Weekly Rewind ...A New York Review

August 28th to September 4th: Kanye West Blasts George Bush

2005-09-04T23:16:00.000-04:00

Video of the Week

The link below is a clip of Kanye West on live television in New York speaking about the New Orleans tragedy. He deviated from script, blaming Bush for the government's lack of attention/concern. His comments were eliminated from the West Coast re-broadcast.

http://media.putfile.com/Kanye79

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Pictures of the Week

All of the following pictures showcase the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina. To donate please visit the Red Cross.

http://www.redcross.org/

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http://www.redcross.org/

August 15th to August 21st: Diddy Changes His Name, Again

2005-08-21T23:36:00.000-04:00

No longer will “P Diddy” be known as such. The native New Yorker who was once known as Sean Combs, before becoming famous as “Puff Daddy” with the sometimes nickname of “Puffy” who eventually changed his name to “P Diddy” will now be known only as “Diddy.” The music mogul announced his decision to drop the “P” this week, saying it was “getting between me and my fans…”

And of course, we write about it. Let me take a moment to apologize now...

Also This Week in NYC:

The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till premieres in New York City at the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjolm Auditorium on Monday. In attendence Melyssa Ford, Rev. Al Sharpton and director Keith Beauchamp.
Terrence McNally's Dedication or The Stuff of Dreams premieres at Bottega del Vino on Thursday. Some guests in attendance included Cynthia McFadden, Joshua Jackson, Judith Light and Nathan Lane.
Ivana Trump has a launch party for the Ivana Las Vegas Project at Club FIZZ on Wednesday.
Talib Kweli, Res and Jean Grae perform at Spirit Nightclub for the Flavor O 2 Savor MOD Concert Series on Wednesday.
J Records hosts a listening party for up-and-coming R&B songstress Mashonda at Monza Studio on Tuesday.

August 8th to August 14th: Women Go Topless in Manhattan

2005-08-14T23:10:00.000-04:00

New York’s Columbus Circle was a busty vixen vying for attention, this Sunday as onlookers and oglers alike where treated to ten topless women parading around in a demonstration of their right to- “let it all hang out.” The women came together after one of them, Jill Feeley, was arrested on Aug. 4 when she refused to cover up her exposed chest after she was asked to by police. Feeley was taken into custody and spent 12 hours in jail before being released. Feeley was never charged. "We have to affirm women's right to be top-free, just as the other half of the population,” said Jeffrey Rothman, Feeley's attorney. Rothman and Feeley currently have plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against the city for the incident.

And yes, if you didn’t get the drift by now, it’s legal for women to go topless in the City of New York, as Feeley’s attorney Rothman so eloquently pointed out to us. It’s only fair, since men have the same right. Uh huh, Okay...

Speaking of women’s rights, Jeanine Pirro exercised hers and announced her candidacy for the New York State Senatorial Race this week. If she wins in the Republican primaries, she’ll face-off against Hillary Clinton in a historic all-female fight to the finish. Interestingly though, these two opponents have a lot more in common then their desire for the senate seat; mainly their sneaky husbands. While we know all about Bill’s indiscretions. Jeanine’s hubby Al’s dirt is just starting to surface. So far- we have a conviction in 2000 on federal income-tax fraud charges. Next there’s the child he was recently discovered to have fathered out of wedlock. And finally, we think, the Mafia informant allegation that he leaked confidential material from an ongoing Westchester DA’s probe. The first two are confirmed, the last one he denies.

Lets see how this plays out. This could get interesting.

Yankee Stadium has been the backdrop to many great fetes as the New York Yankees proved year after year to be the invincible dynasty. Well, what a difference a year makes. Their mediocre start this season apparently has a few fans worrying. One fan in particular seemed especially distraught at Tuesday’s game against the White Sox. After witnessing what would turn out to be yet another loss by the once heroic Yankees, 18-year-old Scott Harper decided to jump 50 feet from the upper deck seats into the netting behind home plate. Luckily for the teenager, the net was strong enough to break his fall. Of course, Harper says jumping into the net was just about curiosity. "Do you think it's going to hold me?" Harper claims to have asked his buddies before the jump.

Maybe Harper never heard the one about curiosity killing the cat. Or, maybe he did…

In celebrity news with a cause, fashion designer Marc Ecko hosted the 3rd Annual Tikva Drive for Life at the Chelsea Piers Golf Club this week. The event was a fundraiser for homeless, abandoned and abused children living in Odessa, Ukraine. Event participants played games for prizes while raising money for charity. Tikva Children's Home of Odessa currently provides shelter and education for 170 girls and boys between the ages of four months and 16 years of age. As well, they provide education for an additional 500 Jewish children in the Greater Odessa area. Celebrities in attendance included Stacie J, Ethan Zohn, Janine Green and host Marc Ecko.

Also This Week in NYC:

Bill Maher and Men's Health Magazine Celebrate the Release of Bill Maher's New Book "New Rules" at Elaine's on Monday.
Focus Features premieres "The Constant Gardener" at Loews Lincoln Square on Monday.
MGM Screening Room host the premiere of "Asylum" on Tuesday.
"Four Brothers" premieres at Clearview's Chelsea West Cinemas on Tuesday.
Heatherette Exclusive Collection Debuts at Henri Bendel on Tuesday.
50 Cent hosts a book signing at Virgin Megastore for his autobiography, "From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens" on Tuesday.
"The Great Raid" premieres at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Wednesday.
VIBE Vixen, the spin-off of Vibe Magazine holds a party at the Maritime Hotel for its upcoming fall issue and fall issue cover girl, Keyshia Cole on Wednesday.

August 1st to August 7th: NY State Assemblyman Targets Middle Easteners

2005-08-07T23:18:00.000-04:00

Under the veil of racial profiling, New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind promised, this week, to introduce legislation that would make it legal for cops to target people of middle-eastern decent during bag searches.

"The FBI and authorities have a good idea of who is going to commit terrorism. They all look similar, but everyone is terrified of using the word 'racial,' " states Hikind. He goes on further to say that the NYPD's tactic of randomly checking bags without regard to race or ethnicity at subway entrances may be politically correct, but it won't save lives.

Dear Mr. Assemblyman Dov Hikind,

I totally agree with you, unlike some of these bad people who are chastising you for your comments. They’d rather wear blindfolds then see what’s right in front of their eyes. We should throw political correctness out the window, and get down to the knitty-gritty on important issues such as these. And now that you’ve won me over, Mr. Assemblyman, here are a few things I ask of you.

This has been on my mind for a long while; I didn’t say anything because I didn’t think anyone would understand. But I know you’ll understand Mr. Assemblyman, you’re the kind of man that stands up for what he believes in, even if it's an unpopular point of view. I’ve been a little apprehensive on my plane rides. Middle Easterners sharing the same flight with me, who’s to say what their up to. I notice as their bags go through X-ray. Security doesn’t necessarily even open up their bags to see whats inside. Ugh! Just because you didn’t see a bomb-like object in the X-ray doesn’t mean it’s not there. Open up the bags! I know I’m not the only one who feels this way; I joke about this with my friends all the time. Maybe you could help. I was thinking- could you include, in these searches you propose, that they(Middle Easterners) are targeted, as well, for bag checks in airports. I think this is much better. And this way, the rest of us wouldn’t have to be hassled at all, waiting for hours in those ‘god awful’ lines to get our bags searched. After all, we know who we’re after; we know what they look like.

Mr. Assemblyman, I’ve been thinking. I know that school mass shootings have not occurred in the State of New York as far as I can remember, still- I worry. They used to happen all the time elsewhere and what stops them from happening here? I can see you’re a man of action so here’s what I propose. In that little legislation thingy you’re creating, why not just add a provision for searches to include all high school boys of Caucasian decent on school grounds. If anyone challenges you on this- I think you should use that line about something being politically correct but not saving lives… or something like that. It’s a really good line, by the way, Mr. Assemblyman.

Also Mr. Assemblyman, it’s been hard on me lately. I watch the news and hear all these horrible things that people are doing to one another. It’s scary! I’ve noticed a trend Mr. Assemblyman. You may have caught on to this as well, being the intelligent man you are. Most serial murders seem to be white men. This is most frightening to me, as I’ve been led to believe I should feel safe on the streets of Manhattan walking by droves of white men in business suits, and such. And now- I realize that there may have been a serial murder amongst them. Oh my, this is too disturbing… I need a minute… hold on… sigh, o.k. Well Mr. Assemblyman, this matter deserves your utmost attention. Maybe you could add some additional language to this legislation you’re creating, which gives a policeman the right to search, say- any white man between the ages of 18 to 44 caught on public or private property not belonging to them. Oh yes, this will definitely help me sleep better at night.

One more thing Mr. Assemblyman, or can I call you Dov, I feel so close to you now. Well Dov, as I’m sure you know, we’ve been having a little problem with these male students and their teachers in recent years. Why- just this week, I read in the paper that a teacher in upstate New York is being accused of having sex with four of her students. O Dov, this is bad. This is really bad. I feel something drastic needs to be done here. Thankfully, we are ahead of the game on this one too, as I’ve been able to observe certain commonalities. It seems that the tendency for such lascivious behavior falls toward middle-aged white women who are either single or not single. What I think you should do Dov, is draft another small legislation specifically for this issue. It could say something like, ‘Police, principal or parent suspecting inappropriate sexual behavior from any teacher has the right to use whatever means to prove or disprove their claim. Means could include but are not limited to- search, search and seizure, surveillance and possible arrest by police or citizens arrest if deemed necessary.’ I know this seems harsh Mr. Assemblyman, uhem, I mean Dov… but the future of our children is at stake.

So in closing, I hope I haven’t taken up too much of your time, I’m sure you’re a very busy man. I just want to thank you for your commitment to our safety. You’re a real stand-up guy. I hope you take these suggestions to heart. I know you’ll do what’s best.

Warmest Regards,

Concerned Citizen

Also This Week in NYC:

London-based "OK!" Magazine launches their U.S. version in Times Square on Wednesday.
Designer Chan Luu hosts New York showroom launch party to celebrate the opening of her 4,300 square-foot New York showroom on Wednesday.
Molly Sims and Michael Kors launch "Island - Michael Kors," his new fragrance at Bloomingdale's on Thursday.
Robin Thicke hosts a Listening Party sponsored by Coach with Special Guest Pharrell Williams at Cipriani on Thursday.

July 25th to July 31th: Osama the Drug Dealer

2005-07-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

Masterminding grand schemes of sadistic proportions is what Osama Bin Laden does best. In keeping with his talents the “Jack-ass of all Terror,” thought drug trafficking could prove a profitable business for him. According to an article published by The Post this week, Bin Laden approached members of the Columbian drug cartel in 2002, one year after 9/11, in an attempt to purchase large quantities (tens of millions of dollars worth) of cocaine with the idea of turning around and selling the drugs to Americans. The interesting twist to this plot however, was his generous plan to give out more than he received. With a little more than money on his mind, according to a DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) informant, Bin Laden intended on lacing the drugs with a deadly poison before ever making it available for American mass consumption. His plans were thwarted when the Columbian drug cartel refused to do business with him, sensing their moral obligation to keep themselves and their drugs, “pure.” The Columbian drug lords, henceforward known as the “Good Samaritan Gang,” decided instead to blow the whistle, foiling Bin Laden’s plan.

Far from the cocaine fields of Columbia, but never too far from a hit, New Yorkers had scores of interesting headlines to jabber about this week. From the scorching, hot weather to George Pataki’s decision not to run for re-election. From the 25-year sentence Gambino gang lord Peter Gotti received to the Manhattan priest who allegedly stole $820,000 from church parishioners to finance his lavish lifestyle, which included expensive watches and golf club memberships among other things. The story however, that New Yorkers were probably most invested in was the announcement of Larry Brown as the new head coach for the New York Knicks. With the appointment of Brown as Knicks head coach, he inherits a team that has not won a championship since the 1972-73 NBA season. He also inherits an injured Stephon Marbury who doesn’t quite live up to his four-year, $77 million contract. Brown, however, brings with him a reputation of turning underachieving, failing teams into bonafide winners. A Knicks championship though many times attempted in recent years, has yet to be successfully attained. If Brown can accomplish what seems to be the impossible, he will become a timeless New York treasure, holding superhuman, mystical-like status with abilities no mere human could possess. He’ll forever be considered a part of New York mythology, not to be confused with Greek mythology were their legends were considered to be actual great mystical, superhuman creatures.

In other news, famed baseball star Jorge Posada held his 4th Annual Jorge Posada Foundation Gala benefiting Craniosynostosis at Cipriani. Attendees included Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Vanessa Minnillo and Regis Philbin. Posada got involved with this cause after his son was diagnosed with the disorder and had to undergo several corrective surgeries. Craniosynostosis is a condition suffered by infants where the suture lines in an infant’s skull close prematurely and result in a misshapen head.

Nick Lachey and Rosario Dawson were on hand for the American Eagle Outfitters awards celebration at the opening of their flagship store in Union Square. Winners of the "Live Your Life" contest were chosen because they exemplify what it means to aim high, live large and achieve more, the contest motto. This nationwide program encourages teens and young adults to reach for their dreams and promises to award them the resources needed to have their dreams fulfilled so they can inspire the world. Other celebrities who came out to show their support were Adrian Grenier and Tori Spelling.

Also this week, Groovevolt.com teamed up with Pontiac G6 Action Lab to host a live concert at the Canal Room featuring Trey Songz as part of their Play series, which is described by Groovevolt.com Editor-in-Chief, Chauncy Jackson, as more than a concert but an event that serves as an introduction or re-introduction between radio, retail, and media outlets and artists.

July 18th to July 24th: New York Says Yes to Random Searches

2005-07-24T23:03:00.000-04:00

This week we witnessed another set of terrorist attacks in London. Fortunately, this time no one was hurt, due either to the would-be bombers incompetence or the City of London’s good fortune. Because of these recent events, however, New Yorkers have been forced to ponder the question of how to protect ourselves from extremists with the desire to kill even at the expense of their own lives. The New York City Police Department has decided to take the first step to ensure public safety by performing random searches within the New York City transit system. While some welcome this action, others are crying “foul.”

Racial profiling is a sour topic in New York City. The relationship between minorities and the police department, especially since Giuliani, has been marred by distrust and suspicion. With the introduction of random searches, many say it is a way to make acceptable a practice that many have fought against for so long.

My take on the situation-

While I am a proponent of fair treatment in the name of justice, I must admit to feeling a bit torn on this issue at the moment. I am not of the Caucasian persuasion, so I am not likely to believe that these searches will be administered without prejudice. If anyone does, it will be people of color who get the short end of the stick. That being said- I have to wonder what the bigger threat is here.

Whether or not random searches are an effective preventative measure against terrorism is a debate all its own. I do feel however that we cannot deny the need for action on our part against this seeming threat.

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And now that I’ve said my piece, lets move on. Shall we...

The City played host to an endless stream of events this week, and if you were in the mood to schmooze, even better. From movie premieres to charity events, from CD release parties to book signings, everyone came out to see and be seen.

Hugo Boss Spring/Summer 2006 Collection Rooftop Party
This was a night for stargazing, both literally and figuratively. Many came out to enjoy the fashion and the faces in the crowd. If you were fortunate to attend this exclusive event, you would have been in good company. Some of the attendees included Rosario Dawson, Tommy Lee, Taye Diggs, and Shaggy.

A Release Party…
While some opted to bask in the moonlight at the Hugo Boss Party, Jermaine Dupri partied with friends at his CD release party at Scores. The compilation album produced by Dupri called “Young Fly and Flashy, Volume 1,” features both new and established artists from his record label So So Def. The guest list for this event included Eva Pigford, Keshawn Johnson and John Legend. After partying with Dupri, Pigford hosted another event later that evening; the grand opening of the new Clothier Boutique in Brooklyn.

…And Another Release Party, well sort of-
In case you didn’t know, Shanice Wilson is back. Miss “I Love Your Smile” celebrated her upcoming album “Every Woman Dreams,” with a party at Temple. The five-octave range singer serenaded guests as she performed songs from her new CD, slated for an August release.

Sarma Gets a Raw Deal
Celebrity couple Matthew Kenney and Sarma Melngailis launched their new book "Raw Food Real World" at Pure Food and Wine this week. Sparks flew when Kenney reportedly showed up to the event with his assistant. This created a big scene since no one knew that the couple had broken up. Witnesses on hand for the spectacle included Darryl Hannah and Elisabeth Rohm.

Another Book but Same Old Drama from Terry McMillan
Terry McMillan hosted a book signing for “The Interruption of Everything” her new release off of Penguin/Highbridge. McMillan’s personal life has been the focus of much media attention after she filed for divorce from Jonathan Plummer, who is 23 years her junior and the inspiration behind the best-selling novel and later movie, “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” According to court documents she claimed that the marriage was a “fraud” because Plummer lied about his sexual orientation and married her only to gain U.S. citizenship.

July 11th to July 17th: Prince Albert II Takes the Thrown

2005-07-17T23:39:00.000-04:00

Prince Albert II assumed the throne of Monaco on Tuesday in a ceremony fit for a king. The 47-year-old bachelor along with family, which included his two sisters, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie, celebrated the transition of power beginning with a mass at the cathedral his father, Prince Rainier III, was buried in just three months earlier. Prince Rainier III served as Serene Highness for 56 years. Prince Albert is the only son of Prince Rainer III and Grace Kelly, the famed Hollywood actress turned princess.

So here’s a question. How does a prince take the thrown and still remain a prince? Answer- he’s outed about having a two-year-old illegitimate son with a flight attendant who also happens to be black. To make matters even more interesting, when asked by a French reporter if there may be other women stepping forward with paternity cases, he responded with, "I know there are other people who have nearly the same cases." Apparently his father was so angry when he found out about his son’s fatherhood status, he thought the only acceptable punishment was to make Prince Albert II an illegitimate heir to the thrown thus ensuring he’d never be king. Of course, this is alleged. Monaco is a principality, not a kingdom; this could also have something to do with his Highness’s princely title.

No matter how hard others try, scandals don’t get much better than they do in New York. One recent scandal was capped off this week when a Manhattan Federal court handed down a 25-year sentence to former WorldCom CEO Bernie Ebbers. Ebbers -63, was found guilty in March of defrauding investors out of over $11 billion, the biggest fraud case in US corporate history. He will more than likely live the rest of his life behind bars. The once rags-to-riches story of this telecommunications tycoon seems to be ending on a sour note. The former basketball coach will be stripped of nearly all his assets and forced to pay a $5-million settlement from a New York class-action suit.

On a much brighter note, Halle Berry spent some time smiling for the cameras in New York this week. Oral-B used her beautiful smile to help launch the Oral-B Pulsar, the first toothbrush with a pulse. The toothbrush is touted as revolutionary, clinically proven to remove as much plaque as brushing and flossing combined. The celebration included a donation of $150,000 to the American Heart Association.

Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group, Edgar Bronfman Jr. was honored by the UJA Federation at this year's Music Visionary of the Year Awards Luncheon. Bronfman, who was instrumental in making Warner Music Group the only publicly traded stand-alone music company in the United States, was awarded for his vision and innovation. He was the leading force behind the purchase, by a group of investors, of the struggling label for $2.3 billion in March. Warner Music Group is home to some of the worlds most recognized record labels, including Maverick, Elektra, Warner Bros., Atlantic and Bad Boy Entertainment. Attendees to this year’s luncheon included among others Lyor Cohen, LA Reid and Kevin Liles.

July 4th to July 10th: Terrorists' Attack in London

2005-07-10T23:36:00.000-04:00

It was Thursday morning, 6:30 a.m. when I finally got up. I was still sleepy and not quite ready to set the day in motion, but there I was anyhow, about to plow on with my morning routine. I stretched out my arms to turn off the alarm and in one quick motion- grabbed the remote control and turned on the television. As I slid my legs from under my comforter, one foot planted on the ground, I hear the news...

“Four bombs went off in London's transit system earlier this morning.”

My attention shifts to the television set and I watch as the reporter delivers in detail the list of events, which transpired only a few hours before. Thirty-three suspected dead, more than 700 injured. The first blast killed seven on a train at London’s Liverpool Street station. The time was 8:51 a.m. The second blast occurred five minutes later at another train station, killing 21. A third blast went off at 9:17 a.m., at yet another train station, killing five. And a final blast killed at least five at 9:47 a.m.; this time on a bus. It was the worst attack in London since World War II.

I continue to watch in horror and it soon occurs to me that only 23 hours earlier, I woke up to news that the city of London was picked to host the 2012 Olympics. Were these bombings connected? The possibility of a terrorist attack was a looming thought as I watched the various cities, including New York, campaign for the winning bid.

I grab the phone to call two of my sisters who live in London. After four or five unsuccessful attempts, I concede to the possibility the London phone systems may be on overload, similar to what New Yorkers dealt with after 9/11, so I decide to send an email. After pressing send, I get up from my computer, hop in the shower and proceed with my morning routine. Once ready, I give myself a quick glance in the full-length mirror next to my bed before heading out the door.

As the bus pulls up to where I stand waiting, I think for a second about those who stood as I stand only hours before. Were they aware of the ill-fated ride they were about to take? I breath deeply and let out a sigh then step onto the bus, pay my fare and find a piece a rail to grab before the bus begins to move. After a ten-minute ride, the bus pulls up to my stop and I get off heading towards the train station, my next destination. After shuffling through my bag for a MetroCard and running down a flight of stairs, I reach the platform just as the train approches. I scurry through a crowd of people squeezing my way through the car doors. Spotting a seat from the corner of my eye I rush over and grab it, making it my home for the next 30 minutes or so. While seated I make a mental note to notice as many people around me as possible; the man with a suit and briefcase holding on to the rail; the woman seated next to me reading the paper; another man wearing a t-shirt and shorts …and a book bag? Is this a red flag? What about woman with the oversized purse that obviously doesn't match her outfit? I would rather die than leave the house like that. Should I be worried? As I ride over the Manhattan Bridge, one crazy thought after another, I look out the window, down to the East River and say a silent prayer. Please God, just let me get over the bridge. I look up towards the New York skyline, which I still have not come to accept, and then my mind drifts... and as I stare into the sky, thoughts floating in and out of my head, my eyelids grow heavier and heavier and I doze off.

My eyes open just as the train pulls into Columbus Circle; as if someone tapped my shoulder- knowing I was about to miss my stop. I get off the train and head up the stairs. Walking from the train station to my desk at work, I let the cool morning breeze blow away the worries and anxiety and prepare myself for the rest of the day. As I arrive at my desk, I take a seat, turn on my computer and see an email message waiting; it was from one of my sisters in London.

"We're all o.k., I'll call you when I get home from work."

And with that- I look at the stack of papers on my desk and begin what turns out to be just another day in the NYC.

Also This Week in NYC:

The life of Luther Vandross is celebrated with two memorials this week, first at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel on Wednesday and then at Riverside Church on Friday.
Lil' Kim, convicted of perjury, is sentenced to 366 days in prison on Wednesday.
The New York City premiere of the Fantastic Four is held on Liberty Island this Wednesday.
DJ Cassidy celebrates his 24th birthday at Butter on Wednesday.
Digital Planets performs at Irving Plaza on Thursday.
Usher holds a fundraiser for his New Look Foundation at Capitale on Friday.
Lamar Odom holds his annual celebrity fundraiser, Lincoln Park Music Jam, to benefit Cathy's Kids Foundation at Lincoln Park on Saturday.
The 8th Annual Reggae CariFest sponsored by Guiness is held on Randalls Island this Sunday

June 27th to July 3rd: LIVE 8 Brings Awareness to the World

2005-07-03T23:20:00.000-04:00

Nine concerts were held on Saturday in Philadelphia, London, Paris, Rome, Edinburgh and Berlin, in an effort to bring awareness to the world about the G8 Summit being held in Gleneagles, Scotland, July 6^th through the 9th. LIVE 8 is calling for debt cancellation of the world’s poorest people as well as better aid and trade justice, by uniting the voice of millions worldwide.

“These concerts are the start point for The Long Walk To Justice, the one way we can all make our voices heard in unison,” said Bob Geldof, singer, activist and Live 8 organizer.

While much of the world’s eyes focused on LIVE 8, there was a major shakeup in Washington, D. C. After 24 years as a Supreme Court Justice, the first woman appointed to the Court is set to retire before the new term, which begins in October. Sandra Day O’Connor considered a moderate conservative by many, used her position as a key swing vote to bring the Democrats and Republicans together in compromise on a number of issues. To the dismay of many Republicans, she has also increasingly leaned towards the left in later years, such as in the landmark ruling in 2003, when her deciding vote upheld the use of affirmative action in college admissions.

O'Conner's retirement will possibly give President Bush the opportunity to choose two Supreme Court Justices as it is believed that Chief Justice William Rehnquist will soon retire due to his recent battle with thyroid cancer.

Amidst international headlines and government shakeups, New Yorkers had one thing on their minds. Preparing for the 2012 Olympics. A send-off rally was held on Tuesday for The Delegation to Singapore, which includes, Condeleezza Rice, Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Pataki and celebrity Senator Hilary Clinton among others. The Delegation will attempt, one last time, to convince the International Olympic Committee to give the 2012 Olympics to New York. July 6^this decision day. IOC President Jacques Rogge will announce the winner at 7:30am ET and Rockefeller Center will broadcast the decision announcement live. Competing cities include Moscow, Madrid, London New York and Paris.

Also this week in New York, designer Mark Ecko hosted a Save the Rhinos benefit concert in Central Park. Performances included The Roots, De La Soul and Mos Def. The sold-out show raised $150,000 in support of the Rhino, listed as an endangered animal according to the World Conservation Union Red List.

Paramount Classics and MTV Films held a private screening of “Hustle and Flow” at The MGM Screening Room on Tuesday. The guest list included, Matt Dillon, John Singleton, Cris Rock, Terrance Howard, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Heather Graham. After the screening attendees headed over to Fizz nightclub for the after party.

Also This Week in NYC:

Self Magazine hosts a private dinner to benefit Step Up Women’s Network and honor July cover star Jessica Alba at Rosa Mexicano on Wednesday.
Janice Dickinson celebrates her birthday party at Quo on Thursday.
Rocawear presents their Summer Fashion Show and concert featuring Memphis Bleek and Young Gunz at Macy's at Herald Square on Thursday.
Martin Luther performs at The Cutting Room on Thursday
Bilal and Martha Redbone performs in Prospect Park on Friday.

June 20th to June 26th: Edgar Ray Killen to Serve 60 Years

2005-06-26T22:57:00.000-04:00

Forty-one years, to the day, after conspiring to kill, 80-year-old Edgar Ray Killen was found guilty and sentenced to three consecutive 20-year terms, the maximum allowed under law, for his part in the killing of three civil rights workers in Neshoba County, Mississippi on June 21, 1964.

During the summer of 1964, Michael Schemer, Andrew Goodman, both native New Yorkers, and James Chaney volunteered to help register black voters for the Freedom Summer civil rights campaign in Philadelphia, Mississippi. On their way to investigate the burning of a black church, the men were stopped by police and briefly held in custody for speeding. Upon release, they were abducted and shot to death by the Klu Klux Klan, under the direction of Killen, also a Baptist preacher. Their bodies were found 44 days later in an earthen dam.

A southern Baptist preacher who also happens to be a member of the KKK… hmmm, lets ponder, shall we?

Moving on, the motto of the week could have been that oh so familiar jingle, “gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now…,” except without the bladder problem the commercial suggests, of course. The famous, or infamous depending on perspective, made it a point to be seen this week on the streets of good ole’ New York. From movie premieres to talk show guest appearances, from press conferences to simply standing in the middle of the street, waiting for cameras to flash and snap, the stars made their presence known. And yes- I am talking about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes better known as TomKat. But while Cruise and the paparazzi seemed like a match made in tabloid heaven, there were many other stars who vied with vigor for the New York spotlight.

Kimora Lee Simmons, the self-proclaimed, “hardest working woman in the business,” attempted to live up to her title. On Monday, She and husband, Russell Simmons showed up at The Wayuu Taya Foundation’s 3rd Annual Gala. The Wayúu Tayá Foundation, founded by Venezuelan model and actress Patricia Velásquez, provides services to Latin-American indigenous people, improving their lives while maintaining and respecting their traditions, culture and beliefs. Other celebrities spotted in the crowd were Wilmer Valderama and Iman. Simmons then found time to make an appearance at Mattel’s launch party for the new Barbie Loves Benetton Collection the same day. Later in the week she showed up at the American Women in Radio & Television’s 30th Annual Gracie Allen Awards where she may have bumped into other attendees such as Gayle King, Susan Lucci and Paula Zahn at the Marriott Marquis.

Beyoncé Knowles never likes to be outdone. So she made her week in New York not only paparazzi friendly but also financially beneficial in the most charitable of ways. She hosted the Beyond the Red Carpet charity auction to benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The event was sponsored by her new clothing line, House of Deréon and was held at The Museum of Television and Radio. In addition, Knowles scheduled time for a number of guest appearances around town with and without her Destiny’s Child band mates. She was also on hand to celebrate with her man Jay-Z at his 2nd Anniversary Party for the 40/40 Club.

Victoria’s Secret model Jessica White also left her mark on the New York social scene this week. Among the laundry list of events she attended, was the iStar Financial’s 3rd Annual Charity Shootout benefiting the Robin Hood Foundation and Human Rights First, where she got to hang with former New York Knicks player, John Starks. Later in the week she was spotted at Quo for The Game’s sneaker launch party before heading off to her own birthday party where she celebrated with friends.

Also This Week in NYC:

The Apollo Theatre holds their 2005 Spring Benefit on Monday.
Lionel Ritchie celebrates his 56th Birthday at P.M. nightclub on Monday.
Boyz II Men perform at the Apollo Theater on Monday and Tuesday.
Virgin Atlantic celebrates, "21 Forever Young" Anniversary Party at Duvet on Wednesday.
Urbanworld Film Festival takes place June 22nd through June 26th.
Leela James performs at S.O.B.’s on Wednesday.
War of the Worlds New York Premiere at Ziegfeld Theatre on Thursday.
Angie Stone performs at B.B. Kings on Thursday.

June 13th to June 19th: Michael Jackson, NOT GUILTY

2005-06-19T23:56:00.000-04:00

“They say we live a white man’s world, so how does O.J., Kobe and Michael go free but Martha, goes to jail?”

An observation made in good humor- maybe, but what an observation. These are the words of a friend during a conversation after the Michael Jackson verdict was read on Monday. The next day, the Senate issued a formal apology for the, “repeated failure, despite the requests of seven presidents, to enact a federal law to make lynching a crime,” reports the New York Times.

As I consider in amazement the good fortune of blacks in America today, I’m reminded of the 20 senators who voted against the bill as well as the fact that they were allowed to cast their vote through a voice vote and not the usual roll call vote. This meant the only way to see which senators opposed the apology was to see which senators were not listed as the bill's co-sponsor.

"It's a statement in itself that there aren't 100 co-sponsors," Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, said. "It's a statement in itself that there's not an up-or-down vote."

Indeed it is Senator Kerry, Indeed it is.

Did you know that the Jackson clan is reportedly shopping around a reality series? It’s slated as a behind-the-scenes look at how the family rallied behind their brother following his indictment in November of 2003. One can only wonder whether Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston are somewhere slapping each other silly and shooting off gunshots right now wondering how it all came to this. Their reality series, which premieres June 30^th on the Bravo Network is supposed to prove once and for all that they are in fact America’s most “crackish” yet loving family. Now why would the Jackson clan want to take that from them?

While the rest of the country was in a figurative train wreck, the City of New York seemed charily calm this week, in a suspiciously restful state. But if you kept your “ear to the wall” you’d hear the quiet movement of city dwellers as they hopped in and out of cabs and up and down the streets of Manhattan because New Yorkers don’t know how to sleep or even sit still for too long, for that matter. They do know however, how to party and serve a good cause at the same time. So it was no surprise when Star Jones showed up for Viva Glam Casino’s 5^th Anniversary celebration and benefit for DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids), an event that brings out the top names in fashion and finance year after year. Winning bets are redeemed for luxury prizes, while all “misplaced” bets are donated to DIFFA. Over the years, DIFFA has given over $32 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide.

While Ms. Jones had fun losing for charity, some would rather sell sex. And who says sex and charity don’t mix? Not Elton John. And not the 44 women he asked to pose nude in the newly released book 4 Inches. The Cartier Mansion held a star-studded launch party for the release of 4 Inches, this Thursday. In attendance, Rosanna Arquette, Kimora Lee Simmons, Macy Gray, Paris Hilton and Rebecca Romijn, just some of the women featured in this book adorned only in Cartier diamonds and Jimmy Choo’s shoes. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to raising funds and awareness for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The social event of the week was easily Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List” party on Thursday at Deep, which celebrated what’s hot and who’s hot in 2005. In attendance, Randy Jackson, Common, Eva Pigford, John Legend, Lizzie Grubman, Zoe Saldana and New York Giants football star also known as The Bachelor, Jesse Palmer, just to name a few.

The week also saw United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan honored by Doctors of the World at their annual Health and Human Rights Awards Dinner. Doctors of the World is an organization helping to promote and protect basic human rights and civil liberties for people around the world.

Also This Week in NYC:

Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell premiere their new movie Bewitched, at the Ziegfeld Theater on Monday.
Kelly Ripa celebrates with soap star friend and author of the new book Soapsuds, Finola Hughes at her launch party on Tuesday
Molly Sims hosts the TiVOToGo Launch Party at the Drive in Studios on Wednesday.
Michelle N’Degeocello performed for four nights (Wednesday – Saturday) at Birdland.
Liv Tyler and Parfums Givenchy celebrate launch of new fragrance, “Irresistible Givenchy” at the Stanton Social in New York's Lower East Side on Thursday.
Carlos Santana and wife Deborah promote her book, Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart, at Barnes and Noble on Thursday
Rapper D Nice held a birthday bash at Bed Lounge on Thursday.
John Legend performs at Central Park’s Summerstage on Saturday.

June 6th to June 12th: Brad Pitt Takes on Poverty In Africa

2005-06-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

"We have the potential to end poverty in our time. We could be that generation. We could be living in that era. Man, …what is more exciting than that? The potential's there. We gotta go for it."

Brad Pitt spoke those words during an exclusive interview, which aired this week on Primetime Live with Diane Sawyer. Amid the supercharged, bright and unforgiving spotlight that has been cast on his current personal life he attempted to divert some of that focus to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Africa.

Pitt and the One Campaign, of which I am a member, are attempting to unify the voice of Americans. Their immediate goal: one million strong for the G8 Summit. That’s one million Americans to join the One Campaign Movement before the G8 Summit in early July, when the eight leading nations of the world will decide whether or not to fund a new plan that will help stabilize Africa. America provided similar assistance to Europe after World War II.

According to the One Campaign, $16 could fund a child’s education in Ethiopia for a year. As well, for the cost of a sandwich and soda, six months worth of medicine could be funded to cure a child of Tuberculosis.

While Pitt shed light on important issues abroad, the Hale House honored celebrity moms Vanessa Williams, Cookie Johnson and Angie Stone for their charitable works here at home. Each was presented with Mother Hale Awards for Caring at the celebration gala of Hale House’s 36th Anniversary. Hale House is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building better futures for children and families in need.

Also honored this week, Harry Belafonte at Drum Major Institute for Public Policy’s 2005 Annual Benefit and Alicia Keys along with Smokey Robinson at the 36th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner.

The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards was not a place for the star struck on Monday as the fashion world and the celebs who love them came out in full force. In attendance, fashionistas such as Donna Karan, Iman, and Heidi Klum as well as entertainment heavy hitters the likes of Sean “P.Diddy” Combs. While the CFDA Awards reigned supreme in midtown, lower Manhattan was a buzz, hosting LA Reid’s 38th birthday party where the name-drop-worthy guest list included, Jay Z, Beyonce, Kanye West and Miss Mariah herself. Actually, West seemed to be the guy to know this week. Mr. Man About Town celebrated his 28th birthday a few days later in glorious fashion at the Bulgari Store. His event was arguably the occasion of the week as everybody who was anybody in New York City dropped by.

Besides places to be seen in New York, there were also movies to watch. My pick this week is Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which opened Friday with what’s sure to be box office platinum. With a lot of sass and a very short fuse, Angelina Jolie proves again that her leading lady status has more to do with her ass kicking ability then her eye candy appeal, though she’s not lacking there either. Mr. and Mrs. Smith is a high energy, suspenseful, spicy and wickedly funny movie. Quick wit, guns and a truckload of sex appeal have Jolie and Pitt stirring up trouble everywhere they turn.

The week came to an end with a town hall meeting on Saturday. A group call R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop (formerly known as the Hip-Hop Coalition), in an effort to reclaim hip-hop culture from corporate media’s unbalanced representation and exploitation of hip-hop, held a Report to the Community on the “Stop Hot 97” Campaign, which was formed when radio station Hot 97 aired the “Tsunami Song,” which poked fun at victims of the tsunami and included a number of racial slurs. Speakers at the town hall meeting included Kevin Powell, Ros Baracka and Toni Blackman.