Words

The Ru Report #120

Guest Editorial: Harriette Cole
For the holidays, we asked one of our favorite notables, lifestyle guru Harriette Cole, to share her holiday reminiscences forThe RU Report. Ms. Cole, who is a national best-selling author and a syndicated advice

Guest Editorial: Harriette Cole
For the holidays, we asked one of our favorite notables, lifestyle guru Harriette Cole, to share her holiday reminiscences forThe RU Report. Ms. Cole, who is a national best-selling author and a syndicated advice columnist among other great titles, released two books this year; the critically acclaimed Choosing Truth: Living An Authentic Life (Simon & Shuster) and is the recently released Coming Together: Celebrations for African American Families (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion).

"Even before a single decoration was hung at my house in Baltimore when I was growing up, the sound of music signaled the holiday season. Either my mother's soprano voice or my father's quadraphonic sound system would be sending out Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington or Johnny Mathis holiday renditions to help us set the mood. As my sisters and I grew up, we added to the musical mix, introducing Daddy, the great music lover, to the holiday sounds of everyone from The Jackson Five to Luther Vandross. No matter what else was going on in our lives, we had music to set us on course during the holidays.

The holiday season at our house was guaranteed to be filled with happy voices, sentimental gifts and a buzz of activity. My parents were married the day after Christmas. That meant that the two of them had their own private joy that they shared as we all were honoring the memory of Jesus Christ and the whimsy of Santa Claus. Additionally, Daddy's birthday was January 1. As strict as he was about many things (him being a judge and all) he was also a party animal.

For weeks before the holiday season arrived, Harry Cole would get his basement ready for the annual New Year's Eve party that he would always host with my mother. With great love and focus, Daddy would put up his decorations and ready the basement for the many who would soon arrive. Our job as little girls was to greet guests once our parents opened the door. Susan, Stephanie and I would be dressed in our version of eveningwear, usually a velvet dress with tights and fancy patent-leather shoes. Wearing bright smiles, we would welcome each guest. And then it was our job to take the coats from the ladies and gentlemen and hang them up. This was especially fun because the ladies invariably arrived in fabulous furs! Everything from shirred mink to floor-length sable waltzed through our door, and sometimes we snuck and tried the coats on before they found their way to their hangers!

As the evening progressed, Daddy would invite us to come downstairs for a special dance. Ever since we were little, he had taught us all the basic formal dances--from the waltz to the two-step and cha-cha. On this magical night we enjoyed the moment of showing off our stuff. We got to dance with Daddy! All of our parents' friends would clear the floor and watch us as we twirled and stepped in time with Daddy who was smiling--as he would say--"like a Cheshire cat." What fun we had!

When we went back upstairs, it wasn't to retire to sleep either. We sat in the den with "Little" Grandma, my mother's mother, who joined us every year to ring in the New Year. We would watch TV, defying the sleep that was threatening to steal us away, and when the ball would drop, we would get a chance to take a sip either of sparkling cider or champagne. How fantastic was that?!

Yes, the holiday season was wonderful at our house. From going to Christmas Eve service at church where we sometimes sang on the choir and other times just listened to the beautiful music, to waking up before dawn to open our gifts, we loved spending time with other each year.

Now that we are spread out across the country and both Daddy and Little Grandma have passed on, we don't share the same experiences. We do share the same love. We acknowledge how lucky we are to be part of a loving family that remains close even though we live far away. We choose to come home as much as we can to be in each other's company. We remember stories of how we grew up to share with one another and with our children.

This year especially is a time for my husband and me to remember all of this and rejoice, because on Christmas Day our daughter will be one month old. Growing up, the greatest lesson we learned during the holiday season was that this is a time to share our love and gratitude for all of the amazing things that have manifested in our lives. And there is nothing more extraordinary than bringing a new life into the world. George and I intend to shepherd our daughter's life as lovingly and attentively as our families did for us when we were growing up.

We feel so enormously blessed because the love that was kindled before we were even born remains strong. We have only to pass it on."

Christmas Cheer
Today is the special day--Christmas Day. A time for sharing and caring, celebrating and rejoicing. It's the time that many look forward to every year to give and receive. In our trademark style, we invited some of our favorite celebrity notables to share their thoughts on the holiday.

Groundbreaking hip-hop/soul singer Adina Howard's holiday will be a family affair: "I enjoy spending lots of money on gifts. To me, it's also about family and friends coming together to give and share with one another. My special memory of Christmas is the one year that my mother couldn't afford a tree. So we took the tree decorations and made a tree on the wall and put all of our presents under that. That Christmas till this day was the best Christmas ever."

Platinum-plated crooner Carl Thomas holiday will be a little more subdued, than expected: "I plan on relaxing this Christmas. I intend on relaxing by playing golf. I am also going to spend it quietly with my family. I wish that everyone would have a safe and pleasant holiday. This is the time that you should be with your family and friends. This is also the time to be thankful for everything that you have and to be thankful that you have friends and family to share it with. I also wish and pray for peace. Let us please pray for the soldiers that are overseas and pray for their safe return."

Up and coming actress Shani Pride, who appears in the new film Love Don't Cost A Thing, is more reflective during this holiday season: "Christmas is a very special time for me. It's a time of family and friends. It's a very spiritual time filled with love and laughter. And it's the time of the year that I feel most thankful for my family and all my blessings. So my plans for this season and every season, is to take the time to appreciate everything I have."

Hip-hop super-producer Jermaine Dupri is feeling a little sanctified this season: "My thoughts are pretty much the same thoughts I have all year long; being thankful that I am still blessed and able to provide for my daughter, Shaniyah. Christmas means being able to reflect on all the goodness in my life and sharing love and spending time with my family and friends."

Simply WonderFul
World renowned music legend Stevie Wonder is in the giving spirit this holiday season. According to a rep, he has auctioned off several rare and exclusive items on Ebay this week in support of his 8th Annual House Full of Toys benefit. House Full of Toys is a charity designed to help Southern California-based children and families in need.

Items available through the auction, which began on December 18 and ends December 28, include three of Wonder's personal harmonicas (each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity containing Wonder's signature thumbprint) and eight signed and personalized CDs from his extensive catalog, including: In Square Circle, Hotter Than July, Songs In The Key Of Life, Innervisions, Talking Book, My Cherie Amour, For Once In My Life, and Close of a Century.

Last week, the Grammy Award winning musical genius auctioned a pair of tickets to the December 20 House Full of Toys Benefit Concert at the Forum in Inglewood, CA where he was joined by Anthony Hamilton, India.Arie, Kirk Whalum, Michael McDonald, Michael Phillips, Natalie Cole, KEM, Ruben Studdard, and Chaka Khan.

This & That
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey retains the #1 position for the 2003 Harris Poll, which has Americans to name their favorite TV personalities at the end of every year since 1993. She held the position last year and in the eleven years that Harris Interactive has conducted this survey, Ms. Winfrey has always been one of the top-three favorites. This is the fourth time she has been number one; she also topped the list in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

In June 2004, Liza Minelli's most recent ex-husband David Gest is planning to produce "Chaka Khan: 30th Anniversary Musical Celebration," which is being described as an all-star salute to the legendary diva. With a line-up of more than 80 already confirmed stars, the musical will be filmed as a television special and shown throughout the world.

It appears that actor-turned-director Clark Johnson's feature film directorial debut has made boo-koo dollars on the low. S.W.A.T., the hit summer film, which starred Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell with LL Cool J and Michelle Rodriguez grossed more than $116 million at the box office this past summer. The action flick based on the popular television series is available on home video December 30, via special edition DVD in both widescreen and full screen versions and VHS from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (CTHE). The DVD will be loaded with features including cast and crew commentary, deleted scenes, an interactive feature that details the sound design for various gun battles, bloopers, a featurette on the anatomy of a shootout, the starring casts' talent files, and more.

Notable Quotable
"My film career took off as soon as I came out of the closet… Guys, come on out."
--Sir Ian McKellen one being gay in Hollywood in a recent interview.

Little becomes so much when you place it in the Master's hand.

Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year.

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

©2003 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Pimp Metaphysics: Garth Trinidad

Counter Intelligence with Garth Trinidad
Recently I got to delve into the mind of Los Angeles' Garth Trinidad, the smooth voice and creator behind the 100,000 worldwide listener radio program, Chocolate City, where he serves up a progressive mix of soul

Counter Intelligence with Garth Trinidad
Recently I got to delve into the mind of Los Angeles' Garth Trinidad, the smooth voice and creator behind the 100,000 worldwide listener radio program, Chocolate City, where he serves up a progressive mix of soul, hip hop and world rhythms on KCRW 89.9fm (kcrw.org). In his spare time he moonlights as a Programmer or Music Supervisor for companies such as Infiniti, Mitsubishi, PBS and United Airlines or as a leading contributor to LA's growing organic cultural scene (i.e. curating a 5000+ person night of music and art at The Getty Center featuring Saul Williams and Spinderella), and, of course, he's a DJ about town.

I was listening to you on the radio the other night and you mentioned the female sensibility in DJing, and probably beyond in other areas. I wanted to know more about what you meant by that.

I'm going to stick to music because it's a pretty broad subject to cover and I feel that way across the board about women in general and that sensibility. I think men and women speak their own languages and I enjoy the difference. I really like to see men be men and women be women. When I think of it, it's different than just that whole gender role..."What are you saying women can't do this and men can't do this?" It's not about that at all. It's just about in general, everyday idiosyncrasies between men and women.

As far as music is concerned and DJ's, I keep that in mind every time I see a DJ. A lot of male DJ's attract a male audience because of how they DJ. Which, in my opinion can be a little bit more edgy, a little bit more careless, a little bit rougher, a little bit unbalanced. I'm sure there are female DJ's that have taken on that role and do the exact same thing depending on what genre it is. But, the female DJ's that I've seen in person like, The Angel, Spinderella and then Valida and Rashida, who I interviewed the other night--and I'm trying to think of a couple more, but I haven't seen that many female DJs--but, I know that the times that I've seen them it's been kind of a different experience.

Is there a certain way you could describe the vibe that would be that sensibility?

It's just a little sexier. You know what I mean? It's a little bit more finesse. My favorite male DJs are those that have that finesse. It's not about the hardcore turntabalist or the guy who can do all these things...let me try to find an example...a lot of the hip hop turntabalists will attract almost an only male audience who comes and sort of watches. They come and they're spectators more than they are participators and there's nothing wrong with that because that's actually kind of a spectator sport. You're coming to see not just hear what they're doing. A lot of it is spectacle oriented. I think somewhere within the party rockin' and the sort of turntabalist genre or field--whatever you want to call it--if you're talking about throwing a party and you want people to dance and you want people to have a good time you have to create an ambience an aura. The DJs who do that best are the ones that know how to mix and program with finesse. The sound they put together makes senses--kinda flawless. There's a certain mother-like touch. You know what I mean? Leaving you like you had a home cooked meal in the morning that only your mama could make. And that's in essence female.

Not to say that men can't cook. Some of the best chefs in the world are men. Some of the best DJs in the world are men. Whatever, but all I'm saying in general is I feel a more sophisticated kind of sensual vibe when women are on the decks the majority of the time. And, there are exceptions to every rule. That's what is so hard about interviews like this or answering questions like that or me blurting out stuff like that...

I've been thinking about that idea and I started paying attention to it more since I heard you say that. In terms of reading writers even, I'm noticing now this slight difference and I think in a way what you're saying is there's more of a nurturing quality...

...yeah...

You're considerate of your audience and making them feel something as opposed to performing to receive gratitude...

Yeah, yeah...

Something like that.

Yeah that's pretty much it.

I was also thinking about that same idea of this female sensibility in terms of integrity in the business of music lets say, or the business of hip hop. It's not a female dominated industry by any means but I'm wondering if there was more female input in it, if that could have some effect on what's being put out in terms of consciousness.

I think it depends on the woman. I think we have to take a look at the women who are kind of doing their thing right now. There are a couple of key women that are operating within the music/entertainment industry as far as labels, radio and entertainment in general. Let me see...Sylvia Rhone, Cathy Hughes-Radio One...and then we take a look at the future...these are the women who are doing it now. They're in the prime of their career. They're probably going to be looking at retiring in the next 10-15 years and it's going to leave space open for people like Missy Elliot, Lil' Kim--I'm not sure where her head is at as far as that kind of stuff is concerned--and then of course girls in school who we've never met or seen before, but I'm sure we'll hear from.

What gets on my nerves is that music in general right now is so male dominated. It is continually pushing women into that "you are only tits and ass" corner. It's reducing the woman to a piece of meat. I'm sure there are women in the industry right now in positions of power who have to on whatever level "cow-tow" and sort of take it on the chin and just do it even though they don't want to do it. They're looking for a way out or a way not to or maybe they're looking for ways to justify and ignore it, I don't know. But, I know that there are women in the game in A&R, women in the game who are doing promotions, women in the game who are producing, women in the game who are just trying to find their spot. Trying to get in that executive position that are like, "How much more of this am I going to have to take? How many more 'hip hop honeys' do I have to see shaking their body parts with not even a facial shot any more on screen for me to get in and start changing this? How much more of this do we have to grin and bear?"

I'm concerned about that because I don't want younger women to get up and in charge and continue to push this same mentality because all it's doing is killing the nature of the female. It gets on my nerves. It's really upsetting to me because there's only so much of that I can get with. I can't really get with any of it, really. A lot of it is because I can't get with the whole exploitation of the female body because the lines have been completely blurred with the adult world and the pop world in general which bleeds out into the world of children. It's not just, "Ah girl respect yourself, don't do that kind of thing." It's like they're teaching little girls that this is OK. They're also pushing little by little to the parents that don't know any better who look at the standards as they are with hip hop culture and go, "Ooh, well everybody's sort of doing that now-a-days so I suppose it's ok for you to wear a mini skirt and this top at age 10." And we see it. Britney Spears audience is, I'm sure, majority 10-12 year old little girls, younger than that. This isn't an adult world we're talking about. We're talking about children. That's what burns me. I just want women in general to step up to the plate in the future and say, "OK I'm here now and this is what we're gonna do."

Right. I think it's the responsibility of women to make the change. It can't come from men. I know a lot of guys who just don't even understand that they're looking at a woman as an object. They just don't even see that that's what they're doing. But at the same time I think they're bored of seeing the same thing in music videos.

Why do you say that?

Because, if you really get down to the nitty gritty, talking about it, they'll admit that. But there's kind of this mentality that that's all that women are anyway. Where are you going to find someone of quality? But, I wonder what would make them see that a woman is more than an object? Having a daughter? Or not even that?

Education. There has to be some sort of awakening. A spiritual awakening at that. The spirit is where the mind operates. The mind is where the spirit dwells. That is how we're connected to everything. You can take our mind from us and put it into something else physical. You can be Diana in a vat of gel if they can connect your mind to it without your body. It's got to be that kind of awakening. The source is going to be different for any man. It could be the birth of a daughter; or, your mother making a certain comment; or, a woman in their life being treated a certain way that they didn't find to be cool and they go, "You know what though we sort of just do that in general to women. So how can I really get that upset?" The contribution of looking and supporting--because you know you can say that watching television or watching a video isn't necessarily supporting, but it is. Whether it's direct or indirect on your part, if it's on and you're tuned into it that's effecting your spirit, that's effecting your conscience, that's effecting how you feel about the world and what you take in about the world.

I think it's education and I also think it's becoming conscious of something. It's like that Roy Ayers music album Coming Into Knowledge, all of a sudden you go "Damn, that's foul." But I feel like there's such a freight train of it, it's just so much piled onto so much, piled onto so much and it's moving so fast nobody is really taking the time to examine it in everyday life. You might go home and a brother might be chillin' somewhere and think about it way in the back of his mind, but that's where he keeps it. If he didn't there would be a lot more change going on.

Right.

This goes from the consumer to the artist to the executive. The executives really couldn't care less because it's all about the money. They don't really care what is gonna sell as long as it sells. They'll sell you the devil, they'll sell you Jesus. They'll sell you Buddha, they'll sell you Christian, they'll sell you anybody as long as it's going to sell. It just so happens that sex and violence sells, because with the lack of education--which means being educated about the world, those things about humanity that are more spirit oriented than physical oriented...When that education is being pulled away and taken away and when people on the lower levels, the poor, Black, Latino, White or whatever youth you have can't afford that education, or don't get the scholarship or are in such a bad situation that they just don't care to get the education--they're not gonna get the education. So they sort of stay in that environment or mental capacity that only allows them to think so far or realize or know certain things in their little microcosm of a world and, that's what they believe "is." And that's a very small world and if that's the case you have a lot of animal behavior going on. I always feel like we're insulting animals by saying people act like animals because we go further than that.

Right.

We're acting like intelligent savages. Does that answer the question? I have a habit of....

Yeah! I like to just conversate anyway. You don't even have to really answer the question...

I've been on both sides, the interviewer and the interviewee...

Yeah...I think more and more I've been reminded how massive this sort of media machine, mass media is in our lives and it's growing and growing and that's really what a lot of our struggle is against in a lot of ways--this mis-education through the media. I've heard in other interviews you talk about a little bit, and I think it's going on in LA a little bit, how developing communities on a personal level can counter that [mass media] and I'm wondering too, how much the internet counters that in terms of right now it is kind of a space where you can put out creatively whatever you want because there's no financial tag on it yet...

I think the way to counteract anything as far as mass media is concerned is you really can't care about the repercussions. You can't care about what people are going to think about you or what they're going to say about you. You have to care about whatever reason you want to counter the mass media--whether it's the exploitation of women or people, or what's going on in schools. You just can't care, you just gotta be like "You know what I'm going full throttle." You gotta use whatever means you can whether it's flyering, or posters, or a radio show, or a local cable television network, the internet, it's just like you know what "I just don't care." So the way to counteract is first your attitude, "I'm just going to do this." Because there are so many ways to do it now more than ever that it's possible.

I don't know how to categorize this music or whatever, but I notice there's a certain vein of melancholy....when you were talking about caring, I think there are a lot of people that are sort of not really, I don't know if optimistic is the word, but...

Can you give me an example of music? An artist.

I'm thinking more specifically within some strains of Electronica. I love Esthero, but that's kind of an example. There's beauty in that melancholy. But at the same time, like right now for me in my life, I'm trying to maintain joy and vibrancy in my spirit. I'm really into that right now so I don't choose to listen to music like that a lot right now because the energy of the music vibration is not on a joyful vibration. And, I think that is part of why mainstream popular music is so popular--the beat has a fighting...it's a fighting beat. Even though the lyrics might not be whatever, it's that push forward "I can overcome" positive vibration.

I agree with you. But you know what, I think lyrically, it's so funny because a lot of people, or a few people I should say, for instance Saul Williams at his Temple Bar show, was making a comparison between the music--the actual beat, melody--as compared to the lyrics and how the lyrics are sort of taking a back seat to the groove. The music has become a tool to enter into the mind and implant these sort of subconscious messages about you know women as objects or violence and sex and drugs, hustler culture, whatever is continually being talked about it really doesn't matter in the sense that it feeds children to the ovens of death, prison or AIDS whatever. The artists who are rapping or singing over these powerful sort of push forward type beats, because I agree with you, if they would begin to really take responsibility and rap and sing something on a more conscious level it would sort of measure up to the music. Because, if you're really going to match that music you're not going to talk about BS so much.

Right.

But the execs say, "Hey, BS sells so that's what you have do." "Yeah you can put a conscious song on your record but make it the last song or the bonus cut." Especially for new artists, up and coming artists that are trying to do their thing and they have to listen to what these people are telling them to do. But for those independent type labels who are sort of doing their own thing and singing to their own beat, I agree with you and I hadn't really thought about it like that, but there are a lot of bands that are sort of in that [melancholy] vein.

I was also noticing in, you know I don't know what you call these things, but sort of mainstream alternative culture this whole fascination with the devil and Satan in art and style and fashion and all that. Which, I think goes along with this melancholy vibe. I don't know if it's more a product of white culture or what? It's funny because there's sort of these alternative spaces happening somewhat but they're still not reflecting a vibrant spirit to me. Even some of the parties going on in LA like downtown on the eastside or whatever, I still find the vibe sometime, it's not joyful. Even though it's sort of anti-Hollywood or counter-Hollywood or whatever, it's not....

I think the counter-joy you're talking about is very reflective of the times. How many people out there are really joyous in their life right now? I think this country number one, in general, is a very spoiled country. We have the richest poor people in the world. I'm not taking anything away from being poor, I'm poor. As far as the homeless people are concerned, my peoples living in the projects or whatever who are making minimum wage working 3-5 jobs, we're still, we have TV's in the home and stereos and X boxes...

Water...

Water and toilets, showers and tubs. Not to say that stuffs not bad, I'm just saying that the poverty level differs all around the world and we have like the best poverty out here...if I was going to poor anywhere I'd be poor in America. You know what I mean? Because of the amount of wealth here. In general, getting back to this country is spoiled, when you're spoiled and you have so much on your plate and you've had it for a long time you don't quite think outside of that. So if things are going bad for you and you gotta hustle and struggle and strive, the same 'ol sh everyday, just got a ticket this, accident, insurance, traffic...and you're on that everyday kind of thing the mood isn't going to be joyous.

At the same time that's all going on you have this mass media machine that you really can't escape from. For example, the person who doesn't watch television or listen to too much radio can still memorize pop songs because they're just in the air, on the road as you're driving. Somebody pulls up next to you, every five minutes it's the same song. It's hard to get away from. So when they're selling you this sort of glam slam, "These people are living this way and you're not. You're strugglin', you're down here strivin', life sucks for you doesn't it? Yeah get angry. Do something bad. Shoot everybody at work. Get in a car and drive like a maniac...ddadaddad." These are the silent weapons in this quiet war, you know what I'm sayin'? So that's what's going on. That mass media is serving a purpose, it's to tell your children to be sexual, be violent, don't worry about anything but making money because that's all that matters, it's telling the adults...I don't even know what it's telling the adults...but, you understand what I'm saying? So the mood is reflective of the times. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not even trying to maintain or even think about being joyous because to them not living the way life is being portrayed on a mass level of pop culture – there's no joy if they don't have that.

Right. I completely understand what you are saying. I think I'm speaking more to these alternative spaces that are happening. I guess maybe I'm making an assumption that because they're alternative it's something better. In terms of the quality of your spirit and how you're feeling about life, I'm assuming that people are going to those spaces because that's what they're getting from it but I don't really see that.

You mean like people are seeking and not finding?

Yeah possibly, and even in these alternative spaces that are supposed to be the righteous way to live or "I'm not buying into consumerism." On one level what I compare it to is like a good ass house music party from back in the day where you go and you feel the love and the joy and you're rejuvenated. To me an alternative space should create that.

I think alternative spaces in general have, do and must without question effect the general tone and mood of society. Because, the Western way, the American way, and the saturation of popular culture within people's everyday lives, the degeneration of the family, the breaking down of education on a basic general level, is all working at the same time the media is raising people. Because the media is saying this and that people are seeking these alternative spaces as they always have. There's always been the major and then there's a group of the minors or a counter culture or sub-cultures. It's been that way since the beginning of time. But with the media sort of doing it's thing and increasing. Stacking and stacking, taking over and taking over and just penetrating every single place the mood is reflecting it. It's almost like the precursor to "I give up." And that's definitely not a joyous space.

Right, right.

That's the space before you say, "You know what, f it. I'm a slave and that's just how it is. That's how I have to live." And everybody can front, and create arguments and talk about things in life but you can be counter culture all you want to, but if you're driving a car or burning CD's, if you are involved in any kind of remote way, how are you not a part of it? All it is is finding balance within. The Bible says, "Be in the world but not of the world." To me that speaks so loud to people that are always trying to escape that which they despise. It's like be in it, but don't be of it, don't take on the personas, demeanors, attitudes and start worshipping and believing in the same kind of thing. Worshipping money, the basic sort of idolatry. It's like. "Drive a car, don't worry about it. How are you gonna get around? Take the bus?" The bus pollutes more than cars do.

Among your peer group what do you think the state of people's spiritual well-being is?

I think there's a real lack of spirituality and consciousness in general. I feel there's a lack because it doesn't seem like a lot of people who consider themselves peers or good friends find the time or make the time to build, discuss, talk, pow-wow, whatever you want to call it, and speak about those things. Those are the most important things. We're human beings for God's sake. The spirit is infinite and our souls connected to our bodies are finite and we don't have that much time. And the media, back to the media, depending on how we were raised, got this sort of fear thing going on where everybody is sort of afraid to bring things up or bring things to the table. Even within my own peer group everybody is so busy trying to hustle. Trying to eat. Trying to do whatever. Trying to make it to that next level to reach the "American Dream". Nobody's taking the time to go, "Hey, we're all human beings here. Let's talk about some human stuff." You know what I mean? "What do you believe in?" Who's your God? Why?" You know. "Why do you like that kind of music?"

Yeah. One passage in the Bible I always remember I think it's in Ecclesiastics a few times – it says basically, "Eat, drink and enjoy your labor." Cuz, that's it. You know what I mean? And I love that. I think what you're saying is, people don't take time to, you know, to be with your friends and your family and enjoy the simple things and that's what will make you happy.

And that's all there is.

Right.

How many rich people are happy? All we hear about the rich is the drama. I don't care about being rich. I want to make money to be comfortable, send my children to a good school, pay for health insurance, buy my wife a coat for her birthday or whatever, take a trip on our anniversary. I mean if I was a rich, and I'm not pointing that righteous finger to myself because lord knows what would happen if I got a lot of money, but when I think about having a lot of money I think about making a mark in the community. Schools suck, I'm gonna start this charter school over here, I'm gonna clean this joint up over here, I'm gonna go to Crenshaw High and do this because it sucks for them.

I'd hate to be in that position. I would hate to be their age, in High school, middle school, right now because it sucks. So if I was rich I'd really want to do something about that. How many people are really out there with a lot of money who can say, "My life is fulfilled, I'm so full of joy. I'm so blessed. This is what I'm doing with my money." And you know what, for those people that are, you won't hear about it. Unless it's a publicist saying, "We need to put this in the news to help your reputation." Unfortunately it's all about business. A lot of the time it's not about heart. When it is about heart there's not a lot of media coverage, you know what I mean?

In every interview I always ask this one question, for a stream of consciousness response to this phrase, and the phrase is, "Conscious Capitalism." Whatever comes to mind?

Conscious Capitalism is impossible.

Ok. The last thing I want to ask you is your thoughts on hip hop, black music, globally and what impact that is having globally right now, just in general?

Ever since WWII black music has become popular culture. The music begat the desire for other cultures to tune in to "blackness". First it wasn't about lifestyle. Who wants to be poor? Or enslaved or ex-slave? Called savage or 1/3 of a human being or whatever the constitution still says? It was about that kinda cool looseness, that groove, that rhythmic step, being hip like, "Wow, I like that. What's that all about? How can we be down without really being down? Cuz, they're down. They're down in the dirt. But, they sure can sing and dance and walk and talk. They're some sexy people and this that kinda people." Blues, folk, that all begat country--the meshing and melding of the Southern white way with what black people were bringing to the table musically. Rock-n-roll begat jazz, gospel influences all up in the mix because of the new sort of spiritual growth that began to take place as black people began to get back together during slavery. Because, you know, remember black people were brought over all separated and torn apart. There was no mother and father and child unit kept together. Really they were trying to find the different tribes and scatter them all. They knew they all spoke different languages and didn't understand each other. Rock-n-roll, jazz and as we got more into the 50's, 60's and 70's it was over. Black that was it. Everything in pop culture is black at the core. That's where it gets its style from, that's where it gets its look from, that's where it gets its attitude from. It pulls and grabs from other cultures and what not but at the bottom of the totem poll its black people. It's the African in America and the vibe. I just feel like without black people in America we'd be in a totally different...

...world...

...world--not just creatively but technologically as well. A totally different world. Talk about Pimp Metaphysics. I'm just really tired of seeing the constant black entertainer, black sports figure, put up at the forefront. You know these same black people are not allowed into or are looked down upon if they go to certain country clubs in the Hamptons, "What's that nigg* doing here?" What's really changed? Not that much. I believe its gotten worse as far as racism is concerned. You know the younger generation hopefully we're trying to work that out, but as long as the foundation of America, and the constitution is what it is here, not that much has changed.

You made me think, in terms of that whole idea of melancholy and fascination with Satan and the devil and stuff, I think that all may be part of a process--let's say America facing it's true history has not happened yet and that's a process that we have to go through in order to sort of get to our spirit. You know what I mean? Because, you can't get to your spirit unless you face everything in the way. Right? So there is a sort of dark period going on possibly for dominant white culture in a way of dealing with our history, but not specifically addressing it. Maybe dealing more with the emotional part of it and not the intellectual part of it.....I'm just kind of...

No, no, I'm trying to feel that...because I see what you're talking about...

You know what I mean, there's an emptiness...graphic design is huge now, fashion, you know sort of alternative trendy whatever, but there's a soulessness to it...

I think the soulessness translates to what we talked about a minute ago. People just not having time to build with each other. If we don't have kindred spirits to be there with us we're a soul alone in the world and so if you are a soul alone where are you going to find any kind of joy or contentment or friendship or love, for that matter? I think it's kind of soulessness mirroring lovelessness, you know what I mean?

Yeah, yeah.

True love has nothing to do with what's physical. It's all in your heart. How far would you go for somebody? How much do you know what that word means? Have you ever really had it in life? Have you felt it? Demonstrated it? How do you love? Do you love? Because you say you love him. Talk about it. I think the number one thing pimped in the world is the word love.

Photos by Diana McClure. Check out dianamcclure.photofolio.com or portfolios.com/dianamcclure to view more of her images.

Message Garth Trinidad and Diana McClure and tell them what you think

The Ru Report #119

Two For The Show
The holiday season always have a way of bringing some pleasantness and a few surprises, amongst all of the hustle and bustle we see and hear.

Bringing on both is best-selling author Eric Jerome Dickey, who just

Two For The Show
The holiday season always have a way of bringing some pleasantness and a few surprises, amongst all of the hustle and bustle we see and hear.

Bringing on both is best-selling author Eric Jerome Dickey, who just released his second major hardcover novel this year, Naughty Or Nice (Dutton). He is the epitome of a BMW--Black Man Working.

Described as a holiday gift to readers, Naughty Or Nice continues Mr. Dickey's sure-fire brand of African-American sex, love, infidelity and redemption. For his ninth novel, the backdrop is Christmas/Kwanzaa in Los Angeles, with lights twinkling in the windows and fake snow glistening beneath the palm trees. The McBroom sisters--Frankie, Livvy and Tommie--all have serious man problems...but things have a way of working themselves out in the end.

The Ru Report caught up to the Los Angeles county resident this week, while in the midst of preparing his 10^th book (tentatively titled Drive Me Crazy). The always candid and delightful Memphis native didn't mince any words and waxed poetic on his comedy, craft, character development and creation. And Christmas. (Not in that particular order.)

Two books in one year? How did you do it?

Well, you start off by meeting the devil at the crossroads, trading your soul for a laptop, then neglecting your real life until Gabriel blows his horn (laughs). Doing books back-to-back like that was crazy. I don't see how cats like [Stephen] King and [Dean] Koontz and [James] Patterson crank out so much work. But then again I write my own books, top to bottom, no ghosts in my office. All the publisher asked for was a holiday novel, and the rest was up to me. I was still on tour for The Other Woman and Naughty Or Nice was due before I got started. This writing game takes a lot of discipline. I mean a lot. There is no alarm clock, no set hours; it's all about getting it done. It's a business and it's all about finishing a book. You have to demonstrate that ability. You have to work while others are sleeping. While they dream about success you're up making your dreams come true. It's about getting to the end (chapter #30) so you can go back and start the rewriting. Then when you're done with the rewriting, rewrite Again. Again. Again. And before the ink dries you start another project.

You are certainly standing out from the pack. What's your ultimate goal?

It's always been to have fun, just to do something that I loved doing. I had no idea it would end up like this. When I started out I wanted to write five books, which was a large number at the time. I just threw a number out there. Five. I mean, I only had half a book done and a total of about three ideas, and those ideas were barely enough to finish a short story. But damn, I look at the work I've done, the different genres, the characters I've brought to life...it blows me away. Taking classes helped. It's great to be in a room filled with people who think like you, outside the box, and aren't caught up in the genre thing, just good stories and good writing. It helps to think outside the box, to not let others limit you and stifle your creativity, to only be limited by your own creativity.

Now that you've solidified your place as a bona fide storyteller that true fans of Black Literature should be reckoned with, what's next for you?

More books, different lead characters, a few old ones in the background. I'm a bigger fan of the 'noirish' type stories, like I did in Thieves Paradise, and that's a book I'd love to see as a graphic novel. They reinterpreted a few of Raymond Chandler's in that format. I still read comics, pick up my stash every Wednesday; so I'm a huge fan of that genre, which mos def has had an influence on me. I've probably learned more about creating protagonist and antagonist, delving into the anti-hero, from comics. There is a method to their madness. And those cats are brilliant storytellers. I grew up on the comics, did my first writing as a teenager for a comic book we made up.

Anyway, I'd love to get a few more Thieves Paradise-ish, noir-type stories under my belt. A couple more of those, at least. Also, we're looking at flipping Friends and Lovers into a stage play. My fans can go to Imreadyproductions.com for more info on that. If that works out, Cheaters will follow. And Friends and Lovers still has an option out there in Hollywood. There is some interest in The Other Woman, Cheaters, Milk in My Coffee, but nobody is walking the walk, just talking the talk.

Now, this new book, Naughty or Nice, what inspired you to tackle the subject of the holidays?

The publishing company approached me with the idea. Not the story, just an idea to write a Christmas book, which I broadened because African-Americans celebrate more than Christmas. That's all they asked, if I could do a Christmas book, like [John] Grisham did with Skipping Christmas. But I ain't trying to write like Grisham. I had to sit back and think what kind of story I wanted to do. What characters I wanted, their individual conflicts, decide how they interacted as a family, who was in the family, the periphery characters, the whole nine. After coming off The Other Woman, I wanted an "up" ending, for the most part. I lean toward edgy characters and tales that have both erotica and suspense. And comedy to break up the darker moments. I hadn't done the multiple voice (Multiple POV) thing in years. And I hadn't worked on a "specialty" novel, not solo. So far as the multiple voice thing, I had stopped doing that because everybody was using that technique. I'm not one to follow, and I'm not trying to become a one-trick pony. Or write what's popular. Still it was interesting going back to the same style as my first book, Sister Sister, doing the three female voices and the family thing. Very hard too. Not only because I'd moved on to other styles and stories, but they all had to be so damn nice. And naughty.

You write women characters so well, so balanced, so telling. What is your formula?

[There is] no formula. Just the way I do what I do when I do the do. A lot of my writing style is a combination of comedy, studying films and scripts, reading and performing in a few plays, scene study, character development via those acting years, etc. I think I've always been the type who chilled and observed. A good writer has a good ear and notices the five senses of a scene. Over ten novels I have written a ton of characters, from four-year-old little girls living with their single dad to ancient men who stand guard in a smoke-filled pool hall, to sage stepfathers, to Bible-toting mothers, but those rich characters seem to go unnoticed. A lot of readers tend to gravitate toward characters that remind them of themselves, not the whole. I'm more interested in characters unlike me, the way they are written, or "drawn" with words. I've never written me, except in Mothers & Sons. I think it's the combination of characters--male, female, young, old, rich, poor--that make the stories work. You have to populate the story with believable characters, not just the female characters.

How much of it really is fictitious?

Shit, if it was real life it would be easier...that would be like an architect handing me a blueprint...hmm...maybe it would be harder. I say that because real life never ends, not in the book sense. Fiction has a layout, a beginning, middle, and end. Characters evolve. I sit down in a room a cappella, all I am armed with is an idea, a very basic idea (boy meets girl, boy loses girl to another woman, boy wants girl back no matter what--what if a black man meets a white woman in a New York taxi? What if young man (Bruce Banner-type) tries to protect his mother from abusive father (Hulk-type) ends up in jail, then a life of crime?) and run with it. I tweak the characters, then modify the narrative and plot until it starts to work. I cut, I add, the whole nine.

What you read in a day might take me four months to write. (Like the record biz, a four minute song might take weeks to perfect) so much goes into it. The characters have to fit the story, if they don't it's like a movie with bad casting. And the story has to suit the characters. It's a marriage. The story has to have a logical progression, has to ring true no matter what, and each character's dialogue has to be consistent, all of that (and more, much more) has to add up and move the story toward the climax...real life ain't that structured.

The three sisters (in Naughty Or Nice) have some drama for sure in their lives. But all of the sisters in your books have drama. Is that a recurring theme?

All of my characters have conflict. Without conflict there is no story, not one that is engaging. Frankie, the older and divorced sister, had more comedy than real drama. Livvy, the married sister, had the trauma that, in a sense, created her split personality, made her abandon pain and seek pleasure. And Tommie, the single, idealistic and sage one, had to reconcile with her past in her own way. Like in a noir, the characters with the inner conflict are the most interesting. It makes for excellent characterization and good narrative to have something going on below the surface, to have something boiling. I usually like the word 'conflict' over 'drama' even though the terms, to some, are interchangeable. Drama sounds like real life, conflict, to me, keeps it focused on the craft. In writing we talk about that conflict thing and how we can manipulate it to make the reader turn the pages. The right words can add suspense. Cause tears. Anger. Or excite the loins. And each character has to have his/her own specific conflict, unless he/she is the sage character, the buddy-buddy who is there as a sounding board, the voice of reason and wisdom, and then he/she aids in helping the protagonist in some way.

I think you're one of just a few of the Black bestsellers who didn't self-publish in your early years. That's remarkable. How did you do it?

Even though I had a contract, I still had to hustle. Oh, snap. Shit. I done forgot. Wait, rewind. I did self-publish, but the book never came out. Northwest publishing company, out of Utah, ripped me off. Talk about a scam. The FBI shut 'em down. I lost 6 large, and then had to go to arbitration. I was a sub-teacher with a broken down ride, so you know that shit was mega stressful. That was back in, mmm, circa 1994, maybe 1995. I lost big time dollars because I had no idea about the business. But I moved on, finally got an editor (that took three years) and even when I had a publisher, my advance was smaller than you know what. I still had to travel on my own, spend my own money and get to book expos, book clubs, you name the event and I was there, in the aisles, hustling and getting passed by. The whole biz is a hustle. There was a lot of prejudice so far as a male writing in a female voice when I jumped into this literary stream, and time to time I still get biased comments, but such is life. Anyway, standing in a mall for six hours, getting bunions while you try to hustle your labor of love, that humbles your ass big time. It's not as simple as you write, they buy. One advantage of being with a publisher was distribution. I didn't have to pack and carry a ton of books coast to coast, the stores could order them. And send em back if they didn't sell. What got me where I am, I think, is that no matter what was going on in my life, I kept on writing. I think I had four books out in the first three years, or maybe five in the first four.

Is it still fun?

The business side, the deadlines, the touring, even doing a lot of interviews, dealing with editors who have limited visions and can't see beyond their own paychecks, are all distractions and at times necessary evils in the business. But writing, pure writing, now writing is fun, when it's working, even when it's not. Even a bad day writing is better than a good day at aerospace--my college degree is in computer systems technology for the University of Memphis; worked aerospace for 9 years at Rockwell (Boeing), and getting laid off pushed me toward doing something I loved more than I ever knew. Touring is not fun. Planes, trains, and automobiles. Not fun, not fun, and not fun. Yippee yawn yippee yawn. Doing 20 cities, maybe 30 book signings, and twice as many interviews in 25 days is a blessing, but no fun. It wears you down. No matter how tired you are, you have to keep that energy up and that smile posted. You have to be "on" all the time. If I could just beam myself to the book signings--laughs. And these airport experiences, Can you search a brother one more time? Hey Bin Laden, thanks for making my life so much friggin' fun, dammit. Come out come out where ever you are!

How's the scholarship in your name going?

It's great. It's through the University of Memphis, my alma mater. I want to encourage more young minds to continue to be creative.

I know you travel like crazy. Share some of your experiences...

Whew. Like I said, planes, trains, automobiles. The bookstores have been great and the people who show up are cool. Well, I've had a stalker in Houston Texas. We have a few overly enthusiastic fans out there who want to get inside your world, another good reason to not have personal info out there. The thing about stalkers is this: they have no idea they are stalking. Get a friggin' life! What has always amazed me is how many people across the country read the books I write.

Do you miss acting?

Time to time. I haven't done anything in that creative field since circa 1992. Time flies. Still, ain't nothing like being on stage or on a set in front of a camera. It's a different type of storytelling. Was thinking about taking a class, or trying to get into a nonunion project, for kicks.

What about comedy?

I miss that more than acting. Way more. I look at cats like DL Hugley and remember when we were working day jobs then spending Tuesday nights trying to get stage time down at Birdland West in Long Beach. Whew. There was a lot of driving and performing for soda and peanuts. But there was nothing like that, so far as immediate gratification. You knew right then if a bit or joke worked. A book is a sit-and-wait thing. And you don't see the audience reaction; you're never there for the moment. And there is no chance to redo a scene. Writing is very unforgiving.

Who are you reading these days/lately?

A lot of noir. Raymond Chandler, Walter Mosley, Joe R. Lansdale, etc. I go through phases. I'll read a lot of erotica, like Anais Nin's Delta of Venus, If I'm working that kind of novel, then I'll read noir, maybe something by John Ridley--that man is brill-friggin'-ant!--to get my edge back, then I'll read suspense, but not as much reading when I'm working. I'm an obsessive type. With ADD. I think (laughs) That's a running joke in my camp. What's on my desk? A New Normal, by K. Lee, Those Who Walk in Darkness by John Ridley, The Good House by Tananrive Due, The Good Orgasm Guide by Kate Taylor, and Best Bondage Erotica edited by Alison Tyler.

But, as a writer, what's really important is not another writer's completed work, but books that aid in the craft: Advice to Writers, Words You Should Know, Juba to Jive, Creating Character Emotions, A Writer's Companion, Plots UNLIMITED and a ton more.

What's your Christmas wish and plans this year?

I plan to chill in La La Land with the peeps I love the most. That's it. I wanted to be at chapter #30 on the next book, but that ain't happening.

Homme Coming
New York City urban socialite Nathan Scott has unleashed his latest foray into entertainment for the masses; a 13-month calendar that embraces men of color from various walks of life, "Homme 2004." Featuring what Mr. Scott refers to as some of today's most prominent "New Faces to Watch"--ranging from a New York City school Educator to a Fashion Designer , a DJ and even a Wall Street Journal Financial Analyst--the glossy stocking stuffer will also serve as a launching tool and fundraising effort for the Nathan Scott Foundation, which will provide financial support, mentoring and guidance to students majoring in Visual Arts in New York City.

"Homme 2004" is a celebration of their success, and their strive to reach their highest potential," states the media savvy Mr. Scott, star of last year's critically acclaimed, one-man, off-off Broadway stage-play "blacklight." The men of 'Homme 2004' are making positive moves in their communities, corporate America and the Entertainment Industry.

One of the brothers splashed throughout the pages of the program, shot by up and coming photographer Troy Smith, is the Prada shoe-wearing hip-hop publicist Kiwan Anderson. "Well, Nathan is a good friend of mine and he came to me with the idea and at first I said 'no'. Being that I am a publicist and used to being behind the scenes I have never been interested in being the center of attention. But after I hung out with the photographer and found out that proceeds were going towards a good cause I couldn't refuse."

While some of the men were photographed in bathtubs and shower stalls, Mr. Anderson's 'scene' was shot on the toilet of his Clinton Hill apartment. "At first I was really nervous, but began having fun after I saw the pictures on the digital camera. Since communicating is an integral part of my job, it only made sense to be using my cell phone and two way while I'm sitting on the toilet."

Alrightee then.

Posing in the all-male calendar and working at the popular hip-hop magazine, The Source, surely had to garner some type reaction from his fellow staffers--who are known to be many, many things--and cause some conflict. Not, says the 25-year-old eligible bachelor. "Oh...they've been very supportive. I wouldn't be the first one here to jump in front of the camera. Mariel Haenn, who's our Assistant Fashion Editor posed nude for Marc Baptiste's book Intimate.

That's just like a publicist.

Mr. Scott, who has blossomed into a formidable big apple party promoter, adds "this is another way for me to give to the arts community."

To more information, log onto Gotnathan.com.

Celebrating Kings & Lords

Arista Records isn't the only ones celebrating the legacy of rap pioneers Run DMC, with their recently released two-disc Ultimate collection. Until the New Year, The Eyejammie Fine Arts Gallery is hosting its photo tribute to the Kings of Rap. Entitled "It's Like That: 20 Years of Run-DMC-JMJ,", the show features contributions from a galaxy of hip hop photographers such as Ronnie Wright, Gene Bagnato, Manny Bella, Michael Benabib, Raymond Boyd, Talib Haqq, Dorothy Low, Carol Marino, Jason Messer, Chi Modu, Lloyd Nelson, Al Pereira, and Joe the Cameraman, among others. Andre LeRoy Davis, Chesiel John, and Revolt are represented by their paintings of the seminal rap group.

"It's hard to believe, but it really has been 20 years since Run-DMC's first recordings were released," said Eyejammie's Bill Adler. "This is a landmark in hip hop history and it provides us with a welcome opportunity to celebrate Run-DMC's achievements."

"Though Run-DMC disbanded following the murder of Jam Master Jay on October 30 of last year, their achievements remain evergreen and their influence continues to grow," continues Mr. Adler. "We're delighted to be able to salute them in this way."

For more information, visit Eyejammie.com.

As if the film franchise didn't have enough hype attached to it; on August 1, 2004, Boston's Museum of Science will open "The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy-The Exhibition."

The announcement of the U.S. premiere comes just as the third and final film in the trilogy, The Return of the King, opens worldwide this week.

The exhibition will features hundreds of pieces of memorabilia from the epic film trilogy including original costumes and jewelry, as well as the ring itself. Immersed in film props, visitors can explore the groundbreaking technology used in the films such as computer-generated special effects and animatronics, and hear from cast, crew, and director in exclusive "behind-the- scenes" interviews shown on videos throughout the exhibit.

Developed by the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, in partnership with New Line Cinema, the exhibit includes massive models, an "armor corridor", and a display on prosthetics including hobbit feet and Orc teeth. An interactive scaling activity reveals how filmmakers can make the actors appear to be tiny hobbit-sized or large wizard- sized, using an ingenious mix of trick photography, forced perspectives, and props made at different scales. Visitors can also see themselves transformed as hobbit or wizard-sized in their own photo. The "Lord of the Rings" exhibition will show at the Museum of Science from August 1-October 24, 2004. Following its run at the Science Museum in London on January 11, 2004, the exhibit will show in Singapore before coming to the 170-year-old Boston museum. The next city on the tour after Boston is Sydney. For more information on the exhibition go to Tepapa.govt.nz/Rings.

Good Works
Since I love talking about the good things celebrity notables do, I relished in the news that soul legend Mable John hosted a free Christmas dinner for L.A.'s homeless in her very own backyard last week.

According to the spokesperson for the blues singer turned evangelist, the event--officially dubbed "Christmas All Over L.A. For The Homeless"--went well beyond expectations. "Mable raised $20,000 through the efforts of Stevie Wonder's radio station KJLH in Los Angeles," ace publicist Bill Carpenter tells The Ru Report. "And because the economy is so bad and the grocery stores are on strike in L.A., Mable helped over 1500 families this year with food, toiletries and clothes, etc. with the event."

For the fourteenth year in a row, the former Raelette (Ray Charles's legendary back-up troupe) held the event at her home in the old Black Hollywood (the neighborhood where Hollywood's Black celebrities bought homes in the segregated 1950s). The needy received free food, clothing, shoes, blankets, linens, Christmas gifts and other items at the special Christmas celebration. Ms. John and her platoon of volunteers hoped to service over 1,000 families with items donated by a number of corporate sponsors and John's celebrity friends. And she did so.

Ms. John, who began her career touring with Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday in the 1950s became the first woman to record for Tamla/Motown Records label in 1959. She recorded several hit blues singles (The Supremes did her background vocals) for the label before moving on to Stax Records in 1966 where Isaac Hayes and David Porter produced smash hits on her such as "Taking Up Another Man's Place," "Don't Hit Me No More" and her signature tune--the1966 million-seller "Your Good Thing Is About To End." In 1977 she left The Raelettes when she received a spiritual calling to begin Joy in Jesus ministries.

Other celebrity notables doing great things this season...
TV actors Bill Brochtrup ("NYPD Blue"), Sherri Saum ("One Life To Live") and Kamar de los Reyes ("One Life To Live") will celebrate the holidays with troops in Japan from December 21 to December 30 via the USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour. During the visit, the group will meet and greet service members and their families, pose for pictures and sign autographs.

Also, Hollywood A-lister Ben Affleck is scheduled to soon be departing on his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to visit service men and women stationed in the Persian Gulf region. During the tour, he will preview his new movie Paycheck, which opens in theatres nationwide December 25. During the visit, Mr. Affleck also will sign autographs, participate in photo sessions and tour duty stations at various locations.

For more than 62 years, the United Service Organizations (USO) has brought a touch of home to America's military personnel. The USO is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization and is not a government agency. For more information on the USO, visit Uso.org.

This past Monday, New York Giants superstar Micheal Barrow and his wife Shelley hosted their 2^nd Annual NY/NJ Sports Celebrity Carnival at New York's Madison Square Garden Arena. The holiday extravaganza was created by the Barrows to ensure that families facing personal and/or economic difficulties are able to provide a special evening of holiday cheer for children and families from the Tri-State area. Madison Square Garden Arena was transformed into a winter wonderland that included carnival and interactive games, magicians and of course, Santa Claus. The kids carnival culminated with a fellowship concert in the Paramount Theatre with Grammy Award nominees, Natalie Wilson and the SOP Chorale. Other east coast athletes such as New Jersey Giants Tiki Barber, and Michael Strahan, New York Jets Santana Moss, Curtis Martin, and Chad Pennington, New York Knicks Allan Houston and Charlie Ward, New Jersey Nets Byron Scott and Brandon Armstrong and New York Liberty's Becky Hammon, also participated.

We shall not be...we shall not be moved.

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

©2003 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Amazon Ink

The Cult of Personality
How much do you truly know about your favorite celebrity? There are those of us who think that because we connect to someone's lyrics, or their on-screen work or what they say or do that we know what they're about

The Cult of Personality
How much do you truly know about your favorite celebrity? There are those of us who think that because we connect to someone's lyrics, or their on-screen work or what they say or do that we know what they're about. The fact that the proliferation of cable channels and Internet sites has given us access to celebrities on a 24-7 basis makes it seem as though we're truly intimate with them--as we watch them in seemingly every significant moment of their lives. It appears as though some of these folks, (okay, P. Diddy) are living a real-life version of "The Truman Show," the movie where Jim Carrey didn't realize his entire life was a reality show.

For those of us who have regular contact with celebrities, it's even more of a challenge to separate reality from image. There are celebrities that have treated me nicely over the years who I've found out later indulge in behavior that is selfish and abusive to the people who they work with. A former record exec told me harrowing stories of working with an A-list recording artist who'd successfully hidden their nastiness from the public for years. There are others who work closely with artists who are self-destructive, and in some cases, damn near certifiable. That highly-strung creative, talented, wealthy people can be difficult is no news flash, I'm sure. But the new industry of celebrity media as personified in new or revamped magazines like Us (an admittedly guilty pleasure) In Touch and old standards like People and Star has become a propaganda machine that rivals the Bush administration for distortion of reality. While most of us would consider ourselves too sophisticated to be fooled by "reality" TV romances or the latest gossip about who's gay and who's not, there's a dualism going on here that speaks to both our fascination with and abhorrence of celebrity.

On the one hand, this is a society that bemoans the underpaying of teachers ensuring a child's future, yet buys billions of dollars a year in movie tickets. This is a society where we encourage the sending of teenagers to war on salaries barely above minimum wage, but has made Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Miuccia Prada, Harry Winston and whoever owns E! Entertainment wealthy. This is also the same country that reveres the rich and famous, yet secretly celebrates when one of them is brought down. I think that there are some of us who realize the schizophrenia that creates, but in the face of the media onslaught of the rich and famous, feel powerless to stop it.

We live in a culture that celebrates excess, superficiality, money and celebrity. Nowhere is that clearer than in hip hop music, where a diversity of acts and ideas just 10 years ago has degenerated into a one-note rotation of pimps, ho's, strippers, rims and name-brand gear. But hip hop is just a reflection of the larger society's fascination with all things superficial.

The relationship between fan and celebrity has become increasingly dysfunctional. In some ways, it's always been. Celebrities become rich and famous through the generosity of the common folk, most of whom they no longer want to live around or hang out with.

The relationship is already based on a mutual co-dependence that can manifest itself in stalkers or in celebrities so far removed from real life that they ultimately self-destruct or worse, start believing in their own hype until their art suffers. Our interest in the minutiae of their lives seems weird and psychotically intrusive when you consider the rabid interest in pregnancy details and in intimate relationships--not one but two "reality" shows about celebrity newlyweds? From what I hear about marriage, the first year can often be the most challenging. Is it normal to want to have cameras record that? Not to mention is there really such a thing as a "reality" show? How is it possible to be "real" when cameras are in places they aren't normally, a show is being done that requires lighting, crew, producers, and a whole host of extras, and mind you, 24 hours is being distilled into 30 minutes of TV time?

Perhaps the most disturbing of all of this is this idea that there is perfection in the lives of celebs. Their images make them all out to be Wonderful! Happy! Loving! Sexy! Committed to the Community! Nice People!

Yet common sense and human nature will tell you that that is not so, especially among people leading fast lives in cutthroat industries. It's amazing to me the qualities that people will ascribe to celebrities just because they're famous. Do we really think that every celebrity marriage is as happy as it looks on TV? Given the statistical averages as well as the fallibility of human nature, we know somebody (aside from Bobby Brown) has got to be beating their wife. Somebody's dealing with a big drug problem, infidelity, kids who don't act right, families who can't stand the spouse or those stuck in marriages for the sake of kids or joint property. We know that some of the people who's work we love are assholes to the highest order behind closed doors and that their carefully crafted public images are a lie. The extent to which money and fame will drive some people to great lengths to get it or maintain is something I do know about after 15 plus years in this business. You wouldn't even believe how far some people will go.

I think the truth about some of these people is probably so much more interesting than the well-crafted lies of million-dollar publicists. But they have a right to keep it to themselves.

We have to ask ourselves why we care so much? Is it because our own lives aren't what we want them to be so we'd rather buy into the fantasy of someone else's? Is it because living in our unabashedly capitalistic society has fooled us into thinking that money solves every problem? (Read Vanity Fair if you want a monthly refutation of that myth.) And celebrities, themselves fooled into thinking that they are much more fabulous than the rest of us because they can play a sport, read a line or write a rhyme need their own reality check. Just because you are someone who does something well, or that gets paid far more than you truly deserve in the grand scheme of things, does not make you better than anyone else. I really wish that most of these people who pontificate so arrogantly about their superiority and greatness understood that what they have comes from a much higher place than themselves.

In any case, I sure hope that Halle Berry, my favorite celebrity, is as nice as she seemed when I met her. But you know what...I've learned to take from everyone, famous or not, the inspiration that I need and go from there. I just don't think it takes being famous or rich or celebrated for whatever to win in this world. I think you can do it just by being who and what you are, and sharing that with someone else. Call me crazy, but I'll go with that and particularly during this holiday season, I hope we'll all remember to do the same.

Message Tonya Pendleton and tell her what you think or contact her directly at tonya.pendleton@verizon.net

The Ru Report #118

Grand Cannon
Charming. Articulate. Suave. Versatile. Debonair. And even Saintly, somewhat.

Those are not usual adjectives associated with many in the rap game

Grand Cannon
Charming. Articulate. Suave. Versatile. Debonair. And even Saintly, somewhat.

Those are not usual adjectives associated with many in the rap game.

But when superstar-on-the-rise Nick Cannon walks into a room, he commands attention. And he sends out very good vibes, encompassing all of the aforementioned descriptive terms, and then some.

The former comic-turned-actor-turned-rapper-turned Hollywood hot commodity recently graced The Ru Report with his presence, in support of his newest project, the romantic teen comedy Love Don't Cost A Thing, at New York City's east side W Hotel.

Last year ago at this time, the then-22-year-old newcomer lit up the screen with his breakout-leading role as Devon, the talented street-wise drummer who goes off to college, and learns the meaning of teamwork in Drumline. A true Jack-of-All-Trades, Mr. Cannon also served as co-creator, executive producer, and star of the hit Nickelodeon variety show, "The Nick Cannon Show," and also worked on his recording debut.

This week sees two great projects from the San Diego native, who's also a protégée to Hollywood A-lister Will Smith: Nick Cannon's self-titled debut album features collaborations with R. Kelly, B2K, Just Blaze, The Ying Yang Twins, P. Diddy, and Mary J. Blige, among others. His second flick, Love Don't Cost A Thing, directed and co-written by Troy Beyer, and co-starring Christina Milian, with Steve Harvey. An updated, urban twist on the 1987 comedic fave, Can't Buy Me Love, the new flick is great light-hearted box-office fare.

With aspirations to bring the life stories of Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye to the big screen, Mr. Cannon will next be seen in Shall We Dance? with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere.

How much are you really like the character you play in the flick?

I'm probably somewhere in the middle because when you think about it, I play an extremely geeky guy as well as the over-the-top cocky guy. I'm not geeky but I have my geeky, corky moments, and then I've got some aspects of cool in me, I guess. Sometimes I'd be feeling myself a bit. When I think about it, I'm more like Alvin toward the end of the film where you understand that as long as you can be yourself, that's the real money.

Where do you draw your relationship with your character?

I'm so into playing different characters, even when I was on Nickelodeon. I just observe. I have a nerdy little brother and I have a cool little brother and I just took from them. They're in high school now and they're going through the same thing. I go off from what they are doing.

One of the comedic highlights of the film is when your character's father talks to his son about sex. Can you relate?

My dad's a minister. I was 7 years old and he opened up to Joshua 6, and was like, "Look here, son." So my father was a person who never lied to me. If I had a question, he answered it. I knew a lot of things at a young age because I was intrigued. "Hey Dad, why does this happen, and why does that happen?" and he was always honest with me. I came up with a pretty good upbringing. I didn't live with my dad all the time. I was raised by my grandparents so when I did get a chance to speak to my father, it was like, 'Ok, I get it.'

The son of a preacher man! Did it have an adverse affect on you?

Oh yeah, the preacher's kid has to be the baddest one. If everyone is smoking weed, we've got to smoke crack. If you're throwing rocks, we've got to throw bigger rocks. (He laughs). We are already expected to be the goodie two shoes. I went through that during my junior high schools where I wasn't allowed to watch television. I wasn't allowed to listen to the radio. I couldn't have the cool clothes and all that stuff and you had to have had a certain type of haircut. I didn't have it, so automatically folks were like, "He's squared", so I had to do stuff that I didn't want to do to prove that I wasn't that squared. But just like the film, once I realized that being me and my father was one of the people that explained it to me the uniqueness and quality of understanding yourself and being secure with what you are, it's way cooler than anyone who's following trends.

One thing my father instilled in me was how to be a man. I wouldn't say how to become a man, but how to live as a man. When I was like 13 or 14, he told me, "Don't worry about with what everybody else is doing, be secure within what you got going on and understand the relationships. Everything is about relationships, with people, with God; building off those things and allowing each relationship that you have to help you grow and that's the aspects of life, really. Living life and understanding the different types of relationships.

What attracted you to the role?

What really attracted me to this role I would say the fact that I loved "Can't Buy Me Love". I remembered being 7 years old, and that film was the film to see; and that I got to play two characters in one role. My background is sketch comedy and being over the top, so they allowed me to play with it. I got to grow a big huge afro and step into something totally different because with Drumline, people would say, "Oh yeah, he was good in it. But it seemed that he was being himself, and it wasn't too much of a stretch". I wanted to show people that 1) I wasn't like the character in Drumline and 2) I'm not like this character either, but you can see the difference and you can see the range.

How was Steve Harvey to work with?

He would give you advice as long as you let him. He definitely was kicking me the knowledge. I had known Steve before the film. We had done stand-up in the same places and I've opened up for Mr. Harvey a couple of times. It's like being on the set with one of your mentors. It was definitely a good time.

Talk about the on-screen chemistry between you and your co-star, Christina Milian.

The chemistry between Christina and I played very well before we knew each other before the film started and when I heard she was involved with the film, I was like, "Ok". I heard so many different names of who they wanted in that part and the fact that Christina started on children's television; she was on Disney, and I was on Nickelodeon; and she was involved in music, I was involved in music. There were lots of similarities that allowed us to be friends in the beginning and even we started working on the film, I got to know her even more, definitely we got to be the best of friends on this film.

Any heat off-screen?

Like I said, she's one of my best friends. I was attracted from day one. How could you not be attracted to someone who has a great spirit on the inside and beautiful on the outside? Being in the industry, it's hard to be in a relationship. I believe that if you can start off as friends and create a foundation, then you have something more to stand on, then just, "This is my girlfriend for the next four months and then I'm gonna call Beyonce, and then Ashanti." I rather establish something than just saying that I'm dating this person or this is my girlfriend. I'd rather be like, "That's truly my friend and someone I can grow with."

She has said in interviews that you were a great kisser.

For the experience that it was. Having to literally kiss someone for six hours, I wasn't complaining at all.

Were your high school experiences anything like those in the movie?

I went to high school in San Diego, junior high and part of elementary in North Carolina, and some elementary in San Diego as well. My high school years were similar to the film. It wasn't as trendy or "pop-culturish", but you had to be rocking the right fashion and have the nicest car at the time, and I didn't have any of that. When you don't have those types of things, fashion and all that stuff, it helps you find yourself because you don't have those things to rely on. When you don't have the best clothes or the flyest car or the best girl; you have to really dig deep in which I found my gift to gab. I was able to talk my way into a lot of situations and out of a lot of situations at the same time. I believe high school was definitely the place where I learned my skill was to be on the mic in some kind of fashion.

Share some more about your upbringing.

I was raised by my grandmother. She instilled everything into me. She taught me right from wrong from day one. I remembered everyday, being 4 or 5 years old, and walking to school, she would be like, 'Raise your right hand and stay on the right side of the street and make sure you do the right thing in school.' Of course, being in a family that was raised in the church, with my grandfather a minister as well, and aunts, uncles, the Christian spirituality was the blueprint of my life. I definitely give all praise to God for everything that I'm doing and have done and really that's where it generates from, but more than just getting really religious and stuff; it's understanding it's not about me or me being a celebrity or me being a star, it's really what I represent. That's where I draw everything from.

You're an inspiration for young people. Any advice?

The real advice or the public service advice? (He laughs) To keep it real, if you want it, go get it. If you want to be in the automotive business, you go to Detroit, and you figure it out. If you want to be in entertainment, go to where it's at. Go to Hollywood, go to New York. You know what I mean. That's what I had to do at a young age. I was 16 years old, driving to LA, and sleeping in my car, just trying to make it happen. You have to have that type of tiger mentality. You have to be vigorous. That's the only way you are going to get it because everybody has dreams and everybody has goals, but the only people who achieve them are the ones that go after it and don't take no for an answer.

Make sure you have your education first and make sure you keep your priorities straight. Some people want it for all the wrong reasons. They want it for the cars and the women and stuff. There's an aspect of that but that's not what it is. This lifestyle is a lot of hard work and it sounds cliché that you don't understand my life, but once you get into it, and you form with it, it's nothing but work.

Talk about making the jump from acting into music.

In so many areas, when you think about it, you never really see an actor cross over to music. It always music to acting and it's receivable because when music gives a form of entertainment of art to where it's very personable, it's a passion, it's an intimate type of art to when you hear it, it's them. When you hear 50 Cent, it's 50 Cent, Norah Jones is Norah Jones, and when an actor tries to do it, and an actor plays different characters, folks find it hard to believe what he's singing or saying. It's definitely difficult in so many different areas because they see me as the little kid telling jokes, or they see me as an actor. In the hip hop community, it's about how real are you, or how strong can you be, and really my music just reflects me. If you can accept me, then you can accept my music. I've been blessed enough to where it's a gradual growth but I believe it's working because it has to do with the type of people I work with. There's talent there and it's not a gimmick. This is something I've been trying to do since I was eitght years old. I had my first demo tape at that age. The fact that it's working, you get artists like R. Kelly and P. Diddy; people who are embracing me and want to work with me just makes everything click.

Oldies But Goodies
Those who know me know that I am a huge fan of female vocalists, especially the ones who have stood the test of time and still can put these young ones to shame. So, it's music to my ears that some of the more respected names in the field are gracing the Big Apple during and around this holiday season.

Rock & Soul veteran Darlene Love will make her annual New York City appearance in what is billed as a "brand new" holiday show entitled "Solid Gold Christmas." This year's exciting musical event will feature Miss Love singing all her #1 solid gold hits, as well as her Christmas classics from the timeless Phil Spector Christmas album. According to a spokesperson, she will be bringing with her a smokin' Rock & Roll band, a full holiday choir, and special guest star BJ Crosby (star of Broadway's Grammy Award winning revue "Smokey Joe's Café"). Ms. Crosby, who seems to be the hardest working Broadway diva this season, is doing a string of performances around the city this holiday season, most notably, "Nativity: A Life Story" at The United Palace Theater. The two vocal powerhouses will collaborate together for the first time. So that's reason enough to check out this show. Hosted by oldies station, WCBS-FM, "Solid Gold Christmas" will appear for two shows only at Symphony Space on December 19 and December 20.

And although Miss Love's former boss Phil Spector is going through some hard legal affairs, his ex-wife Ronnie Spector continues wowing music audiences by the truckloads. The former lead singer of the legendary pop group, The Ronetttes will host her "10^th Anniversary Xmas Party" at Times Squares B.B. King Blues Club & Grill for two shows and two nights on December 19 and December 20.

Also at B.B. King, Roberta Flack--the four-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter--will perform a set of her divine, adult contemporary classics on December 28. Maybe, she'll even do something from her latest "Holiday" collection, although it will be after Christmas. Yet, it still will be Kwanzaa.

Legendary entertainer Eartha Kitt is having a renaissance--of sorts. She's currently donning a daring ensemble (revealing much skin) every night in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, "Nine." She's also appearing in the forthcoming independent movie On The One, featuring Novella Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Tim Reid and Tichina Arnold. And her timeless singing talents can be heard throughout the backdrop of the new Jack Nicholson/Diane Keaton movie, Something's Gotta Give. Now comes news the 70-something diva will hold court at New York City's chic and popular Downtown performance space, Joe's Pub on New Year's Eve. The intimate one-night-only appearance--with musical direction by Daryl Waters--is sure to be a hit. Miss Kitt has performed her one-woman shows there in the past, and it has always been a sell-out. There will be two shows that night, with ticket prices at $150 and $200, respectively. A prix-fixe dinner packages and V.I.P. seating with bottle service is also available.

Also at Joe's Pub, Paulette McWilliams--the original lead vocalist of the groundbreaking soul band Rufus--will make her much anticipated return to the venue on January 15, along with Vincent Herring. Billed as "Jazz For Thursday," Ms. McWilliams (who is a much in demand session and background singer, working with a who's who of music including Marvin Gaye, Bette Midler, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige and Aretha Franklin.

Stuff
Some of the biggest names of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE, formerly WWF) will be visiting our troops in Iraq and Kuwait in a tour organized by the Department of Defense, Armed Forces Entertainment office. The superstars, including WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, along with superstars Big Show, Torrie Wilson, Sable, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, John Cena, Bradshaw and Farooq, Rikishi, Rhyno, and Dawn Marie will bring the troops holiday greetings and USO (United Service Organization) packages. . The visit will be shown on a special edition of "WWE Smack Down!" to be aired on UPN on Christmas night. The viewing public can do its part also; For a donation of $25, individuals can send a USO Care Package containing an assortment of daily sundries that our military have specifically requested, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries, and sunscreen. They also include greetings from the American public, transferred onto official "Operation USO Care Package" post cards. WWE is promoting the USO initiative within WWE television programming and on its web site, wwe.com. WWE has established troops.wwe.com where people can sponsor a care package, and it also will be posting holiday messages to the troops from its viewers. "We are looking forward to visiting the troops and providing them with the most unusual, entertaining live event ever produced for the holidays," said Mr. McMahon in a statement. "We plan on carrying as many care packages as we can to deliver to the troops, along with greetings from the American public."

Mark your calendars. Premium specialty cable channel Black STARZ! will celebrate Black History Month with the world premiere of "Sisters in Cinema," on February 8, 2004 as part of its ongoing programming package, "The Heritage." Directed by award winning filmmaker Yvonne Welbon ("Living with Pride: Ruth Ellis @ 100"), "Sisters in Cinema" is the first documentary to illuminate the trials and triumphs of African American women film directors both inside and outside the Hollywood system. Featured in the film are the careers of Neema Barnette (Civil Brand), Julie Dash (Funny Valentines), Maya Angelou (Down in the Delta), Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou), Cheryl Dunye (My Baby's Daddy), Stephanie Allain (Biker Boyz), Diane Houston (City of Angels) and others.

Fashion maven Bethann Hardison, who was profiled in The Ru Report's inaugural "Phenomenal Women" series last March, will host the first in an education series called, "The Industry of Fashion," at New York City's downtown performing space, Joe's Pub on December 18. Acclaimed woman's wear designer Tracy Reese will sit down with Miss Hardison to discuss 'the industry of fashion,' amongst an audience comprised of students. A fashion industry veteran, Mrs. Reese continues to re-interpret fashion with her collections--the first collection TRACY REESE and her second collection, Plenty. Her chic feminine take on vintage inspired pieces has caught the eye of many top celebrities and continues to distinguish the designer and her brand from other collections. From Creative Director, Designer, Model, Public Relations, contributing editor there is no position in the fashion industry that has been untouched by Bethann Hardison. She has guided the careers of the top models and produced some of the most highly acclaimed events in the industry. Today she helms her own management company, one of the top agencies that she started in 1984, Bethann Management Company. Bethann is committed to helping others through many different educational and motivational programs. The event is presented by Fashion Outreach, in collaboration with The Fashion Arts Exchange and The Black Fashion Designers Association, Inc.

Don't make me over.

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

©2003 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Amazon Ink

Xmas Rappin’
If you’re like most people this year, you’re a little uptight about holiday gift-giving. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or Kwanzaa, one thing seems to be universal this year

Xmas Rappin’
If you’re like most people this year, you’re a little uptight about holiday gift-giving. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or Kwanzaa, one thing seems to be universal this year--everybody’s broke. So as a service to my readers, I’m providing you with my version of Oprah’s Favorite Things. (For those of you not hip--it’s her annual show where she gives away gifts to her studio audience. Good gifts, like DVD players and Sony cameras.)

My suggestion to everyone pressed and stressed this time of year is breathe…and go online. You avoid the malls, the aggravation of parking (have you ever tried to find a parking space anywhere near the mall entrance during the holiday rush?) and better still, many sites offer gift-wrap, gift cards and free shipping during the Christmas season. For those of you still scared to buy on the Web…let me ease your fears...I do it all the time.

If you have a bank account, or do offline transactions regularly, your numbers are out there already, so get over the online shopping fears, please. Black folks the first to buy every new gadget no matter how unproven or untested the technology but scared to shop online....what is that about?

Sites To Find Great Gifts At Discount Prices
Costco.com--Great for discounted DVD’s and books, electronics, and of course, food in bulk. Costco also sells toys and gift items like huge gift baskets (lavender, green tea, etc.) for $29.99-49.99 Check out the Toshiba portable DVD player for sale at $399.99. If you are not a Costco member (about $45 annually for a basic membership) you will pay 5% more on purchases. You will not pay any surcharge on gift certificates, however. I usually buy 75% of kids’ toys at Costco. This year I found a huge kit with jewelry, makeup, glitter, and all kind of cool girly stuff for $19.99, suitable for the tweens in your life. (But don’t tell my niece, it’s one of her gifts.) In the stores, you can also find fine jewelry, crystal, and designer bags from Prada...a backpack at the King of Prussia, Pa. store was $249.99.

Ebay.com--Ahh, the joys of Ebay. If the commercial didn’t convince you, then ask some of your fashion-conscious friends where they got their latest designer find. Trust me, they’ve been on Ebay. You can buy everything from a house to a car on this auction website. Yes, there is fraud, you have to be careful just like any place you buy from. I personally would be suspicious of 2003 Benz coupes selling for $20,000 but I’ve seen it on the site. The key to buying designer stuff on Ebay is to be smart and never assume. Check the seller’s feedback to see if they have sold similar items before. Read the item description carefully. If you are looking for designer gear, make sure that it says Prada/Gucci, Designer X authentic. Sometimes searches will turn up “Prada” and the person is selling a “lookalike.” If you have questions email the seller directly. The best designer stuff to buy on Ebay comes with an “authentic or your money back” guarantee. Also, know how much to pay and what the item costs in the store. I’ve seen designer things on Ebay sold for prices well over what it would cost at Neiman-Marcus. On the other hand, if you see Hermes bags which sell for $5,000 -15,000 in their store and they are on Ebay for $400, you know that’s probably a scam. The great thing about Ebay is that on many transactions you have up to 10 days to pay the seller. And most sellers take money orders for those who are credit challenged. One of the site’s best kept secrets is tickets. I’ve gotten great seats to Sixers games, the U.S. Open tennis championships and the Oprah tour on Ebay for not much over the face value.

Target.com--Everything that you can get in the store, except without the harried mothers with the crying kids and the long checkout lines. Target has excellent home décor at reasonable prices. Their Home Essentials line is excellent--high thread count sheets and comforters that wash well. The Isaac Mizrahi line for women is great, as is Mossimo for teenagers. The only thing I wouldn’t buy from Target is women’s shoes. (Parade of Shoes has a better selection of inexpensive shoes.)

Half.com--As a book, CD and DVD lover, I live for this site. You can get any current book, CD or DVD often for less than half of what you see in stores, thus the name. This is a division of Ebay, which is set to shut down in 2004. So get those bargains while you can. Just read item descriptions carefully, make sure the lowest price is for a DVD, not a VHS, make sure the book is hardcover and the right title. I have bought softcover bookseller advances on the site, which are usually cheaper, but for gifts, you might want it to look like you went to Barnes and Noble.

Overstock.com--Some buyers have an iffy time with delivery on this site, but I never have. It’s also excellent for books, CD’s and DVD’s at steep discounts, as well as bedding, etc. I just ordered the new Eric Jerome Dickey book Naughty or Nice which retails for $17.95. I got it on Overstock.com for $10.00.

Bizrate.com--This is the one-stop comparison shopping website for electronics and just about everything else. Not only will the site find what you’re looking for by keyword, it will automatically find where to buy it at the lowest price. And it rates the online stores by customer satisfaction so you know whether or not the lowest price is really a bargain.

Websites For Specific Needs For Women
Victoriassecret.com, for the obvious though they also sell clothing, pajamas and shoes. (Note to men: Do not guess a woman’s clothing or underwear size. LOOK. When she’s not around, check out sizes for clothes that fit her and buy accordingly. Trust me, this will save you a lot of grief.)

Sephora.com--This website sells perfume, makeup and beauty supplies. When in doubt, get a gift certificate.

Ice.com--Jewelry

Eluxury.com--High end designer ware, not discounted

Bluefly.com--Discounted designer wear

Bedheadpjs.com--Beautiful pajamas, sizes up to XXL.

Plussize.com--Think Kim Coles, Queen Latifah, Loretta Devine and Mo’Nique--but don’t assume. Plus-size is 14 and over. This site gives you a list of links to stores, but among those I highly recommend are Kiyonna.com, Alight.com, and Sizeappeal.com. For teenagers, nothing beats Gap.com, with plus sizes over 16 available only on the web, and Alloy.com (also with up to 37 inch inseams for tall teens.) If you are in NYC shopping for a full-figured woman, H&M is the best, but they only sell full-figure (they call the department BIB) at 125^th and 34^th and Broadway.)

For Men
Timberland.com

Rei.com--Outdoor gear.

Eastbay.com--Sneakers, boots, Sean Jean, Enyce, etc.

Jersey-joe.com, Retrothrowbacks.com, and Mitchellandness.com--Full selection of throwback athletic gear, if you’re shopping for someone who’s into that.

Netmagazines.com have discounted magazine subscriptions or you can go straight to King-mag.com or Robbreport.com and hook your man up.

Etronics.com has a special section for batteries, and as anyone with a cell phone can tell you, you can always use those. What better gift for a businessman who relies on a cell?

Tivo.com--Gives you more information on the hottest gadget of the past years, the device that gives you the ability to watch whatever TV show you want when you want.

Delmonicohatter.com--For those so fresh and so clean men in your life, has hats by Borsolino and Kangol, among other top hatters.

Alligatorworld.com --For brothers who just can’t live without their ‘gators. I kid you not, gators in all colors and sizes, including large sizes. (If you need to buy a gift for Shaquille O’Neal, there ya go.)

For Da Kids
Amazon.com--Several stores for apparel and clothing.

Bestdressedkids.com--A little expensive but really, really adorable clothes for newborns to kids size 16 both boys and girls.

Disneystore.com, Divastarz.com (for girls), Nick.com for everything Spongebob, including furniture. (who knew?) and Leapfrog.com for educational toys for babies through high schoolers.

Happy Holidays to all y’all!

Message Tonya Pendleton and tell her what you think or contact her directly at tonya.pendleton@verizon.net

The Ru Report #117

Under 'Cover'
I am convinced. Multimedia religious powerhouse Bishop T.D. Jakes has launched a full-scale attempt for worldwide domination.

The super-evangelist, who has influenced the masses via best-selling

Under 'Cover'
I am convinced. Multimedia religious powerhouse Bishop T.D. Jakes has launched a full-scale attempt for worldwide domination.

The super-evangelist, who has influenced the masses via best-selling literary, audio and visual products, speaking and touring jaunts, outreach initiatives, a monthly magazine and a daily talk show, is literally taking America by storm with his latest endeavor.

Bishop Jakes has teamed up with broadcast media conglomerate Clear Channel Entertainment and music manager Matthew Knowles to bring the theatrical production of "Cover Girls" to stage for its inaugural national tour.

"Cover Girls" stars veteran TV actress Kim Fields and inspirational soul diva Ann Nesby and is based on the best-selling novel by renowned Bishop Jakes of the same name (published by Warner Faith Books earlier this year). "Cover Girls" tells the story of four women who seemingly have nothing in common. Yet, every day they each face the complex realities of 21^st century urban life as they try to balance their needs with their belief in God.

The tour is scheduled to perform in 28 cities across the country with the world premiere kicking off January 6 at Next Stage in Dallas.

"[It] is about coming to terms with the past, discovering who we truly are, and recognizing the unexpected friendships and small miracles that reveal God's all-encompassing love," says the Charleston, West Virginia native Jakes.

"This theatrical production is the next step in furthering the gospel genre for the stage, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it."

Our good pal James Stovall, who previously re-created "Black Nativity" (which opens tonight in New York City), will direct "Cover Girls," while Cheryl Davis, whose previous plays include "Barnstormer" and "The Color of Justice," is adapting the novel for the stage. The composers and co-lyricists are Cedric and Victor Caldwell, who have worked with Whitney Houston, Take 6, Andrae Crouch, Chante Moore, Bobby Brown, Donnie McClurklin and BeBe & CeCe Winans.

Bishop Jakes is founder of T.D. Jakes Enterprises, Inc. and is the co-writer and co-producer of "Cover Girls." He is also a contributor to the show's lyrics. Curtis Wallace, COO of T.D. Jakes Enterprises, is associate producer of "Cover Girls." Paul Weimer, who has credits with "Phantom of the Opera" and "Cabaret," is the scenic designer; lighting design is by Jeff Crotier; costume designer is Sosa. Mr. Knowles, who is the CEO of Music World Entertainment/Sanctuary Theatrical Productions and father of multimedia superstar Beyonce Knowles, is executive producing the musical stage-play with Music World/Sanctuary Theatricals.

"'Cover Girls' is a project I am so passionate about," says Mr. Knowles. "I am happy to be partnering for the first time with Clear Channel Entertainment and T. D. Jakes to bring an incredible production to the stage."

For more information log onto covergirlsontour.com.

Houston Honored
NBA hottie Allan Houston may not be a member of a winning basketball team, but the New York Knicks guard is accomplishing great feats on his own accord. Mr. Houston, who The Ru Report recently reported is teaming up with hip-hop veterans Cheryl "Salt" James and Christopher "Play" Martin on the traveling stage play, "Rise," has been named the 2004 Recipient of the 1619 Leadership Award of the American Museum of African Heritage. The Award, named for the year the original group of Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, recognizes individuals who have made personal sacrifices on behalf of others.

"Allan Houston was chosen for this honor not only because of his phenomenal sportsmanship and charitable works," said executive director Dr. Adolph Roberts, "but also for his personal values and ethics that stress personal responsibility, achievement and leadership." The 1619 Leadership Award reception will benefit the Museum and is scheduled for December 18 in New York City at Columbia University.

The proposed world-class museum, national in scope, focuses on the history, art, and culture of African-Americans. It is being developed over the next four to five years by the Freedom's Journey Foundation, a non-profit organization.

"I am truly humbled by the honor the American Museum of African Heritage is bestowing upon me," Mr. Houston offers. "God has proven Himself mightily in my life and my desire is to be able to show goodness to others because of the goodness God has shown to me. I pray I can continue to live up to the values and ethics this award represents."

Dr. Wyatt T. Walker, former Chief of Staff to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and National Honorary Chairman of the Freedom's Journey Foundation cited the organization's decision to honor Mr. Houston as its inaugural choice for the 1619 Leadership Award, to be based not only on Houston as a role model for children, but also for athletes. "Mr. Houston provides an outstanding example of how professional athletes can make meaningful contributions both in and out of the world of sports. He is most deserving of this honor and a place in history."

The 32-year-old University of Tennessee alum is widely recognized off-court for his many charitable contributions, most of which emphasize combining sports with education, mentoring and literacy. One of these charities, "Allan's Courtside Classroom", partners with the New York City Department of Education, to bring children courtside to watch the Knicks' pre-game warm-ups and drills. Throughout his career, Houston has made a priority of creating opportunities that enrich the lives of children mentally, physically and spiritually.

The American Museum of African Heritage has gained high profile support from across the nation. Supporters include prominent individuals such as Jesse Jackson, Professor Charles Ogletree of Harvard University, presidential candidate Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Cecil Murray of Los Angeles, director Spike Lee, as well as Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Charlie Rangel.

Mr. Houston will also receive a second recognition in March 2004 as an honoree at the annual Freedom's Journey Gala at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Beauty Is As Beauty Does
Recent University of Florida journalism graduate Scarlett Williams is a woman on a mission. She's the brain behind the new quarterly teen magazines, Beautiful Girl, which hits newsstands next week.

"So!," you say?

Well, the 22-year-old future magazine maven's dream have come into reality since launching Beautiful Girl's website in her senior year in college. The magazine's mission rallies against modern day celebrity worship and superficial values where fashion now meets faith and God is the ultimate celebrity. Pictures and stories from real girls of all shapes and sizes are featured in the magazine.

"It's hard as a girl not to compare yourself to all the flawless celebrities," Ms. Williams says. "In God's eyes, we are each a beautiful girl, and I decided it was time a magazine broke the rules to celebrate girls for who they are, not tell them who they should become."

Though the readers are the stars of the magazine, the inside pages also flow with positive Christian role models such as pop stars Hilary Duff and Stacie Orrico. With Ms. Williams' passion for fashion and everything pop, Beautiful Girl promises not to be your average Sunday school lesson.

"I didn't create Beautiful Girl to preach to girls," Williams said. "The mission is to help girls put their priorities in the right order. That being, number one, Jesus, number two, hot-pink nail polish, number three, boys."

A copy of the premiere issue can be picked up at the magazine's website (beautifulgirlmagazine.com), Books-A-Milllion stores, or amazon.com.

Extra, Extra
One of our favorite and most stylish dance music divas Jody Watley tells us that she's recently teamed up with cosmetics giant Revlon. The Grammy Award-winning, former Shalamar frontwoman's ambient dance track "Holiday Experience" has become sort of a theme song for the company website's "Red Rocks The Season Campaign." The exclusive music" will be featured throughout the holiday season, and is the first music ever featured at the Revlon website.

Madonna better watch out. She's not the only rock/pop giant getting into the children's business. Music legend Sir Paul McCartney and Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein are in business together. Mr. Weinstein announced yesterday that his company has acquired a trio of classic animated stories produced by Mr. McCartney. "Tropic Island" "Hum, Tuesday" and "Rupert & The Frog Song" are scheduled to be released on DVD and video next spring. McCartney worked with long-time collaborator Geoff Dunbar to create additional special effects in order to enhance the animation. In addition, newly recorded live-action footage--featuring McCartney himself--will be included. The former Beatles member and the larger-than-life Academy Awards demigod most recently collaborated on "The Concert for New York City," which raised $35 million for the victims of 9/11.

While we're on the subject of home video entertainment, something to consider; 1 LOVE (Paramount), an entertaining and insightful documentary contains all-star interviews with Michael Jordan, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, coach Phil Jackson, and other former NBA legends. From acclaimed director Leon Gast (of the Academy Award winning film When We Were Kings), takes viewers on an amazing journey through the history of basketball in urban America. Described as more than just a documentary, 1 LOVE presents the stirring human stories behind the game--as passionately told by the players, coaches and fans who live and breathe basketball on and off the court.

Hunky reality TV star Evan Marriott is in getting into a heap of television drama. The very first star of one of Fox television's highest-rated reality programs, "Joe Millionaire," has signed up for his first TV series hosting duty on Game Show Network's (GSN) debut relationship game, "FAKE-A-DATE" set to premiere in March. The show features one lucky contestant paired up with two singles of the opposite sex. At the end of the dual date, the contestant must choose between the dates. The catch? One of the singles is truly looking for love, while the other one is a pretender out to win a luxury trip with their real significant other. As host of "FAKE-A-DATE," Mr. Marriott will offer advice and act as a confidante to the participants and interview the contestant regarding the big decision--to pick the sincere single or go home empty-handed. Since rocketing to fame as "Joe Millionaire," Marriott has been busy working on the silver screen as well as additional television series. He most recently completed work on the independent film End of All Things, as well as Raising Helen, a film directed by Garry Marshall and starring Kate Hudson. He also finished filming a lead role in the independent film Miss Cast Away. Mr. Marriott appeared on the TV original movie "See Jane Date," Mariah Carey's music video "Bringin' on the Heartbreak," and guest-starred on the season premiere of "Charmed."

And let's not forget the Kentucky Fried Chicken television ads.

Love me or leave me alone.

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

©2003 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Amazon Ink

A Dream Deferred
What people may have missed in the demise of Vanguarde Entertainment and its three publications--Heart and Soul, Honey and Savoy, is not that over 70 jobs were lost. It’s not that that figure easily translates into double

A Dream Deferred
What people may have missed in the demise of Vanguarde Entertainment and its three publications--Heart and Soul, Honey and Savoy, is not that over 70 jobs were lost. It’s not that that figure easily translates into double that when you consider the ancillary people who work on a magazine--stylists, photographers, makeup artists, and freelance writers like myself who have now become Vanguarde’s creditors. It’s not even that most of those employees are African-Americans who will have a difficult time finding other jobs in magazines--still one of the most segregated industries in entertainment.

It’s that at a time when we can ill-afford it, our voice has again been stilled.

These are critical times for black folks. We are caught up in so many of the most ridiculously superficial things--like Kobe Bryant’s rape trial and Michael Jackson’s inappropriate conduct with children (wake up people...as beloved as he may be as musician, the man is a pedophile) and the ever-increasing spate of award shows that award already heralded people for things they’ve already been well-paid for.

Meantime, most black folks can scarcely afford any of the material things that rap artists are bragging about and that entertainers continually shove in our faces as proof of how great they are.

We are coming up on an election for 2004 that will determine the direction that our country will take in the next four years, if not the next decade. And yet there are Black folks for whom voting is still an option, not a necessity? We have a black woman, Carol Mosely Braun, running for president that has been virtually ignored by mainstream media. With three vital black publications gone, who will ever even know what her platform is or how viable it might be? Are there issues that just by virtue of her being in the race might be placed before the arrogant white boys that are attempting to run the country into the ground in place of Bush? Shouldn’t we know that?

The problem is that when any black media entity is silenced it means that our issues and our agenda can be ignored. You may argue that Honey, Heart and Soul and Savoy hadn’t had time to become part of the national conversation, but I know their recent Kobe Bryant issue put things into perspective in a way that I certainly didn’t see in any mainstream media. I know that the story that I wrote for the last issue of Savoy (about the fallout from the Million Woman March) wouldn’t have made it into any other magazine, and if it had, I wouldn’t have probably had the freedom to write it as I saw fit.

The magazines had turned a corner content and design-wise. Heart and Soul had several great issues in a row and had found their place, while Savoy rebounded strongly from a change in top leadership. A redesign and change of direction was helping Savoy evolve into the kind of quality magazine that black folks have long deserved.

The articles that we need to see--those that force us to view things from a critical perspective--had become Savoy’s bread and butter. They would have almost certainly done something on the Jackson situation. While the mainstream press views Jackson as a laughable freak, he is one artist that many black people are extremely sentimental about. Where will we see that kind of analysis of Jackson now?

Those black writers fortunate enough to have mainstream magazine or newspaper jobs fight every day to make sure that stories on black people are balanced and fair. I was one of them. I was out of the office the day Tupac died and therefore was unable to do anything about the headline my newspaper ran with the story--“It’s a Wrap.” That headline incensed the black community in Philadelphia, and rightfully so. That’s the kind of attitude that still exists in the media today, maybe even more so under the Bush regime. The conservative bent of today’s media as exemplified through Fox News and papers like The New York Post is purposeful. Today’s media, or what some have called weapons of mass distraction, is being used to suppress dissension as policies that are destructive to poor people and people of color or anyone who’s not rich, male and white, are put into place while we’re watching “The Fabulous Life Of (fill in the blank).” When magazines that give voice to the problems and issues of black people instead of just showcasing celebrities and their homes fold, it shows we have a real problem. And that’s not a dis to any existing publications, because there should be room for both.

It seems like we’ve just become accustomed to taking shit and moving on like nothing’s happened. When I worked at BET I became very frustrated by people who would complain about the network but still watched it. We the viewing public can make a change when we feel moved to do so. Wasn’t it “Living Single” that got another season when people followed up their complaints with action? The fact that Vanguarde--a black-owned company with leadership that believed in giving black people opportunities is gone should really hit people hard. No matter what you think about the individual personalities involved you have to see that a black man trying to create a media company and have some ownership is to be admired and supported.

We should absolutely insist on the best quality of publication and I believe that Vanguarde was well on its way. As a veteran of several black companies I have always felt that walking into a black company where well-dressed, articulate, talented black people hold positions of leadership and influence was a beautiful thing. I hope that despite the imminent bankruptcy proceedings that someone can save the publications. We have enough money in the black community to make it happen. Not to call anyone out, but clothing lines and rims are not doing as much for black people as one magazine that allows a black perspective to be mass-distributed. I hope someone can step up and preserve that.

If not, I certainly wish that the leadership of Vanguarde tries it again. They say you learn more from failure than success, so hopefully the lessons learned from this situation will help them prevail in the future. Black media is necessary, not just to elevate one individual or company but to elevate us all.

Message Tonya Pendleton and tell her what you think or contact her directly at tonya.pendleton@verizon.net

Hot Seat

Rasheed Young
President, Run Athletics
New York NY



Tell me about your background.
I grew up in Queens. I went to Queensboro Community College

Rasheed Young
President, Run Athletics
New York NY



Tell me about your background.
I grew up in Queens. I went to Queensboro Community College and I studied marketing there. I actually got a degree in accounting and the transition had been crazy. I was with AOL/Time Warner under Gerald Levine as a junior accountant. The funny thing is, I hated math, but what is even more surprising is I'm a quick learner so I picked up an accounting program in school. So just having that skill and a 2-year degree enabled me to rise to up the AOL/Time Warner ladder.

I went to work one day and realized that it was so routine that I decided I didn't want to continue on with it. Instead of quitting I packed my bags and I went to the Dominican Republic and stayed there for a month just on vacation out of nowhere. I came back landing in Miami and stayed there for 6 months. When I got back to New York I said to myself "What do I want to do now?" Clothing sounded like a good idea. And now I'm here.

You started out with your own line of clothing (Cash Is King) what did that line consist of?
Basically, it was a line for the hood. I grew up in Jamaica Queens; I'm like a popular neighborhood kid there. Back then, me and my partner Dante where the types of kids who stashed things. So the motto of Cash Is King became, “Cash Is King you stash those things.” The whole idea behind it was we came up with stash pockets to hide contraband in your clothing. So pretty much everyone knew us as the guys who stashed those things… Cash Is King!

So you came up with the stash concept way before Beanie Segal came with State Property Clothing line?

Way before, I mean we had been doing Cash Is King for about 10 years. My partner was incarcerated so when he came out he already had the idea of what to do and I knew the right people to get it executed.

Tell me how you came to be part of the Phat Farm family?
Basically, I lived in Jamaica Estates, Queens. Rev Run lives around the corner from me. I had my previous clothing line Cash Is King and I was looking for someone to endorse my clothing line. I choose Rev Run after looking in a magazine. I saw his house and I said, "Hey I know where that house is!" So, I sent a letter to his house saying that I'd like him to come see some of my work and Rev Run took the time out to come and see me. He said, "I don’t know why, but I get thousands of letters every week from fans of Run DMC." So then he said, "Wow, you know what? Lets do an athletics line ourselves!” and I said, "Wow! We could call it Run Athletics." It just sounds right. And Rev was like, “Yeah that’s hot!” So we searched for a deal by ourselves for a year.

Eventually, we figured out that the logical thing to do would be to deal with Russell, who but Russell? I said to Run one day, “Wait! Russell's your brother, we got that connect.” “Let's go see Russell about doing this.” Russell loved the idea and got behind it 100%. He and Rev, they just went crazy with it.

What year did this all take place?
We initially came up with the concept at the end of 2002 and we closed the deal in 2003.

What’s the difference between Phat Farm and Run Athletics?
Actually, we're one in the same; we're like an extended family. It’s all Russell’s world and you can't have that without an athletic side. We're the athletic side of Phat Farm, as Russell would say, we're the urban Nike. We're the Nike that the hood wants to wear; we’re the Nike that the entertainers want to wear. Even though people are wearing Nike and you can't take anything away from them. This is Phat Farm and if you want real urban athletic gear you'll want Run Athletics.

Describe the Run Athletics line.
Run Athletics is not jeans or street gear, it's jogging suits, basketball warm-ups, fleece hoodies, jackets and even sneakers. We're working on our first sneaker the Run Tek that is due out next year in the summer so that’s going that's going to be the hottest item out.

Reverend Run is the President of Phat Farm footwear and he's so done so well at it that their going to launch another sneaker and along with that sneaker comes the clothing line. So that's the whole mentality behind it.

What kind of sneaker will it be?
It's going to be a totally different sneaker, a higher priced sneaker that has a lot of functionality. I can't really go into detail about it right now because we're still in the finalizing process. It's going to be a very technical sneaker.

How involved are you in the actual design of the Run Athletics line?
I am involved at least 99%. Do to the fact that when we have people submit designs I take those designs and submit them to Russell and he gives feedback and Rev Run gives feedback. Direction comes from both of the brothers. I kind of express what they want to see for the upcoming season. I entrust what they like to the designers. I'll say Russell is feeling Tiger Wood's whole movement right now. I'll say to the designers Tiger Woods is the theme this year let's go heavy on golf inspired designs. We'll talk about fabrics and the colors and the whole process of timing. Also, what my licensors expect for the designers and visa-versa. All the way down to the dollars, I’m involved on all levels. Even if I have to have something faxed I’ll do it. I have to say without the help of Treis Hill I won't be able to accomplish half the things I need to do on a daily basis. Nobody does it alone and he's like umm, people call us like Frick and Frack. I'm glad to be able to work with him.

What’s your work ethic?
When I come to work I come to school. I get mentored everyday by Reverend Run, Myorr Janha and Russell Simmons, those guys are my mentors. When I come up in here I’m pretty much a learner. I mean, I'm still in my learning stage I've been here working in this office for about a year, but I learn everyday. I make decisions but not too many I'm still the baby of the company although I'm a partner.

So you're being nurtured in the ways of Phat Farm then you’re on your own?
I don't think I'll ever be alone, like Rev says, “It’s always great to have someone above you.” And with everyone here to guide me I've looked to them on many occasions before I make the big decisions. I've never taken the position of saying, “I'm the head of Run Athletics.” I always say Phat Farm first! That’s very important.

What achievement are you most proud of?
I guess being a part of the Phat Farm Family. Rev Run says that I am down with Russell Simmons and Reverend Run and there are almost millions of people would want to be down with either one or the other and I'm down with both. That means a lot to me, it drives me to come in early and leave late and try to become someone like the next Russell Simmons.

What’s your biggest mistake?
Probably my youth, most of my biggest mistakes have helped me grow. So I don't regret anything I’ve done. All the things I’ve done has taught me a lot, it's taught me to mature. I was a wild child yes, I've done just about every drug and I have done most of what any bad person would do but I think that had I not experienced those things, I would have never learned and I would have never decided to mature. I think those that are sheltered from things like that, they never truly find themselves. You know, I think I've learned a lot because I've been though a lot.

What are your guiding principals?
First and foremost I get up and pray to god each morning. My mom passed away when I was about 21 so just keeping her on my mind keeps me going. There's not much else that keeps me driven or straight. I think family is real important and if you look at the difference between family and your job it's the same structure, the same format. If you want to do well and achieve well you have to have the right kind of support behind you and that elevates you.

What's you birth date?
April 15th I'm 32 years old. When people look at me they think I'm still in my 20's

Recently married I heard?
Yes sir! In Ocho Rios, Jamaica and I've only known her for a year but I look around me and I see Russell married and Rev married. I figured it was time to settle down myself. I mean I have a son on the way too. So the need to build family is very important to me right now. That all plays a part in the way I was raised.