Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Lee Daniels Pushes the Envelope Again - And Will Probably Take Home An Oscar In The Process


"Precious" continues to pack in audiences in its third week.

Lee Daniels, the Philadelphia born director/actor/producer has certainly evoked a lot of conversation with his film adapted from the novel "Push" by Sapphire.

Daniels best known for "Monster's Ball," and now "Precious" is getting raves and jeers, but one thing is certain - the film is making as much money as it is noise.

If you haven't seen it yet - check it out.

Official website for film:

http://www.weareallprecious.com

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Company We Keep, Black Radio and Why I Love My Book Club




Our book club's latest selection was Mary Monroe's "The Company We Keep."

The book is based on the original screenplay by Roy Campanella, Jr.

It's the story of a successful radio executive looking for "Mr. Right."

It was a light, entertaining read, and I thought that Ms. Monroe's depiction of the entertainment industry, particularly Black radio, was very much on point.

In a previous life, I worked in radio as an assistant to one of the best Black radio veterans in the country. It brought back a lot of fun memories.

The last question in our discussion was "why is Black radio so important to the Black community?"

We all agreed that it makes us feel connected, a part of things and that like the Black church - we don't want to live without it.

We also agreed that in order to hear Black radio, you pretty much have to subscribe to satellite radio. That's how much the industry has changed.

I remember my late mother's tales of WDIA in Arkansas and how much she depended on those Black voices to keep her company (pardon the pun) when she transplanted from her native North Carolina.

We've got to make sure our voices continue to be heard.

Support Black Radio.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

"Precious" - Kudos to Oprah and Tyler for Making This Movie Happen




I saw the movie "Precious" today.

I did not want to see the movie.

I did not read the book "Push," which was the basis for this film because the subject matter was too intense for me.

However, through the power of "google," I knew what the movie was about beforehand.

It's not pretty - it's pretty painful - but it's thought provoking. And as I watched it, through tears (and sometimes laughter), I thought, "If you're not giving anything back, what the heck is the point?"

AMAZING performances by all.

Gabourey ("Gabby") Sidibe might want to start working on an Oscar acceptance speech - and Mo'Nique would be wise to start picking out an outfit as well.

Paula Patton and Mariah Carey also showed up and showed out for this movie.

I give this one a "galaxy" of stars!

Monday, November 9, 2009

"POWER" - by Curtis Jackson (AKA "50 Cent")


From Macy's Release:

Join us as we roll out the Red Carpet for 50 Cent! 50 Cent will be visiting 5 Macy's to personally introduce his new men’s fragrance, Power by 50 Cent, available exclusively at Macy’s. With any $68.50 Power by 50 Cent fragrance purchase the day of his appearance, meet 50 Cent and take home a photo with him, in an autographed frame



Tuesday, November 10th
Macy’s Union Square
San Francisco, CA
5:00–7:00 pm