce rate currently exceeds the rate of people getting married, open marriages might not be that odd a concept. Still I can't imagine most women being ok with this.

The younger generation has accepted lots of ideas that I don't agree with or grew up with. They have sex sooner, consider oral sex non-sexual (or at least not a big deal). They are more prone to use drugs, have multiple partners, and to try - if not be - bisexual. I'm not making a moral statement, just an observation.

Given all that, and the fact that now a celebrity has endorsed open marriages, will this become the new trend?

Peter Graves - the mission is sadly over

It's sad to have to mention that actor Peter Graves has died today. The news has just gone over the news, he was 83 - four days before his 84th birthday.

For my younger readers, you might only recall Peter Graves as Colonel John Camden on the WB Network TV series 7th Heaven, or perhaps as the odd but funny airline pilot Captain Clarence Oveur from the Airplane! spoof movies. Some who are a bit older, or anyone that has had the chance to see the original television series Mission: Impossible (which the Tom Cruise films are very loosely based on), will remember Graves as Mr. Jim Phelps. But fans of older classic films might also recall his serious and strong performance in the film Stalag 17, as the German undercover spy Price.

Peter Graves was more than just an actor. He served in the Air Force, went to the University of Minnesota, and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He was a husband to his wife, Joan Endress, for 60 years (a number most people today have trouble reaching in months of a marriage). He was also the father of 3 children.

But the thing the general populace knew Graves for was his acting. Whether on the big screen or small, he was a mainstay for decades. Like very few in Hollywood, Graves was in 70 movies and televisions shows throughout his 52 year career (his most recent role was in 2003).

He was the well recognized voice of Biography on A&E, to the point of his parody of his Biography work in the film Men in Black II, hosting an exposé television show. It was that humor that likely garnered his roles in Airplane!

One thing he was not known for was any part of the Mission Impossible movies made by Tom Cruise. Like every surviving member of the cast, Graves had no desire to be a part of the revisioned film portrayal of the famous television show. It was rumored that Graves did not want to appear in a version of Mission: Impossible that made the Phelps character a villain.

Along the path of Peter Graves career he was nominated for Emmy's and Golden Globes, winning a Golden Globe Award in 1971 and an Emmy in 1997.

Here are some videos of the man.







My condolences to his family and friends.

Corey Haim, dead at 38 - a waste

Death and taxes are the 2 things we all know are coming for us all (even certain politicians). None of us know when our final moments will come, but we hope for that time to be long away.

Drug users don't really fit into that category. The nature of what they are addicted to shortens their lives, and limits the quality of the life they do get to have. Sadly Corey Haim was an example of how short life can become and how wasted the opportunities become.

I don't mean to pick on Haim. But perhaps in his death a lesson to others can be found.

Haim was on a fast track to stardom in his youth. He was well known, a teen heartthrob. He was in popular and good films. His acting abilities were solid and growing. He had a path wide open for his future. And then he became addicted to drugs.

Ultimately the drug addiction took his life. But along the way it destroyed his career, taking him from making movies like Lost Boys, to Snowboard Academy, to being without work and bankrupt. The drugs also strained, let's be honest it broke friendships and business relationships.

But when he was able to steer clear of the drugs, the talent and inner Haim won back many friends. He was able to get work again, in major movies like Crank: High Voltage and The Pick Up (to be relesaed in 2010), because people wanted to help him. But the addiction never let him go. It finally killed him today, along with his chance at a comeback and to the dismay of friends.

Right now there are tens of thousands, maybe millions listening to a rap song glorifying drugs. There are countless movies and music videos promoting drug use as "normal" or "harmless". There are movements across the country trying to get some or all drugs to be legalized. In each case the effects of drugs on people like Haim, Amy Winehouse, and millions of regular people are glossed over.

Corey Haim didn't win any Oscars. He was not the greatest actor ever. But he might have been, we will never know now. He died at 38, an age far to young for anyone to end their life at. He leaves behind a legacy that includes several very good films, the television show The 2 Corey's which gave a glimpse at the difficulties drugs create and his attempt at redemption, and friends.

He has also left us a sad reminder that life is too precious to throw away with drugs.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Lindsey Lohan is the milkaholic

By now I am sure everyone has seen the latest in the line of commercials for E*Trade featuring the E*Trade Baby. First seen during the Super Bowl, it has become a popular commercial. In fact too popular for one Hollywood starlet.



Lindsey Lohan has just sued E*Trade for $100 million dollars, claiming that the commercial is based on her life. In addition Lohan believes that just the mere mention of her first name is enough to register in the minds of the public her image.

Personally I believe Lohan should be given another drug test to find out what she is on this time. Seriously, the E*Trade commercial is about her? Because the baby in the commercial has the same first name, which happens to be a popular name for women. Get real.

Yes it is true that the baby Lindsey is accused of being a "milkaholic", as well as being unscupulous enough to steal the boyfriend of another woman. And I can see the correllation to Lohan in that she is known for her drug addictions, alcohol abuse, and less than honorable actions in relation to Aaron Carter, back in 2001. Then again, most recently Lohan has been connected to being bi-curious or a lesbian due to her former relationship with Samantha Ronson, which ended in 2009.

So is the baby in the E*Trade commercial enough of a loser to evoke images of Lohan and her career? Honestly, not until Lohan opened her mouth. But forevermore the joke will not only be the style of the television commercial, but the fallen star of Lindsey Lohan.

Perhaps that is the point though. Lohan hasn't been in the tabloids in a while. Her last car crash was in 2007, about the last time that anyone paid attention to her drug and alcohol abuse issues. She has made 4 forgetable, if completely unseen, films since 2007. Her celebrity today is more akin to a has-been than a current star. And as they say, "No publicity is the only bad publicity in Hollywood".

Obviously the lawsuit will fail. Not only because there appears to be no direct connection to Lohan, but because Lohan is not interesting, talented, or even infamous enough to be known by a single name - except perhaps as lush or druggie or untalented by the particularly cruel.

Time and again the younger crop of entertainers are willing to do and be associated with anything that will place their sorry faces in front of cameras and tabloid pages. The longer such actions go on the more sad and pathetic the acts of desperation appear. This is no exception.

Lindsey Lohan does not deserve $100 million for anything, the least of which is an association of her name to anything with talent, innovation, and even a spark of creativity. If anything, E*Trade should sue her for marring the image of their television commercials with her.

Sean Penn and Haiti

Sean Penn is a quality actor, and politically the kind of American I would expect from a B-grade spy movie about communist sleeper agents. He has long put himself on the forefront of criticism for his views, his socialist preferences, and his blatant love fests with unsavory leaders like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro.

But given those facts, there is no question that in regard to Haiti and the relief efforts Penn has been putting his XX where his mouth is. He has directly brought doctors (11), water filters, donated huge sums of money, and actively helped to save lives of those buried in rubble. He has directly done what many entertainers only speak about from afar.

I started to search through various posts and news articles on Penn and his activities in Haiti because of the most recent comments by Penn about the efforts of the American military in Haiti. Penn has uncharacteristically stated that

We have worked very closely with Colonel Mike Foster and Sergeant Keith Horn (ph), who have been -- who are truly exceptional men in the 82nd Airborne. And it has -- it has been such an experience working with these people."

"JENKINS [partner of Penn in his Haiti specific charity]: Because I -- in Bosnia, I associated the army with killing. And in my life, they came too late, because I lost everything.

But when I got to Haiti and I've seen what the American Army has done, all I can say is God bless America and the American Army, because they work so hard. And the only sense of order that is there, I think it's them. And they are trying so hard to help, to distribute, to do anything they can to help these people."

"PENN:I would like to tell all my lefty friends out there, these guys are doing an amazing job and they're doing it with the greatest intentions in heart and in conjunction with all of the other organizations. It's a -- and it is an amazing amount of cooperation."

Talk about shock. The only problem I have with these comments by Penn is that it took this sad crisis in Haiti for him to open his eyes and notice the great good the American military does everyday.

But somewhere it seems someone is upset with Penn. Why? I have no idea. Who? I don't know because I can't find it. I imagine it has to be some of the very same far-left wackos that Penn normally rubs shoulders with. But his response to those critics on this issue in Haiti is the very same Sean Penn that we expect to hear about

"...the outspoken actor says he hopes any cynic who dismisses his efforts as a star turn will "die screaming of rectal cancer."

It's extreme all right. And at the moment I don't care as long as Penn continues to help the people of Haiti.

But if I gave myself a moment to look at this situation, I might suggest to Penn the fickle nature of what I presume is the extreme far-left when anyone does anything they don't like. Which includes those that they normally support, as Penn has now found out.

Stepping away from that, I applaud Penn (I can't believe I'm saying that) for what he has done and continues to do in Haiti. I love celebrities that give to those in need and use thier star power to provide for those that most need it. Penn deserves the positive attention he has earned, and I hope this just brings more help for the people of Haiti.

50 Cent sex video lawsuit

I've found that rappers, since 1992, are a sad bunch of minstrels. They parade around screaming how tough they are, how much they love the ghetto (that they got out of), and how many drugs they can take while screwing anything that can walk. The reality is just so far from that.

One of the bigger "artists" is minstrel entertainer Curtis Jackson. He is probably best known as 50 Cent, and less well as bullet magnet. His songs boast of a glamorous thug lifestyle. His videos show him endulging in copious amounts of alcohol, women and so on. His reputation is built upon the facts that he is a dropout and convicted drug dealer.

As impressive as all that may be, the thing that I find interesting is the latest legal battle he is facing. 50 Cent is so successful, so surrounded by throngs of women, that he is getting sued for a sex video on the internet.

Not a video of him having sex, which I'm sure some drug-addled fan might envision in a haze of ganja high. It's a video of someone else. All Jackson did was insert himself into the video with a wig, robe, and providing a narration. Then he put it on his website. Or so the lawsuit he faces alleges.

Now I doubt that Jackson is geek enough to know how to manipulate video as required. But the mere fact that he found the best use of his time was to have this video manipulated, seems telling. The fact that it's a sex video even moreso.

For all his money and fame (deserved or not) 50 Cent couldn't even produce his own sex video? Not unlike much of rap today, the best he could do was alter the work of someone else? Not only is this low class (if it is true) its lazy, stupid, and more than a bit creepy.

50 Cent may be one of the best minstrels of the current crop of sell-outs, but I tend to believe that you just can't get the ghetto out of those that want to wallow in the worst aspects of it.

Tiger Woods countdown

With less than 24 hours to go there is no end to the speculation about what will happen with Tiger Woods and his press announcement. If it can be called that.

Tiger will be in a room seperate of reporters, with close associates, spouting whatever he chooses to say. He will not be asked questions by reporters, directly or via any other means. There is no clear forewarning of what will or will not be covered in the announcement.

Still there is no end of rumours about all of this. Honestly I have a simple opinion about it all. Tiger Woods should shut up.

Tabloids are loving Woods right now. Given he has provided lots of sales to the tabloids as numerous women fill their pages with allegation after allegation. Whether they are true, in part or whole, doesn't matter. At this point it is clear that the man was going after certain records held by Dr. J and a few other eqiually famous athletes.

But everything was quieting down. The flood of allegations was old news. And Woods had already admitted his dalliances, plus allegedly took steps to correct his behaviour. There really wasn't anything to grab the headlines again. Likely he could have gone back to the PGA and after 1 or 2 short press conferences stating this was all in his past, moved on.

Instead the sorid side of Woods will again be the big topic of sports. Drowning out the Winter Olympics, which really isn't hard to do. But it will make any near term return to golf all that much more of a circus, because tomorrow's spectacle will only ingnite the fuel for more.

At this point, Tiger Woods is known to be a great athlete and an adulterer. These are facts that will never go away. They are also facts that are common among sports athletes, especially with the top of the various sports. Right or wrong, this is a given and only the fact that Woods kept his actions quiet for so long made it that much more of a crash that the world has to watch.

If Woods said nothing publicly, and just went back to playing golf he would be no worse off than he was 4 days ago. Now, he potentially could lose tens of thousands perhaps millions of fans by giving too much or too little information (likely both will occur). It's a situation he cannot win, and he shouldn't try.

I don't care about the private life of any entertainer. If it does not affect me or the general public it should stay private. Enterytainers are people, flawed as much as anyone else, and deserve the privacy anyof us whould want to have. But when the doors are opened even a little into that privacy then you cannot prevent the flood that will follow.

So Tiger Woods should shut up. We didn't know or care about his private life before, and I really don't want to know now. Too bad in less than 24 hours that won't be an option anymore.

We are the World - Haiti edition

So I'm in NYC, talking to my accountant and enjoying the rapture that is the Obama Administration. But that's not why you are on this blog.

I think that enough time has passed that discussing the "revisioned" We are the World song will not hurt the donations to Haiti that it can provide. By now everyone that planned on buying the song has done so.

Basically I hate the idea. Yes charity and donations from celebrities are always positive. Still you would think they could have been a bit more original. Instead they took the Hollywood approach and just copied something that was far better in the past and redid it.

Of course, considering the "talent" involved something new probably wouldn't have worked. Some might take that to mean that I don't believe T-Pain, Akon (criminal), Kanye West (egoist), (criminal) Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg (criminal), and several others are without talent. And they would be right.

Think about it. Of the original artists and singers in the original, not one of them came back for this remake. It says something about what was being made and why. This group was filled with current day fads, and non-singing gimmicks, but hardly any substance. It was filled with a majority of people that need huge promotion and attention to remain relevant and interesting. I doubt if half of these people will be making records in 10 years, let alone any of the younger talent ever making it into a hall of fame (unless the criteria drops massively).

The original was something that was done, without a media blitz, purely to help people. The number of Hall of Famers and entertainers with decades of experience and ability dwarfs the same counterpart in the new version. And the new kids just had to have lots of advance and post publicity.

There is an old saying in Russia,

"If you have to advertise it, it can't be that good."

Well in America everything is advertised. But the amount of advertising often is in direct proportion to the waste of money you will recieve. Massive non-stop advertising = a piss poor product that is trying to collect money before word of mouth kills sales. Then again that also describes American Idool, modern rap, and most of the artists involved in this effort for Haiti.

Am I glad this made millions? Well yes, if the money goes solely to Haiti relief. As long as the money doesn't pay for this or that other interest and function, at least 85% of the money actually getting to the people, then yes I am glad it existed.

But, I have to believe that if some effort was applied to make something new, and that was presented to the very best of the new and old artists around, the money that could have been made would have been 3x as much or more. The key is that little word effort. Like talent, it's not popular these days, nor as important as it used to be.

What I said at the start is still the most important thought though. To be honest about the hodge-podge now won't hurt sales and thus the donations. Just a few egos, that are way to inflated anyway.

Taylor Lautner to become a plaything

Ok, I really must be getting older. It's the only answer to why I do know what Strech Armstong is, and don't have a clue who Taylor Lautner is. But for anyone else that is out there and unsure of either, never fear Hollywood is hard at work bringing the 2 together.

Lautner will be starring in a new movie titled and based on the toy Stretch Armstrong. The toy is very old, around 30 years or so, and is simply a doll (think He-Man style) with rubbery arms that can be stretched to extreme lengths. You might think that Hollywood is stretching the proposed plot of the upcoming film, but that would assume a plot exists.

Lautner for his part is a "teen heartthrob", which would explain why I have no idea who he is. His claim to fame is being part of the excessively hyped Twillight films. Somehow I expect this film, due out in 2012, to bring many of his fans back to reality.

Why is this film going to be made? Because of all the money Hasbro (which owns the toy) has made off of it's other toys, Transformers and GI Joe. Note that I did not say because of the entertainment Harbro gave to movie audiences (they didn't). This is merely another grab at whatever money is left in your pocket after taxes, if you still have a job these days.

I suppose that Hasbro thinks this is a great time for a movie based on this toy. The "hero" is kind of like Plastic Man, who is sort of a comic book superhero. And comic book conversion films are all the rage in Hollywood. Adding the hype of the kid from Twillight is sure to drive female fans to the film, and hopefully spark new sales of a toyline (sure to be remodeled after Lautner's image) that I doubt anyone under 35 recalls.

Seriously, things are getting desperate in Hollywood. They are making movies based on anything they can find these days. A video game, a comic book, an old television show, now toys. What's next? Board games? Wait, actually A deal was made to turn Monopoly and Chutes & Ladders (Candy Land too if I recall correctly) into movies.

The only thing left is to make a movie based on candy bars, and remakes of revisioned films. And once they start making movies about a Snickers bar you know that it's the end of the civilization.

Movie Preview: Green Zone

Let's say you are a Hollywood Liberal. You hate President Bush, dislike Republicans, loathe the war in Iraq (and likely Afghanistan) and gernerally want to tell the world that America is wrong (on just about everything). What do you do?

The result is likely Green Zone. A film that focuses on the Iraq War in it's pre-surge stages. A time when admittedly America was not focused in it's efforts or goals. A war that did not have a clear justification, and was the focal point of Liberal disgust with the Government.

But films of this nature have been made before. Lions for Lambs is just one example. There are many. The general public made a clear statement that such films were distasteful, and far too politically biased, to be worthy of viewing - even as DVD's or on cable. Thus the Hollywood Liberal is stuck; wanting to spread a message that no one wishes to hear, nor believes in total.

Green Zone resolves that in 2 ways. First is the use of Matt Damon, a solid actor, as a quasi-Bourne/average joe soldier. Damon is the spy/soldier of fortune of this generation. Sort of a Rambo with a brain or Bond with brawn. His name is sure to draw action and adventure fans, while still bringing in a female audience that just likes his looks.

The second part is the loose use of the book Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone. A book that purported to not pick sides, and was a moment in time in the war in Iraq. A moment that specifically emphasizes the less than stellar actions of America.

With these 2 elements a film can be created that sets the American Government as bad guys, the American soldier as caught in the middle of deceptions and intrigue, and the military as bullies. It can ram home the dreams of the Liberal Hollywood in a format that will seem less political in movie trailers and finally be seen by the public at large.



I am a fan of Matt Damon. I like his acting, and I have no doubt that he will make this role interesting. Politically we are on opposite sides of the spectrum, which is fine. Until politics invades a movie in the disguise of entertainment.

I don't mind politics in movies. Anti-war movies and those with political commentaries can be great films. Like Apocalypse Now or Platoon. When the point is entertainment and then politics and not the other way around.

I dislike films that are mere propoganda, no matter how stylishly done or how many star entertainers it may contain. I dislike films that use the military as a tool to exploit to spread a message. And yes, I am no fan of anti-American films.

Thus you can take this preview of Green Zone with a grain of salt or not. You may not see the elements that I believe are present and at the fore of the film. You may agree with these ideas, in part or whole, and like the package that has been made to present them.

I do not.

Paul Greengrass is an excellent director (Bourne Ultimatum), and Damon is a solid actor. This film will have action and superb war fight scenes. It looks to have a pace that is intense, writing that is on par or above most films these days. Even the plot will be logical, if biased.

But these trappings do not seperate the true reason this film exists. To spread a political philosophy that Hollywood Liberals espouse and have been trying to disseminate for years without success by any metric.

I do not recommend this film. I won't recommend it as a DVD either. I may be completely wrong, and I will be the first to stand up and state so if I am, but that is about as likely as Hollywood becoming Conservatives.

Conan O'Brien doing the right thing for staff

For all the back and forth over who gets the Tonight Show, I have had nothing to say. It's broadcast television and I generally don't watch it. Plus Jay Leno is not my cup of tea. Then again, Conan O'Brien isn't quite it either.

I do think that O'Brien got screwed by NBC. But his contract will ensure that he will be well paid for this public slap in the face. Leno on the other hand is a sinking ship. I believe that even his fan-base will reject him back in his old time slot because of the way this all worked out.

But the thing that got me writing is none of this. It's the most recent news of what is happening in the negotiations between NBC and O'Brien.

NBC is stuck and they know it. They must pay O'Brien since they broke the terms of his contract. That's worth $30 million. But the contract is not inclusive of the staff. They are a seperate situation.

O'Brien, it is reported by the AP, is sticking by his guns and fighting for a deal that will take care of his 200 or so staff members. NBC for it's part says it's made a nice deal for them and that this is just PR. So it's a he-said-she-said situation.

I believe O'Brien. NBC screwed him. NBC caused the situation. NBC is the ne trying to preserve as much money as possible while being forced to live up to the contract they broke. If anyone is likely to be pinching pennies, it would be NBC. Especially when it comes to people the public is unaware of and thus far more expendable in NBC's eyes.

I have a lot more respect for Conan O'Brien having heard about his support of his staff. He may be funny, but it's his staff that allows him to be so, night after night. The fact he is standing up for them is the right thing to do. Something that many stars in Hollywood and television forget.

So I really don't care who gets the Tonight Show. I won't be watching it any more than I have for the last 2 decades. But just because of what O'Brien has done, I will watch a bit of whatever he does next. Do you agree he has earned that much?

Teddy Pendergrass - an inspiration passes

It's a shame to have to say that Teddy Pendergrass has passed away. The man was an inspirational entertainer. Not only because of his talent, that required no gimmicks or manipulation of his voice in a studio as many today require, but also because of his perserverance after the accident that left him in a wheelchair.

Teddy Pendergrass was one of the few entertainers that has endured the test of time. His music has found countless new fans, while remaining cherished by old fans for decades. He was part of an age of entertainers that didn't need music videos, or blatant sexual imagery, to sell. He was quality before the current age of quantity flooded the markets.



And any discussion of Pendergrass is not complete without mentioning the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance which raised money, awareness, and inspired those that suffered from spinal cord injuries.



Music has lost a great, far too young and far too soon. There is no replacement for his style, voice, and talent in the industry today and likely ever to come. Truly its a sad day.

Schuyler Fisk - iTunes exclusive

Here is a bit of news that music fans, and those that like iTunes, will enjoy. I have been notified that Schuyler Fisk will be releasing a new song, "Love Somebody", exclusively on iTunes on Friday January 8th.

The song "Love Somebody" has been heard in some regions in association with commercials for SPCA. But now fans nationwide will have the chance to download the song. The big bonus though is that the proceeds of the song will go to benefit Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. That's 100% of the proceeds.

For those readers less familiar with Schuyler Fisk, I found the following video. It's not a music video, but a portion of the film I'm Reed Fish, where Fisk is singing the song herself.



For those that are fans of Fisk, you can look forward to seeing her in a movie shortly. She will be in an upcoming Gus Van Sant movie that has already finished filming.

The new voice of the news

When it comes to gravitas, there are few entertainers that even can be considered on the list. When it comes to being an icon of entertainment, the list gets smaller.

Just think about it. What are the voices that you can always recognize, even without seeing a face? James Earl Jones, Orson Welles, Walter Cronkite, William Shatner, top the list of course. They are men that without question are immediately recognized. But, as much as I was sure that Darth Vader had to be Black (I was very disappointed when he wasn't), as much as I respect Cronkite for his reporting, I don't imagine those men with the reserved dignity and impact of one other voice.

Morgan Freeman.

Perhaps it is the fact that this one actor has such a voice, a voice that just seems to fit as a stand-in for God or Presidents, that CBS has decided to use it for it's news program. It is perhaps the one voice that can replace the heralded Cronkite as a voice of familiarity and trust when it comes to the news of the day.

It's quite the move for a man that most my age remember initially as Easy Reader (from the original Electric Company on PBS). Freeman has gone from Mississippi to the heights of Hollywood. He is respected and sought after. And his voice compels the audience to just listen.

At 72, Freeman is possibly one of the most momentus actors of several generations. Which is interesting as his movie career didn't start until he was 43, and didn't take off until he was 50. He is more in demand now than most actors are in their 20's, or ever.

Something that CBS news viewers might not know, Morgan Freeman can dance, which he did for the 1964 World's Fair. He can sing, as he did as a memeber of the Opera Ring in San Franscico. And like many men of the past, he served in the military - the Air Force.

Considering that back in 1937 when Freeman was born African Americans were not accepted on radio and only in movies as caricatures of people (there was no television), and now he is the voice and image of trust, sobriety, gravitas, and the sanctified. It's a thought that is both warming to me and inspiring.

Bravo Mr. Freeman, and bravo to CBS for their good taste.

The PGA without Tiger Woods - does it matter?

And so it begins. Now that Tiger Woods has decided to step away from golf while he and his wife resolve the now public issues, advertisers and golfers are running from him. The greatest golfer, arguably ever, is quickly learning who his friends are.

I won't speak about what Tiger did or his wife's reaction. That is a private matter for them both. But I will comment on the reaction this is having. And like dominoes the effect is just triggering more and more reactions.

Gillette is now the first of the major advertisers to step away from Woods. While not quite running, they are going to quickly minimize the ads that feature Tiger. Gillette claims this is their attempt to help Woods minimize his public presence. Which oddly enough sounds more like they are trying to not piss of women that might buy their product because they somehow link it to Woods actions.

So far Nike has remained the most dedicated to Tiger of all the advertisers. Which makes sense as Tiger has done everything they could have hoped for with their golf equipment line. With Woods out of competition, it's hard to know exactly what will happen to future ads in 2010. Still I think there will be something that features Woods and Nike. And I commend that in at least the fact that they acknowledge what was done for them. Plus I hate rats fleeing a sinking ship, before it starts to sink.

In the world of golf there are mixed comments. There are those that wish the Woods family encouragement in their efforts to resolve this issue. There are those that have shared their feelings about similar troubles, like John Daly. These are respectful comments that I think make sense, though the best are those that refuse to speak about a private matter.

Then there are golfers like Colin Montgomerie. His comments that focus on his ability to win now just annoy me.

"I feel that it gives us more opportunity of winning these big events now."

It rings petty, considering that it is an admission that were the best golfer in the world around, he and others like him, could never have a chance. Montgomerie is just not that good.

I can't wait to see how Montgomerie feels when he sees what winning without the presence of Woods means. Inevitably the prize purses in the PGA are going to drop without Woods. The viewership of televised events, and likely the number of events covered, will drop. A Lot. Because no one really cares if Colin Montgomerie wins, but everyone cares if Tiger plays.

The big question to the PGA and professional golf, even advertisers, has to be what will happen if Tiger comes back? What happens if Tiger doesn't come back, or he is incapable of the dominance he has had in the sport? What happens to all the charities and organizations that Woods created and sponsors? Perhaps John Daly summed it up well

" They always say there is no one bigger in golf than the game itself. But Tiger is."

Somehow I think it's going to be quite a while before we see ads like the following again:





And it will be a long time before we see this in golf videos



Sadly I think we have all witnessed the end of the Tiger Woods era. No matter when he comes back, I think his spirit has been broken. He will still win, and he will break records. But the greatest moments of his career will likely be behind him. In a way it's just a shame to know we will never see what he could have been. And we will never see his kind of ability again in our lifetime, of that I am sure.

Pee-wee Herman is back

Some of my readers probably never have heard of Pee-wee Herman, nor his real world creator Paul Reubens. That can either be taken as a plus or a negative depending on your taste in comedy.

Either way there is no question that for a time, Pee-wee was the hottest comedian on television. He had a successful Saturday morning show that was good for kids, but held lots of laughs for adults that could read between the lines. He had made 2 successful films. All was going well.

Then Reubens did something that nearly killed Pee-wee completely. Reubens was caught doing a very adult act in a quite seedy film theater. The reaction was hardly the minor inconvienence of George Michael, it was more akin to the image bash that Tiger Woods is currently living.



Every sponsor disappeared, and Reubens was unable to find any kind of work. He languished in this realm for a time until he got a break with a "minor" role in the original film of Buffy the Vampire Killer. His take on a vampire death was a scene stealer and reminded some that talent is not the same as media exposure.



There were several other minor roles over the years, but nothing to the level of Pee-wee.

Of course Reubens was in a love-hate relationsip with Pee-wee. Not unlike Leonard Nimoy's feelings towards Spock, perhaps even the relationship of Gollum and The Ring, Pee-wee was what Reubens was known for.

But now, decades after the event, and at a time when the youth are more than prepared to see for the first time the great hits of the past, Reubens has made peace with his famous alterego and brought him back to life. The only question is how big a return will it be?

I say how big because Paul Reubens is funny. As annoying as the Herman persona can be, it works. On the big screen and on the small it conveys something to audiences of all ages. And it's far more original than most anything else out now in any medium you can name.

I'm hoping all goes well for Reubens and Herman alike. I thought he was a funny man, and the onslaught of negative publicity for something that hurt no one was unfair (though it was a bit creppy - like George Michael). He's paid his dues, more than most entertainers.

So I think it's time that another generation learn how to dance to Tequila!

Is South Africa now sexist instead of racist?

For more than half of my life South Africa was a nation divided by segregation and racism. And I wish that that was the full extent of their flawed and divisive system, but the truth is that they were like this for well over 100 years. But now that apartheid is gone, South Africa seems to be moving forward to just discriminating against women.

At least this is what I get from the recent protest against Jennifer Hudson. It has been reveiled that Hudson has been picked to portray Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in an upcoming movie. And there are those in South Africa that oppose this.

The film is to be made in South Africa, with a director that is from there and made several other films about the nation and it's troubled (to say the least) past. In each of Darrell J. Roodt'd prior films (Sarafina and Cry, The Beloved Country) a mix of American and other actors too on prominent roles. That is what enabled these films to have a life outside of South Africa and to be seen across the world.

But that's not good enough anymore it seems

"This decision must be reversed, it must be stopped now," union secretary general Oupa Lebogo said in The Times. "If the matter doesn't come up for discussion, we will push for a moratorium to be placed on the film."

Now here are 2 very good questions I would ask Lebogo. First, if this film is not allowed to be made as is, who does he think will see the film and thus promote South Africa as a nation changed from the ways of discrimination and strife? Without a huge name as Jennifer Hudson, does anyone believe that this film might ever be seen in America - or likely any other nation? It may sound mean, but the fact is that I don't recall seeing a South African actor winning an award for a film made in South Africa.

The second question is a bit different but even more pertinant. Why was there no protest about Clint Eastwood's film Invictus?

It stars 2 Americans, Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman, playing prominent South Africans. It has an American director. It was filmed in South Africa, promoting that nation. But it's about men.

The film for Hudson is about women. That's the only difference. Well that and the fact the Jennifer Hudson film is even more connected to South Africa than Clint Eastwood's movie.

It seems to me that this protest in South Africa is just an admission of sexism which replaced the apartheid system in that nation. It's a repression of the people of that land. And it will ultimately hurt South African, not help it.

I guarantee that if Jennifer Hudson does not star in this film, it will be relatively unseen. The movie might be a hit by SA standards, but that's about it. A bad remake of a worse zombie film in America will outperform the SA film in numbers of movie-goers, international attention, and revenue. That's just a fact.

So before South Africa pisses of Jennifer Hudson, women, and Hollywood I think they should shut up. They need the revenue the film will bring their nation. They need the positive attention. They need the support of women as much as they needed it when Nelson Mandela was locked up and Apartheid was the rule of their land.

Win a $3 million dollar home for $30

Yes this is real. No, M V Consulting, Inc. is not involved though I wish we were. This is the the result of the compassion and efforts of Dennis Rodman and the Mission of St. Francis.

The Mission of St. Francis is a non-Government funded private organization that helps people that are in need. They have been helping people reclaim their lives without becomeing Government dependant for 40 years. But this economy has been as difficult for them as for everyone else, even as those in need have grown.

Dennis Rodman has joined in bringing attention to what the Mission does, and to help raise funds for their effort. This has led (with a super generous offer from a Florida family) to the Rodman Raffle.

A purchse of a $30 raffle ticket before December 25th qualifies you for a chance to win a 6 bedroom 6 1/2 bath Ft. Lauderdale waterfront estate that also has:

1000 sq ft Master Suite

Ocean access

4 car garage

Game room

Wet bar

Pool

Security system

Wood and Marble floors

Hurricane impact widows and doors

Dennis Rodman as a neighbor

The home is valued at $3 million, and the winner of the raffle will receive the title and deed free & clear. The proceeds of the raffle will go to the Mission of St. Francis to allow them to continue to help those in need as they have done for 40 years.

M V Consulting, Inc. loves to hear of and support celebrity donations and many causes. This is another such cause that we are happy to bring to our readers attention.

I will be entering the raffle. I recommend that all my readers who have the means do so as well. Even if you don't win the grand prize you will have the knowledge that your support has helped an organization that has given 10,000 people the means and ability to fight drug addiction.

To purchase a raffle ticket and to see photos of your potential new home go to

RodmanRaffle.org

How to lose a girlfriend like a rockstar

The world of entertainers and that of the rest of the us are very different. Take the example of Robbie Williams. This is a man that in any other circumstance would be sure to be single.

Robbie Williams was in Australia and being interviewed by a local radio station about his latest album "Reality Killed The Video Star". During the interview he was told that Sydney, Australia has a reputation for marriage proposals - which is the first I have heard of this reputation. Williams then did the following:

"Williams turned to [actress and girlfriend Ayda] Field and said: "Is there anyone you want to get married to?"
She replied: "This is so awkward."
To which Williams said: "Will you marry me?"
After a pause, Field, 30, answered: "Yes, I'll marry you."

That, most would assume, was a marriage proposal. Not the most romantic or memorable way to do it, but still a proposal nonetheless. Except we are talking about entertainers. And spokesman for Williams denies he is now engaged. Too bad Robbie Williams mom wasn't clued in. Reports are that Williams mom now states that the couple is very excited and planning a wedding soon.

So we have Williams people saying that it was a joke. You have Williams mom thinking it was real. Who knows what Ayda Field is thinking.

Were this regular people I would expect that Williams would come home to find the remains of his things that weren't completely burned on the sidewalk - being the ultimate punchline for his very public joke. In fact if this were any of the women I know, upon hearing that the proposal was a joke, Williams would be seriously hurt and instantly single.

Maybe that's what he was hoping for? To be single again. But if we don't see Williams for a while, if he misses any interviews or public appearances, I would expect that Ayda Field had a very non-verbal conversation with him about the matter. If you love celebrity gossip I say keep an eye out on this couple.

Tiger Woods in car accident

It's always a shame to hear of anyone you know of in a car accident. When you hear about a celebrity or entertainer getting seriously injured it feels as if it were a family member, as so many of us follow the careers and news of these people as much as some members of our direct families.

I hope that Tiger Woods will be ok. So far reports are that he is in serious condition. The exact nature of his injuries and the extent of them are unrevealed at this point.

Early details are that he was pulling out of his driveway when he hit a fire hydrant and a tree. It sounds like there is more to this than just that for the degree of injury he is reported to be in. There was no alcohol involved in the injury as reported by authorities.

I hope that the Woods family and friends are alright. I know how it can be to have a family member in the hospital after an accident. It's not a feeling I would wish upon an enemy.

So far there is no indication what impact thesse injuries may have on the arguably greatest golfer ever. There is no doubt that many fear this could affect his career detrimentally. Which would be a shame as he still has decades left in his career, and I have no doubt that he can break ever record he has yet to achieve.

But if the choice were to have a Tiger Woods that could no longer play golf, or a Tiger that was a lesser golfer than he is, as opposed to no tiger Woods at all I would take either of the first 2 options.

Hugh Jackman ain't Lee Marvin - Real Steel

Let's say that you are a Hollywood executive. So between meetings deciding where you can eat dinner and get the most peer attention, and where to drink to get the most peer attention, you have to figure out a movie to greenlight for Hugh Jackman to be in.

You could:

A) Read through the pile of original scripts that you have been using as a makeshift coffee table
B) Look through your son's comic book collection
C) Keep watching Nick-At-Nite since you are overstimulated and can't sleep more than an hour a day anyway

Sadly for Hugh Jackman, or at least his agent, the option picked in real life was C. Thus we have yet another revisioned remake of a Twilight Zone episode coming to a theater near you. Not that the horrendous revisioning of Button Button - in theaters now as The Box - had any influence on the decision.



Yes, Jackman will be starring in Real Steel. A rip-off of the Twilight Zone episode Steel that aired on October 1963 and was based on a short story from 1956. That episode starred a real great actor, Lee Marvin. It was a tale of indomitable spirit and optimism. It was gritty and Black & White. It is so old that whichever Hollywood exec is completely sure that movie-goers by large will have no idea it's yet another copy of a television show episode (not even a series).

Such is the dearth of ideas that Hollywood is willing to take a chance on. Their quest of "bankable" ideas matched with popular entertainers trump any real effort at providing entertainment more often than not. But at least this is not yet another sequel or comic book to movie conversion or video game to movie conversion.

The premise of the film is basically the same as the Twilight Zone episode. It's the future. Boxing is now relegated to only androids. Jackman is the owner of a run-down android that is his last chance at success. The theory of the film, as stated so far, is that this will be a Rocky-esque film. I suppose that means the underdog will win even though there is no reason in creation why anyone would ever believe it should happen. Then again there is always the thought



Look, Jackman is ok. But a boxer? Unless he has a crazy intense workout schedule nowhere near believable shape. Especially if they follow the Twilight Zone script and have him fight a machine. Lee Marvin was a WWII Marine Scout Sniper vet with a purple heart. Jackman is a teen heartthrob (ok, maybe to ladies older than that too). Jackman is basically the guy that is the butt of the Eddie Murphy joke (just taller and Australian).

And all of this says nothing of the filler that will be thrown into the movie to fill up the time that is outside of what was already in the Twilight Zone episode. So roughly about 30 minutes of new material from writers that haven't done anything truly original in decades. That worked out really well in The Box. I expect about the same here.

The only real hope of this film lies in the director. Shawn Levy is known for his Night at the Museum - which was decent - and the atrocious Pink Panther revisioning. That's 50/50 odds, not including the fact that Real Steel is not a comedy. My hopes are not rising.

But there is time before the trailers come out (in 2010). Who knows, maybe a writer with a spark of originality might be hired as a Christmas gift to the public. Or more likely, accountants have figured out that it's time for another great White hope, and theaters are the only place it will really pay off even if it sucks.

Tyler Perry donates $1 million

As the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaches, it's always nice to have a bit of positive news. This year Tyler Perry is the one giving some cheer.

Tyler Perry has given $1,000,000 to the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in honor of the 100 year the organization has been working on civil rights and empowerment to African Americans. The donation is no small thing, and is an interesting gift.

Perry is the subject of no small debate within the Black community. Some find his movies and television shows to be a welcome source of information on African Americans in the media. Other find his work to be a caricature that is insulting and "bufoonery". Perhaps the most true statement is that it is both in equal parts.

Either way, there is no question that Peryy has become a force in Hollywood. His efforts have provided some of the most consistent and profitable presentations of African Americans to date. There is no question that via his movies more African Americans are getting work and exposure than at almost any other time in entertainment history (when including the work of all other African Americans).

Perry has also been consistent in giving back to the community. The donation to the NAACP is not his first, nor likely his last. But it is the largest individual donation to the NAACP in it's history.

Earlier this year Perry also helped the 65 kids of Creative Steps Day Camp. The kids had been kicked out of Valley Swim Club in Philadelphia under debatable racial motivation, and Perry took up their cause and sent the kids to Disney.

In September of last year Perry donated 2 weeks of food to 1,000 families via Hosea Feed the Hungry and the Homeless care center. At the time I noted how he was doing more for the public than Congress. Not that the major media cared.

So no matter what you think of the work of Tyler Perry, there is no question of his contributions. This is the essense of what the holiday spirit is I think. Not the shopping slaes sprees, but the giving. Perry may not get much major news media coverage for what he has done, but I have no problem commending his actions.

Music Video: Beyonce and Lady Gaga - do I need to say more?

By now I'm sure many have seen the new music video by Beyonce that features the popular Lady GaGa. Of course I'm sure there are just as many that might not have seen it yet considering how few music videos get played on MTV these days. But this video is special and I think even reviewers have missed the joke in the video. Read on and tell me if you get it too.

The song is called Video Phone. It's a very Lady Gaga song in that it is simplistic in the vocals and catchy at the same time. I'd also say that the major influence in the video comes from Lady Gaga and her people. It is a new direction for Beyonce, from what I saw. But like the song, the video works.

Of course, movie buffs (and others) like myself may find the video interesting for far more reasons than just the look and the eye catching colors. Then again there are more than a few that have issues with the video (though they missed the big thing - or were too embarrassed to mention it if they did get it).

"I will admit the video is pretty to look at, and Lady GaGa holds her own next to a major captial D Diva, but the womanizing undertones and dance for your dinner chair routine have my tummy feeling icky." - Ryan Brockington, NY Post

and

The Bad: Why exactly was Lady Gaga in this video? Her voice adds nothing to what was actually a pretty mediocre song. And the dance sequence with Beyonce and Lady Gaga? Hey, Gaga can’t keep up with Beyonce’s poppin’ and shakin.’ (But, then, who can?!) On top of that, Gaga looks a little emaciated next to the more athletic B. Regarding other aspects of the video, what’s up with all the guns? Not sure what that has to do with a video phone." - Creative Loafing

I see their points, (though Beyonce is just a normal Black woman that doesn't conform to the Hollywood fetish with anorexics) but I saw a whole lot of other things. First though, here is the video. [Sorry for the ad at the bottom of the video, but this is the video with the least obtrusive ad I could find]



Ok, so now you have seen it. Did you catch all the apparent homages in the video? Did you figure it out?

There is the Quentin Tarantino Resevoir Dogs shot, with a bit of the Cray 8's from Kill Bill. Then after a bit it gets all fetishy with the Zentai hoods and male bondage. It gets way more BDSM, in clothing, as I believe both ladies are in Rubber or Latex neon day-glow outfits with matching boots, and the Latex halter that Beyonce wears. Which makes sense if the thought is to show female dominance over the men in the video, and that explains all the guns plus the Tarrantino references.

But there is also a bit reference to Betty Page. Often seen on WWII bombers, it is also a reason for the guns, I suppose. By the way, the weapons are in dayglow colors to be PC and not promote guns - I think. It would make sense that the record label would want to avoid some liberal nutjob from making such an allegation and potentially losing anti-NRA viewers. And it prevents any connection of this video with the violence normally promoted in rap and occasionally hip hop. [Oh, the rifles are not AK-47's, they are AR15's also known as a M-16. Though I've never seen one with a silencer before. Plus a Tommy Gun, also with a silencer which I never saw before. And Lady Gaga has a .45]

Oh, and a possible homage to the classic Memorex television commercial too. Like I said, this video has a lot in it.

But what is the big secret? What does this video mean (at least visually)?

The director was thinking hard on this video. I mean he went all the way out there. The ghettofabulous Betty Page homage, the further reference to WWII with the Rising Sun flag based bikini and the gestapo styled hat - no idea why she is carrying a bow in those scenes though. But I suppose that explains the guy with all the arrows in him. Well that and the fetish of BDSM - inflicting pain but not killing the guy (he does move later in the video).

So here is what I think.

Actually I think the whole thing is just a big fetish video cleverly disguised, with obvious inspiration to Quentin Tarrantino (who seems to have a foot fetish himself), hidden in an innocuous song. Everyone is so busy watching Beyonce pop and somewhat exposed, plus trying to get a glimpse of any extras on Lady Gaga, that the rest of it just flies past everyone.

I like this video ever so much more now. It's the biggest joke, that everyone will be watching this and yet NO ONE will likely figure out what it is that's going on. I'm sure the director will be rolling on the floor with laughter as review after review misses the obvious yet praises the video; not realizing they are praising BDSM publicly. That's just hillarious.

Ok, so if you agree, do me a favor and pass around the word that I figured out the video first. I can't wait to hear the response once we spread this around the net.