Barack Obama clearly defined his agenda for America tonight with a short and sweet speech minus the fire and  rock star appeal he’s been condemed for by Republicans, and left nayasayers with nothing to say but recognize, honor and respect the clear front runner for the presidential bid in less than 9 weeks. 

 A good man, he even recognized his opponent,  Senator John McCain. It takes a man with substance to acknowledge their opponent! His efforts earned an applause for McCain. You can expect for McCain to deliver boos from his crowd during the Republican presidential convention and out early congratulatory remarks wishing Barack Obama well to offset the damage he is about to do!  Stand by and realize that this is expected!

 Sure the media will say tomorrow Barack Obama was boring and has no idea what he’s in for when McCain takes to the mic his turn around, but there was one pivotal moment when Barack Obama stepped into character and mentioned, we all have served and died for the blue, red and white for this country, but  bleed the same! WIth no mention on race at all this evening, he had made his point  for what may be the most  powerful speech of  his career that even a smear campaign in last minute desperation by the Republicans won’t be able to tarnish. Why? Keep reading!

 Barack Obama could have continued with this energizing charge, but something in the next president of the United States clicked off and immediately switched on to presidential mode. America got a chance to see the real inner fire of Obama as a family man, representative of all working Americans and even the homeless with anything but  rockstar appeal.

I am not quite sure if people noticed Barack Obama step into the shoes of his job disregarding the race card at all. Barack Obama was the President of the United States tonight. He had nothing to prove this time around and got right to business. Folks had been waiting for this moment and were in shock when Barack Obama got out of his own way as Oprah has said is a good tip we all should follow, and delivered the most definitive speech of his campaign.

 Instead of bringing the fire, fear and intimidation McCain has fueled on national airwaves with Barack Obama’s own words twisted and miconstrued in ads, he exposed the Bush Era as  over 28 years of  the same agenda  with  an approach I call ”oponent rhetoric role calling.”  It’s the most dangerous method of campaigning where you mention your opponent’s agenda, but those words are taken as your own.

It didn’t seem that Barack Obama cared if  his words were  pulled out of context  this time for McCain’s next batch of ads as he simmered his powerful speaking ability  in Denver, Colorado’s Football stadium where the substance of a man superceded style.

On this evening, he defined his plans so that even a little child listening could understand and like a teacher which are qualities I saw evident in Michelle who deserves more credit than given. Over 85,000 people stood up on their feet on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech. Visit www.MYFOXNY.com to see entire speech!

Barack also, didn’t soak up the crowd’s applause. He said thank you over 20 times at the beginning of his speech to begin speaking about his agenda, and instead of that quiet self-serving scaffolding of the room as celebrities do at concerts to absorb their greatness.

  Barack Obama  was polite and never told the crowd to sit down although time ticked. You only have a few seconds to capture reluctant listeners and as well as supporters best attention. Barack Obama didn’t break a sweat. He was calm, collected and methodical, but with this sincerity you could tell  was going to deliver  as he got ready to announce his agenda as well as Vice Presidential candidate Biden. Folks in the crowd held their breath as well as listenres at home. This was it!

 You could see Barack Obama’s character reveal itself from his patience, humility, controlled poise to stay focused and most of all begin his speech with the kind of gratitude  that was evident when he thanked Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton first in knowing that their respect of him as a candidate led folks to take Barack Obama more seriously.

They say you’re only as great as the people you honor as being instrumental in your journey to success. It takes giving up one’s ego to admit, but this ego wasn’t evident as Barack Obama spoke. American took snap shots in slow saccading motion in their minds clearly visualizing  Barack Obama in the oval office. Some tears streamed down white and black faces in the crowd because  millions of people had faith that there would be a great man like Barack Obama one day to lead the country for the sake of  youth in dire need of role models and many joining gangs and crime, violence and despair with consequences getting closer and deadly in surburbia’s  back yard. One person’s problem affects 1 million more. 

 While Barack did not emphasive inner cities break down with gangs running rampant, he clearly had a platform to speak  face-to- face to America, the country he says he loves  and by all means will protect with this Barack Agenda, one of the most detailed in over 20 years from a presidential candidate.

So what did Barack propose for change. I caught five, but maybe you caught more. I clearly heard Barack say he would give tax breaks to working class citizens. I heard Barack Obama say he would bring over 500,000 new jobs in America. I heard Barack Obama say he would stop having Americans send money to fuel jobs overseas that should fuel jobs right here in America. I heard Barack Obama clearly state that he would begin  global privatization of new energy resources in America to better the future of youth. I heard Barack Obama say he would focus on shelter for the homeless and health care. I heard Barack Obama say he would provide more money to schools to properly teach youth.

In my opinion, these are the main initiatives in America’s back yard and when a country gets their business together, no hate outside of the country can shut it down when it’s leading as a role model for all countries to gain better inner security within.

 If we don’t care about ourselves than why should foreign countries care about us? It’s called pride and extends beyond color and hate. Barack Obama made a believer out of me and for months I had not announced my  full support for any candidate. I needed to hear Barack’s agenda which included me as a woman with ancestral history and pride who would not be taken for granted because we breed the same skin color.

 Too many people of the same skin color knock each other down when put to the test at the most crucial times and show their jealousy, hate, insecurities and competitive mode when times are rough, one is depressed, angry and thinks you are well off regardless that you struggled to acquire your piece of the American Pie too.

 I’m not quick to lean on the shoulder of my sister or brother because of race issues we’ve all experienced. I know what a dagger feels like in my back when a sister or brother is at one’s lowest point in life so they try to bring you down with them if you aren’t strong. Tonight I shed a few tears for Barack Obama and not because he’s black. I felt his pain he buried to be a better person and step into the shoes of his selfless greatness and moment which has been for the betterment of others.

I questioned why his disciples stabbed him one by one, and many great people in their own right, but inflicted with envy and a need to shine in Barack’s light and steal his glory with negativity. However, I am reminded that when Barack Obama takes office, he will have all of those negative forces to thank as well that fueled his passion and desire even more to defy all obstacles he would face on this journey to being the first African-American president.

 Written by author Heather Covington, Syndicated columnist of the Daily Literary Dish ( www.Disilgold.com).

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Michelle Obama Addresses Convention:

Heartfelt Speech Turns Undecided’s Fears into Tears

            by Lloyd Williams

“I know firsthand… that the American Dream endures… That is why I love this country.” – Michelle Obama, August 25, 2008

On February 18^th of this year, Michelle Obama said at a rally in Milwaukee that “For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.” Ever since, that quote has haunted her, as the question of her patriotism has remained the subject of speculation by everyone from right-wing pundits and bloggers to the New Yorker Magazine which put a caricature of her on the cover as a wild-eyed, wilder-haired, machine gun-wielding radical in combat fatigues.

Fortunately, on the opening night of the Democratic Convention, Michelle got a national platform to prove all her detractors wrong. And she made the most of that opportunity, passionately delivering a heartfelt speech in which she credited her sacrificing, hard-working parents with her success for having instilled her with traditional Puritanical values.

The spirited 20-minute address, frequently interrupted by applause, deliberately wound its way from her humble roots to her becoming a lawyer and returning to Chicago where she’s remained committed to social causes even after marrying Barack and starting a family. The ostensible aim of these undoubtedly carefully-crafted remarks was to position herself in the mainstream in the eyes of Middle America as opposed to on the lunatic fringe.

Her words undoubtedly resonated with blacks as a recognizable story of sacrifice and struggle en route to overcoming the odds. More importantly, via the use of catchphrases like “I love this country” and “God bless America,” she probably reached plenty of skeptics and undecideds still sitting on the fence as she related how very grateful she is to have achieved the American Dream.

At the conclusion, the Obamas’ adorable little girls, Natasha and Malia Ann, joining mommy onstage to wave to daddy in Missouri served as the perfect icing on the proverbial cake. Judging by the uniformly-positive, often teary-eyed response from even some former detractors interviewed after the airing, it’s safe to say that Michelle has finally managed to put the loyalty controversy behind her once and for all.

 Perhaps the campaign will now finally be allowed to focus on the substantive issues. Afterall, we do still have two wars, runaway inflation, mounting unemployment figures, a sinking dollar, a banking crisis, global warming, the housing market collapse, outsourcing, and a host of other worries to worry about.

Attorney Lloyd Williams is a graduate of the Wharton School and a member of the NJ, NY, CT, PA, MA & US Supreme Court bars.

To read the full text of Michelle Obama’s speech, visit: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/full-text-michelle-obamas-speech/story.aspx?guid={F3D18D51-F98A-40D6-832C-454F3B2AAC7D}&dist=msr_1&print=true&dist=printMidSection 

ASK HEATHER: Is there still an Aaliyah Memorial Event Going On Today?

Yes, and how befitting to ask. I knew Aaliyah before she passed and she has always been a supporter of Breast Cancer prevention and reached out to  several charities. This invitation was in my inbox today and while I won’t be able to make it this evening as an avid supporter  of her music and genuine personality toward so many people who knew her I pass on her legacy. Rest in peace Aaliyah.  

Aaliyah Memorial Fund In her precious 22 years, Aaliyah achieved more than many do in several lifetimes… An illuminating factor was her conviction to touch and help others. The Aaliyah Memorial Fund was created as a vehicle whereby her fans, friends, and family can contribute to and support causes that Aaliyah found important. The Aaliyah Memorial Fund was started in 2001. For Aaliyah and her comrades that left us August 25th, 2001, there is much we can do as a benevolent community to keep Aaliyah’s dream & legacy alive. With your contribution, research and hope for cures will continue forward with your help in Aaliyah’s name. The beneficiaries have included since 2001 the Alzheimer’s Association of Los Angeles, the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation, the National Alzheimer’s Association, the Step Up Women’s Network, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the Detroit School of the Arts, the Harlem Breast Cancer Center, the Revlon Breast Cancer Walk NYC, the Sacred Heart Parish, and the Jenna Druck Foundation. If donating by check or money order, please make payable to “Aaliyah Memorial Fund” and please mail to: Aaliyah Memorial Fund 331 West 57th Street, #281 New York, NY 10019 (Even donating just $1 or $5 is very helpful and very meaningful. Whatever can be offered is greatly appreciated.) With Aaliyah, Keeth, Christopher, Eric, Doug, Gina, Scott, Anthony and Luis In Our Hearts!
New York City Candlelight Vigil – 7:30PM EST, Monday August 25, 2008 Aaliyah’s Weeping Willow Tree in Central Park… 8.25.08   Open Invite. We invite everyone to Aaliyah’s Weeping Willow Tree in Central Park @ 7:30PM for a Candlelight Vigil honoring her memory. We hope you can join us in celebrating the life of our dearest Aaliyah… If you would like to take part in honoring Aaliyah, we ask that on Monday August 25th 2008, you take a moment of silence on this special day, the day when Aaliyah and the eight other souls left us. You may also light a candle as her light still shines inward and outward. Until Again… With Aaliyah and Her Comrades In Our Hearts
Weeping Willow Tree in Central Park (7:30PM EST, Monday August 25, 2008) Central Park Conservancy and New York City have dedicated a Weeping Willow tree to our beloved Aaliyah on the pond in central park. It is located right next to Strawberry Fields. (Please see map below.) Those who may not be able to make the trip up to Ferncliff can visit and leave flowers, notes, etc.   This Weeping Willow tree was endowed in memory of Aaliyah by her family. The tree is located on the shoreline of the Lake in the area known as Cherry Hill. This is a young tree and will grow to be a delicate, yet magnificent, tree…

ASK HEATHER: What fashion lines do you recommend this season for authors on tour?

Well, this question could not have come at a better time, and since it is fashion week I had to find a line for all women. Glamour, feminine dresses and accessories are back. One fashion line I think is going to do real well is Tina Knowles’ TK line. She is the mother of song artists Solange and Beyonce’, both enjoying fab and fashionable singing careers with style. Meanwhile, Tina Knowles is taking over fashion, and you never saw her arriving.

Of course, Tina Knowles  worked with fine materials on hand to create styles for Destiny’s Child which set the group apart and put girl groups back on the map since TLC with unstoppable force. All of that fine training and perfecting has granted Tina with the power of attorney to be a voice of authority on fashion. This lady knows her fashions and how to make clothes that look good on every woman and no matter what body type. I was simply amazed by the quality of the entire line upon watching the HSN network.

Tina Knowles recently debuted her 1 year anniversary to her same entitled fashion line, and visibly noted with T.M. initials on her jeans, bags and accessories that are right on point this season, simple, elegant, classy and suitable for all figures and sizes. Every top designer is defined with her signature dress and Tina has got it!

With a fashion line available only on the HSN network and her website, Tina introduces a new pant jean that compliments the figure with build in darts that lift  and with straight leg or wide leg styles. What I like is that the waist is high so you don’t have to worry about your bottom scooping out of your jeans.

Tina Knowles introduces the jersey top in an array of colors that can be cinched at the waist with a wide belt or worn as a dress. The difference is the fine detail at the top that accentuates the dome sleeves to give a regal look. The material of her 3 quarter blouses are  thin, free flowing and easy to work with.

Tina Knowles classic item is her TK dress. Built with a hidden zipper, slip, cinch waist and soft gathering on the sleeves along with a flair around the bottom, this dress moves, fits well and the material doesn’t need pressing. You can take this dress anywhere on a trip and it doesn’t wrinkle much. Like Tina Knowles mentions, It’s a forgiving dress for low or high waists and tends to gather comfortably so you feel great all day.

My personal favorite accessory from the TK line is the TK clutch bag. It’s not too big or too small and has a strap so that when you are busy signing books, you can place it over your shoulder. I am simply impressed with all of the clothes from Tina Knowles’ line. VERY SMART, NECESSARY AND TIMELESS for today’s woman.

The items are expected to sell out very quickly. All you have to do to order items is press the SELECT button from yoru remote control. It is tempting to purchase at least one item from each new trend of Tina Knowles’ line, so jot down codes and decide your order. The subtle colors from browns, “The new black” and apple greens to crisp whites and tomato reds are hard to choose from, but adding color to your wardrobe is all the craze this fall so delve in.  I highly recommend the TK line for authors on tour.

Heather Covington is the author of Tekila Nika: The Forbidden Bronx Video Diary Tales available on www.bn.com or www.Disilgoldbooks.com. She is also, the columnist of the Daily Literary Dish syndicated on DisilgoldSOUL Literary Review Magazine Online at www.Disilgold.com with over 150,000  readers each month.  Visit her myspace site at www.myspace.com/HeatherCovington and author site at www.Heather-Covington.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENTERTAINMENT ICON ISAAC HAYES, TO BE REMEMBERED
AT MEMPHIS-AREA MEMORIAL SERVICE ON MONDAY
Family Issues Statement on the Occasion of Hayes’ Passing

MEMPHIS, TENN. (August 12, 2008)—A memorial service will be held on Monday at Hope Presbyterian Church, 8500 Walnut Grove, Cordova, Tennessee from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the life of pioneering soul icon Isaac Hayes, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 65.

Born in the rural poverty of a sharecropper’s family on August 20, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee, Hayes rose to artistic success as an accomplished Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning composer/musician, paving the way for his fellow African Americans in the arts and entertainment world. As well as being a published author, actor and radio personality, Hayes is a coronated King of Ghana in western Africa. Instead of a palace, he built an 8,000 square foot educational facility as he felt that education and literacy is the key to a successful life.
 
He is survived by his wife of three years Adjowa Hayes, and their two–year–old son Kwadjo Hayes. ten children—Jacqueline Fields, Felecia Hayes Fisher, Veronica Hayes, Vincent Hayes, Melanie Hayes, Nikki McGhee, Heather Hayes, Isaac Hayes III, Darius Caston and Lillian Bryant—14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The family issued the following statement: “We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and love from Isaac’s dear friends, colleagues and fans from every corner of the world, and we thank each and every one of them for their kind thoughts and prayers. While he was an iconic figure to many, to us he was husband, father and friend. We will ever miss his love, wisdom, humor and the familiar comfort of his voice.”

To celebrate Hayes’ constant support of the Stax Music Academy and his Stax Records Legacy, the Hayes family, in lieu of flowers requests that donations be sent to the Stax Music Academy in Memphis, made out to Soulsville, 926 E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106. Please specify “In memory of Isaac Hayes.”

Condolences may be sent to the family at message@isaachayes.com.

Contacts:

For Immediate Release: August 11, 2008

Concord Music Group’s statement on Isaac Hayes:

The Stax Records and Concord Music Group family lost a great friend on Sunday when soul music giant Isaac Hayes died suddenly at the age of 65.

To the world he was Black Moses, Ike The Ripper and, later, Chef from TV’s South Park. To the rest of us who had the extraordinary opportunity to work with him in recent years, he was just Isaac. He was humble, unpretentious and refreshingly down-to-earth. Not bad for a man who delivered a record-setting seven #1 albums to the Billboard R&B chart, scored numerous awards (including multiple Grammys and 2 Academy Awards), appeared in over three dozen films and was named a Royal King of Ghana along the way.

In the ‘60s, the Covington, Tenn. native helped define the Stax Records sound, co-writing with David Porter such hits as “Soul Man,” “Hold On (I’m Coming),” “B-A-B-Y,” and “When Something’s Wrong With My Baby” for Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas and Johnnie Taylor, among others.

He took soul music in a new direction with his 1969 album Hot Buttered Soul, which featured expansive re-interpretations of Jimmy Webb’s “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and Bacharach and David’s “Walk On By.”  The music’s impact was matched only by the visual impact of the record’s cover, which featured Hayes’ signature bald head, gold chains and bare chest.

Two years later, his “Theme From Shaft” exploded on the pop and R&B charts, putting him on the map as an artist and icon. The rat-a-tat of that lone high-hat, that cultural-shifting kick of the wah-wah pedal — no other piece of music signaled the true end of the ’60s, ushering in the gritty 1970s than Isaac Hayes‘ theme from Shaft. The song won him not only a Grammy but two Oscars, for “Best Song” and “Best Score” in 1972. That same year he won a Grammy for his double album Black Moses. The hits continued for Hayes throughout the ‘70s.

In later years, Hayes’ career took some other directions. He became the voice of Nickelodeon’s Nick at Nite and later the voice of Chef in the animated series South Park. He had a role in the upcoming movie Soul Men with stars Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac (who also died this past weekend).

In 2007, Hayes participated in the Stax Records 50th Anniversary celebration shows in Memphis, Austin and Los Angeles. Despite health problems that slowed him down in recent years, he continued to tour the world. He had proudly returned to Stax Records, both as an artist and as an advisor in planning the reactivation of the imprint in 2007 by Concord Music Group.  Isaac was also in the process of recording a new album for Stax.

To borrow a phrase from the man himself, he was “one bad mutha”.  And through the music he so generously left behind, the world will be talking about him and more importantly listening for lifetimes to come.

Concord Music Group president and CEO Glen Barros states, “Isaac Hayes exemplified all that is Stax. We are all very fortunate to have worked with a visionary who changed music in indelible and profound ways.  His talent was matched only by his kindness of spirit.  On behalf of the entire Concord/Stax family we express our deep sympathies to his family, friends and fans all over the world.”

Gene Rumsey, Concord Music Group general manager added, “The enduring influence of Stax Records could only have been made possible through Isaac’s brilliant song-writing which laid the ground work for the future generations of rap, hip-hop, and soul.  Isaac played a pivotal role in the recent re-launch of Stax, once again infusing the label with his creativity, inspiring a whole new breed of Stax artists.  Our condolences go out to all the people whose lives Isaac touched throughout his unparalleled career and lifetime.”

John Burk, executive VP and chief creative officer, Concord Music Group states, “Isaac had a profound and multifaceted impact on the Stax label, contributing to it’s legacy as a writer, producer, arranger, studio musician, A&R executive and, of course, one it’s most successful artists.  Having collaborated closely with Isaac during the past few years, I  came to know the man behind the music and his deep love for humanity.  He was an extraordinary individual who used his talents to inspire and unite people from all walks of life.  I feel tremendously privileged to have had the opportunity to work along side this giant of a man.”

Brandon T. Jackson

                        The Tropic Thunder Interview with Kam Williams

Headline: Brandon on Breakout Role in Tropic Thunder

            Brandon T Jackson was born in Detroit on March 7, 1984 to preachers Bishop Wayne T. and Dr. Beverly Y. Jackson. One of seven siblings, he credits his father for his sense of humor, and says some additional inspiration comes from such icons as Sinbad, Martin Lawrence, Will Smith and Chris Tucker.

            Ever the class clown, Brandon’s passion for comedy led to his doing talent shows and going onstage during youth nights at his family’s church. By age 14, his career as a stand‑up comic had already evolved from local school shows to community projects such as the Motor City Youth Festival.
            After graduating from West Bloomfield High School, he headed to Hollywood to take a shot at showbiz as a standup comedian. Not long thereafter, he was discovered while performing at the Laugh Factory.

As his stature gradually grew, Jackson received offers to open for such stars as Chris Tucker and Wayne Brady. And he subsequently appeared on “Showtime at the Apollo” and BET’s “Comic View.” Critical acclaim eventually led to film roles in Ali, 8 Mile and Envy, as well as being cast as Bow Wow’s best friend, Junior, in “Roll Bounce.”  

Recently, he launched the “Teens of Comedy Tour” presented by BET which featured Lil JJ’ and some of the nation’s funniest teenage comedians. He also hosted the “Up Close and Personal Tour” headlined by Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Lil Wayne, Juelz Santana and Dem Franchize Boyz, and he can currently be seen as a cast member on MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out.”
            Communicating with and motivating youth is a mission etched in Brandon’s heart, so when not working he spends his time reaching back to help kids take their lives to the next level. Here, the 24 year-old role model talks about his latest picture, Tropic Thunder, an action comedy co-starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey, Jr.

KW: Hi Brandon, thanks for the time.

BJ: Whazzup?

KW: Congratulations on Tropic Thunder!

BJ: Thank you, man.

KW: What interested you in this role?

BJ: You know what? I read the script and it was really funny. So, I decided to go audition for it. And after auditioning for the role about a dozen times, Ben [director Ben Stiller] finally said, “You’re the one for the part.”

KW: That’s a lot of call backs.

BJ: Yeah, it was a lot of work.

KW: How was it being directed by Ben after that?

BJ: When we got on the set, all this magic just started happening from there. It was great, man, because he’s so intense, and he knows how to get what he needs out of you. As an African-American comedian, I was used to playing more to the punch line, and he showed me how to stay within the character instead of going for the joke. It was all magic.

KW: So, did you have to stick closely to the script?

BJ: No, I had to stick closely to the character. Any deviations or ad-libs had to be consistent with the character.

KW: You co-starred with Ben and a couple of other big-name actors in Jack Black and Robert Downey, Jr., who was in blackface. How was that/

BJ: It was crazy! Robert would stay in character the whole time. Ben would yell “Cut!” and Robert would say things like, “I’m a go back to the trailer to get some barbecued chicken. You want to come with me Brandon?”  

KW: Did you feel like you were making an action film, a comedy, or both?

BJ: Both. Unfortunately, a lot of the action sequences didn’t survive the final edit. I understand that a movie can only be a certain length, but why have us shoot so much stuff just to cut it out. It was very taxing on my body

KW: It’ll all probably be on the DVD. Did you have to adopt a special diet or training regimen for the rigorous role?

BJ: Yeah, I ate plenty of potatoes and fish. I was only 22 at the time, and needed to get bigger to hang with the big dogs. So, I was lifting weights, and working out in Ben’s gym. 

KW: How did you do when you appeared on Showtime at the Apollo?

BJ: I killed.

KW: What’s it like trying to be a comedian when you’re the son of two preachers?

BJ: Hard. It’s tough. You have to try to balance both worlds. But it’s a job, and what I do in my personal life and my business life are two different things. It’s like how if you’re a lawyer and have to represent criminals, that doesn’t mean you don’t have certain core values. My personal beliefs are different from what I do for a living. In the final analysis, my job is to bring joy to people’s lives. If they’re laughing, then it’s not a bad thing. That’s how I feel about it. I’m a comedian.     

KW: Do you ever feel pressure to work clean because of your folks?

BJ: I did at first when I was kid. Now, it’s a little weird when I perform in front of my father, and he sees me cussin’. I’m not really used to that, but at the same time, this is what I do for a livin’. You know what I mean?

KW: Yep. Everyone calls you Chris Tucker’s protégé. Who would you say are your main influences?

BJ: Will Smith and Chris Tucker.

KW: Are you thinking of doing your own TV sitcom?

BJ: No, I want to stick to film.

KW: Is there any question no reporter has asked you, that you wished someone would?

BJ: That one right there. That’s a good question.

KW: Bookworm Troy Johnson wants to know, what was the last book you read?

BJ: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. 

KW: That’s the same book Mike Epps said he read last. The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

BJ: Yeah, I am. It’s a good time in my life right now.

KW: “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan’s question: Where in L.A. do you live?

BJ: The Valley.

KW: Are you ever afraid?

BJ: Yeah, I’m afraid of failure.

KW: Do you have website where fans can reach you?

BJ: Yeah, www.myspace.com/brandontjackson and you can even put my phone number in the article, (323) 622-8110, if anybody wants to talk to me on my fan line.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

BJ: As one of the greatest comedians who ever walked the Earth.

KW: You’re from Detroit. What do you think of the city’s embattled Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick? Should he step down at this point?

BJ: He has to stop the b.s. now. It’s too much. Come on, dog, you can’t be doing all that. It’s too hot, If he’s going to step up and be a good mayor, then he should stop playing around. We need hope right now. The country has many serious problems which need to be addressed and too many politicians have failed us. Enough! Stop b.s’ing. 

KW: Do you consider yourself religious?

BJ: How come only black reporters ask me that? Black and white people have a totally different view of religion. Of course, I believe in God, and I’m definitely a Christian, but at the same time, I’m in this business. So I find the question annoying, because I’d prefer to be able to keep my spirituality to myself.

KW: The only reason I ask is because your parents are preachers.

BJ: I hate to cut you short, but I have to go.

KW: Well, thanks for the time, and good luck with everything.

BJ: Cool man, I apologize. I never do people like this, but I’m really late for this other thing.

KW: No problem, just promise me another interview with your next movie when you’re a big star.

BJ: I will. You got it.

To see a trailer of Tropic Thunder, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pxOzSpUXtg  

Visit Brandon Jackson at www.myspace.com/BrandonTJackson

Rahman Syed was arrested for the killing of 24 Year Old Ingrid Rivera at the Spotlight Live Karaoke Club in Times Square, NY hosted by Lil Kim for her 34th Birthday Bash Party. Ingrid, who was reported missing by her parents when she didn’t return home, was found stuffed murdered and stuffed in a utility room on the roof of the club where the party goer list included Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhynes and Missy Elliot. People were wondering if Lil Kim would be questioned in relation to the incident, but authorities will not question her now that the murderer has admitted killing Ingrid Rivera.

The events play out with familiarity in new novel by Babe Charisse Worthington entitled, Tekila Nika: The Forbidden Bronx Video Diary Tales. Visit the author’s top banner at www.Disilgold.com.