Many years later I would lose my best friend to AIDS. We’d known each other most of our lives having a friendship that endured through elementary and high school. In college he finally shared with me the fact that he was gay. Shortly thereafter I was able to disclose the same thing about myself to him. There was nothing we couldn’t talk to each other about. Or so I thought. He never disclosed his HIV status to anyone. I (and his family) would learn of his diagnosis following his death.

We are somehow missing the message that HIV is very much a black disease and everyone is at risk. December 1 is World AIDS Day and it is the perfect time for us to address how this disease is ravishing Black America and how we’re responding to it. It seems that many of us are still in the dark about the impact of this epidemic on our community. For many when we talk about HIV/AIDS in the Black community the images we see are those from Africa. Well, the reality is this disease is still infecting many of us right here at home.

According to the Black AIDS Institute there are currently over 500,000 African-Americans currently living with HIV. There are an additional 20,000 becoming infected each year. The reason we need to pay attention to these numbers is because we are being affected at a much higher rate than anyone else. It seems that for some reason we are missing the message about prevention. I’m not sure if it is a belief that one can’t be affected (the invincible complex), that if it were meant to happen then it’ll happen no matter what you do (the God’s will belief), or the belief that people aren’t dying anymore then it must no longer be a problem (the HIV is a thing of the past concept).

Let’s keep it real. People are still DYING from this disease. There is no cure. There is no vaccine. AIDS can and will kill you. Unfortunately for many African-Americans, we don’t get tested for HIV until we feel that something is wrong. We wait until we have the uncontrollable weight loss. We wait until we find ourselves with night sweats and fevers for unknown reasons. We wait until symptoms kick in telling us that there is something wrong with our bodies. And once these signs show up we’re still hesitant to go to a doctor because of wishful thinking that things will get better on their own.

I know that the medical community and African-Americans have historically not had a great relationship. Our earliest exams were only to determine our value as chattel. Then the Tuskegee experiment just closed any chance of trust between the black man and a doctor. But we have to move beyond the wrong doings of the past. Fear and mistrust of those in the medical field are only putting you at a disadvantage.

We must get tested for HIV on a periodic basis. Waiting to get tested for HIV only when symptoms emerge means you’re finding out much too late. The earlier you know the more you can do to ensure that you live a long, healthy life. Most cities have locations that provide free anonymous / confidential HIV testing. Do some research and find out where you can get tested in your town.

I am going to close with a few challenges. Obviously my first challenge to you is go and get tested for HIV. Encourage someone to go with you. Take a girlfriend, take a co-worker, take your lover. Everyone needs to be aware of their status.

I also have a challenge that we end all the phobias, the stereotypes, and misguided labeling related to HIV. This is not God’s punishment for anyone. No one living with HIV deserves it. This is simply a virus. It is nothing more or nothing less. It infects all races, all socio-economic levels, all cultures. It infects the old, the young and the newly born. It infects the gay and straight.

Finally I challenge you to become a hero in this struggle. Encourage all of your friends to get tested. Become a volunteer for an AIDS service organization. Post testing locations for your city on a blog or in a newsletter so people are in the know about the resources available to them.

We have to take ownership of this epidemic. We have to educate ourselves about prevention. We have to teach our youth and our friends about ways to stop the transmission of this disease. It is going to take us to save us.

Jason Green is the co-founder and facilitator of UGIMA (United Gay Informed Men of Arizona) and a frequent blogger regarding issues impacting the African-American community. His unique perspective on issues affecting the black community will be featured regularly on UrbanThoughtCollective.com. Check out more from Green at his personal blog, The J Spot.

ShareThis

What can one say about a film with Hugh “Sexiest Man Alive” Jackman, Nicole Kidman and Baz Luhrmann? You are bound to come in with certain expectations that Luhrmann will surely trounce as he has made a career out of violating convention, even his own. “Australia” is a sort of about face for Baz – an ambitious, romantic, epic that is much more earthy and serious than his previous operatic flights of fancy, at least on its face. It is crammed with all of what we, non-Australians, fondly associate with the country while reminding us of the not so nice bits. It’s always a roller coaster ride with Baz challenging you to hang on.

There are really two films here, fused together, not entirely seamlessly but that’s fine. The first film is an epic western, a la “Red River”, except Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) is the fish out of water played by Montgomery Clift and Drover (Jackman) takes the John Wayne part as the rambling man, whose home is the range. Lady Ashley leaves England to chase after her husband who owns a cattle station called Faraway Downs. When she arrives in Darwin, a waterfront wild west looking town in the Northern Territory of Australia, she is met by Drover who has by now used her expensive and inappropriate for the outback luggage in a barroom brawl. She’s looking for her husband but winds up on cattle drive with a motley crew, including an alcoholic accountant (Jack Thompson) and a half aboriginal and motherless boy named Nullah (Brandon Walters). It must be done however to thwart the evil monopoly of King Carney (Bryan Brown) and his murderous number one son-in-law Neil Fletcher (David Wenham, late of Lord of the Rings).

In part two, its 1942 and Lady Ashley, Drover and Nullah are happily ensconced at Faraway Downs until the War intervenes. Nullah is picked up by the authorities whose policy at that time was to reeducate the aboriginal out of mixed race children by taking them away from their mothers and placing them in institutions run by missionaries. Drover is gone and it is up to Lady Ashley to affect a rescue, but then Darwin is bombed as is the island where Nullah lives.

I have been an Australian film fan since I “discovered” too pretty to be believed Mel Gibson in “Gallipoli.” On my one an only trip down under I tried my hardest to make a pilgrimage to the site of “Picnic at Hanging Rock”: that spooky, “based on a true story” hoax about ethereal young schoolgirls who disappear in thin air and masterfully directed by Peter Weir. I have always been hooked by the combination of exotic weirdness and familiarity. The people look and sound sort of English but then in some ways they behave more like Americans with their casual attitude and more open manner. There is also the disgraceful treatment of the indigenous aboriginal people or “Traditional Owners” who Luhrmann thanks as such in the credits and it’s nice to see that included.

Luhrmann, like so many of the Australians who came before, defies being bounded by his origins and so after “Strictly Ballroom” came “Romeo and Juliet” in Miami and “Moulin Rouge/La Boheme.” But he says he always wanted to make a grand and sweeping epic about his homeland and here he’s done it with a western cum war pic.

I won’t lie and say I didn’t miss the theatrics and I did sometimes chafe at the earnestness of it all, but then there’d be some camp stuff like a “shower scene” with Jackman soaping up or some bit with Kidman all geared up in her English riding habit. Jackman was in full hunk mode here, a kind of Rod Taylor (“The Birds”) with a dash of Errol Flynn. He is physically graceful and therefore beautiful to watch in the way that the best dancers are. If you like horses and the men who ride them, this film’s for you. Kidman is fine; her cold facade parsimoniously offering glimpses of her interior feelings as it always does.

In the end, we are left with the breathtakingly beautiful image of Nullah, probably, despite all the grand set pieces, one of the most exquisite moments in film, heartbreaking yet right, and all of it registering innocently in this newcomer’s face. Brandon Walters’ performance certainly deserves an Oscar. “Australia” isn’t perfect but Luhrmann’s films never are. They are often all over the place which makes them melodramatic, fun, funny, sad, relevant and certainly more than worth seeing.

Australia opens nationwide on November 26, 2008.

Dianne Brooks has been a film fanatic since youth and despite a temporary detour at Harvard Law, wound up teaching and writing about film at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for a number of years. She published a number of scholarly articles on film, television and cultural studies. Dianne currently contributes to writemovies.com, politicalfemme.com and her site www.thefilmfiles.com. Her musings on movies will be featured regularly on UTC.

ShareThis

I am a perfect example of why the fight against Proposition 8, which amends the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, failed to win black support.

I am black. I am a political activist who cares deeply about social justice issues. I am a lesbian. This year, I canvassed the streets of South Los Angeles and Compton, knocking on doors, talking politics to passers-by and working as I never had before to ensure a large voter turnout among African Americans. But even I wasn’t inspired to encourage black people to vote against the proposition.

Why? Because I don’t see why the right to marry should be a priority for me or other black people. Gay marriage? Please. At a time when blacks are still more likely than whites to be pulled over for no reason, more likely to be unemployed than whites, more likely to live at or below the poverty line, I was too busy trying to get black people registered to vote, period; I wasn’t
about to focus my attention on what couldn’t help but feel was a secondary issue.

The first problem with Proposition 8 was the issue of marriage itself. The white gay community never successfully communicated to blacks why it should matter to us above everything else – not just to me as a lesbian but to blacks generally. The way I see it, the white gay community is banging its head against the glass ceiling of a room called equality, believing that a breakthrough on marriage will bestow on it parity with heterosexuals. But the right to marry does nothing to address the problems faced by both black gays and black straights. Does someone who is homeless or suffering from HIV but has no healthcare, or newly out of prison and unemployed, really benefit from the right to marry someone of the same sex?

Maybe white gays could afford to be singularly focused, raising millions of dollars to fight for the luxury of same-sex marriage. But blacks were walking the streets of the projects and reaching out to small businesses, gang members, convicted felons and the spectrum of an entire community to ensure that we all were able to vote.

Second is the issue of civil rights. White gays often wonder aloud why blacks, of all people, won’t support their civil rights. There is a real misunderstanding by the white gay community about the term. Proponents of gay marriage fling it around as if it is a one-size-fits-all catchphrase for issues of fairness.

But the black civil rights movement was essentially born out of and driven by the black church; social justice and religion are inextricably intertwined in the black community. To many blacks, civil rights are grounded in Christianity – not something separate and apart from religion but synonymous with it. To the extent that the issue of gay marriage seemed to be pitted against the church, it was going to be a losing battle in my community.

At the same time that gays adopted the language of the civil rights movement, they never put into practice its core principles or demonstrated an understanding the people and history behind it. This how you have a gay couple in West Hollywood use a noose as part of a political effigy on the eve of one of the most important elections for both blacks and gays in California. I can tell you that didn’t go over too well with the black community.

Then there was the poorly conceived campaign strategy. Opponents of Proposition 8 relied on an outdated civil rights model, engaging the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People to help win black support on the issue of gay marriage. This happened despite the warnings of black lesbians and gays that it wouldn’t work. While the NAACP definitely should have been included in the strategy, it shouldn’t have been the only group. Putting nearly a quarter of a million dollars into an outdated civil
rights model that has very little influence on the black vote – at least when it comes to gay issues – will never work.

Likewise, holding the occasional town-hall meeting in Leimert Park – the one part of the black community (in Los Angeles) where they now feel safe thanks to gentrification – to tell black people how to vote on something gay isn’t effective outreach either.

In the past, it’s been common practice for the gay community to hire black faces, temporarily, to convince blacks to support gay marriage. The only problem is that the surrogates hired oftentimes are as far removed from the black community as the white gay community is.

Worse, gay activists have a history of financially supporting black political candidates, even though many of those same candidates will not openly support issues like Prop. 8. From Congressional members to state lawmakers, most black politicians were M.I.A. on Prop. 8.

There’s nothing a white gay person can tell me when it comes to how I as a black lesbian should talk to my community about this issue. If and when I choose to, I know how to say what needs to be said. Many black gays just haven’t been convinced that this movement for marriage is about anything more than the white gays who fund it (and who, we often find, are just as
racist and clueless when it comes to blacks as they claim blacks are homophobic).

Some people seem to think that homophobia trumps racism, and that winning the battle for gay marriage will symbolically bring about equality for everyone. That may seem true to white gays, but as a black lesbian, let me tell you: there are still too many inequalities that exist as it relates to my race for that to ever be the case. Ever heard of “driving while black”? Ever looked at the difference between the dropout rates for blacks and for whites? Or test scores? Or wages? Or rates of incarceration?

And in the end, black voters in California voted against gay marriage by more than 2 to 1.

Maybe next time around – because we all know this isn’t over – the gay community can demonstrate the capacity and willingness to change that America demonstrated when it went to the polls on Nov. 4. Black gays are depending on their white counterparts to finally “get it.”

Until then, don’t expect to make any inroads any time soon in the black community on this issue – including with this black lesbian.

Jasmyne Cannick is a critic and commentator based in Los Angeles who writes about pop culture, race, class, sexuality, and politics as it relates to the African-American community. A regular contributor to NPR’s ‘News and Notes,’ she was chosen as one Essence Magazine’s 25 Women Shaping the World. She can be reached at www.jasmynecannick.com or www.myspace.com/jasmynecannick.

ShareThis

PHIFE DAWG GETS A NEW KIDNEY
For those of you who don’t know or have been wondering why Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest looked a little different, he has been battling diabetes for many years. God is good y’all because he has at last received a kidney transplant in his ongoing battle and a new chance at a better, healthier life.

I recently saw Phife at the “Rock the Bells” tour and even though he performed and gave 100%, he looked a little weary. Phife had been on a waiting list for the past two years following his initial diagnosis in May of 1990.

My fellow Queens homie admitted that his lax attitude toward proper diet, and continued consumption of fats, sweets and alcohol, caused his condition to worsen rapidly. By 1992, the diabetes began to breakdown his body, with his blood sugar level reaching fatal levels of near 1000 mg/dl, well over the normal 80-120 mg/dl.

Back in 2000, Phife was put on dialysis and was hospitalized two years later after the condition continued to worsen.

With the new kidney, Phife’s Tribe partner, Q-Tip says he’s already showing improvement. We wish you a strong recovery Phife Diggy!

LYFE JENNINGS ON POLICE CHASE & FACING GUN CHARGES
Damn, you’d think somebody who just got out of the slammer would do whatever it took not to go back. Let me jog your memory; Lyfe began a 10-year prison sentence on a felony arson charge in 1992 at age 19. 10 years people; my butt would chilling in a “Little House on the Prairie” minding my own business!

Your man, crooner, Lyfe Jennings, was arrested in Smyrna, Georgia, after police said he fired a gun in the air and attempted to evade arrest by leading them on a high-speed car chase. You know they didn’t waste any time in slapping the iron bracelets on that a** and booking him on misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass, discharging a firearm near a public highway and refusal to take a DUI test, as well as two felony counts of attempting to elude and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Lyfe at 35, and government name of Chester Jennings was said to be attempting to locate the mother of his children, Joy Pound, when he allegedly kicked in the door of a house in Smyrna and later fired a gun in the street. The Smyrna Police Department said that when police arrived on the scene to respond to the shots fired in what they believed was a domestic dispute, they witnessed a red 2005 Corvette leaving the address.

A high-speed pursuit went down, and Lyfe was snagged after he crashed the car. Once he was stopped, the warrant in the case said he refused a field sobriety test and police smelled “a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” coming from his mouth.

Lyfe was able to post a $50,000 bond, so let’s hope he doesn’t bounce to Canada or Mexico.

EL DEBARGE ARRESTED AGAIN
Well, here comes a new candidate for VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew”.

El DeBarge, (no Janet Jackson was married to James), the former lead singer of his family group DeBarge, is back in jail without bail due to two outstanding warrants at the time of his newest arrest for possession of a controlled substance.

All I can say is his mug shot looks crazy. I put him the category of James Brown, DeAngelo, & ODB’s mug shots of looking crazy. El whose government name is, Patrick Eldra DeBarge, was arrested last year on charges including vandalism, drugs and domestic violence.

Somebody get this man some help, seriously!!!

El DeBarge has been sentenced and will spend the next two years behind bars thanks to this recent drug bust!

TONI BRAXTON OPENS UP ABOUT HER SON’S AUTISM
With women like Jenny McCarthy, Tisha Campbell, and Holly Robinson Peete being the voices of a crusade to help find a cure and funding for autistic children, Toni Braxton has confessed about her guilt and self-blame toward her own youngest son, Diezel Ky, 5 ½, how has autism.

Toni admits, “You tend to blame yourself. A lot of times, parents are in denial because they want to think their child is perfect,” She also says, “A friend of mine told me, ‘Toni, all these autistic kids in the world now, they are God’s new angels, and they are here to show us life differently.’ I’ve been embracing that,” she says. “He’s a wonderful kid.”

I just want to know why the more fathers aren’t speaking out, Rodney Peete excluded.

NEW BLAST
- BET’S Rap City Finale airdate has change, to early November, check your
local listings
- Director John Singleton is no longer attached to direct the feature film adaptation of the 80s TV series “The A-Team
- Jill Marie Jones, best known for her run as Toni Childs on the TV comedy “Girlfriends,” has been cast in writer-director Nancy Kissam’s dark comedy “Drool.”

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host of and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide first quarter of 2009.

ShareThis

Condolences also go out to the family, friends and fans of Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs. One of Motown’s greatest singers, died at age 72. He had been ill recently and died in his sleep at the Detroit
house he shared with his wife.

HOLLYWOOD MADAME CALLS OUT WILL SMITH ON HIS SEXUALITY
Once again the Will Smith DL rumors are heating up the street A Hollywood Madame is telling media sources that Will Smith is gay and she knows this because he hired two of her male prostitutes. She claims, that Will “has swung both ways for years” and was one of her regular clients.

Now, this is old scandal. True or not, it’s been on the surface for years that Will and his wife Jada Pinkett’s have been swinger for years, including same sex swinging.

Evenn though Will has openly admitted that he and Jada have had an “open relationship” of the sorts for years, this Madame’s name is being withheld, which in itself speaks volumes of doubt about her story. This so-called “sexual source of secrets” claims that Will “placed his order” for a man after he trusted that she could “guarantee discretion.”

She said, “I had to reassure him over and over that I could guarantee discretion. Once I convinced him I could, he placed his order. It was for a man. I had fourteen women working for me and two guys. You’d be surprised at how many Hollywood stars requested the services of the guys.”

Well, let’s see what lengths this Heidi Fleiss wanna-be will go to prove her story. Then again, money talks and bull**** walks.
Everybody’s got a price, even me

ANOTHER FIGHT ON BUSTA’S VIDEO SHOOT
Y’all know it’s seldom the artist that starts the sh**. The entourage however, with their feeling of entitlement just because they grew up with the star is a whole other story. Well it seems Jim Jones’ entourage got into scrappin’ while my boy Busta Rhymes was shooting a video for his new single, “Arab Money”, and We The Best/Def Jam recording artist Ace Hood was shooting a video for the second single off of his debut album, “Ride,” featuring Trey Songz, Juelz Santana and Rick Ross.

Everybody and their mama who was in town for the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Rap City Finale rolled up to both video sets to get their cameos on.

Word on the street is, while Young Buck, Polow Da Don, Jadakiss, DJ Khaled, and Juelz Santana were leaving the shoots, a man was being assaulted by a group of men that were allegedly a part of Jim Jones’ entourage.

Following the beatdown, both Jim Jones and Juelz Santana dipped from the scene as their security scooped them into the get-away cars. The alleged victim walked away without any major injuries.

I know Busta is like, “Damn y’all stay away from my sh**!” Especially after his bodyguard got shot a few years back.

DIDDY TO BE BACK ON THE BIG SCREEN
Puff has made no bones about wanting to be a movie star. While he is fixated on becoming the next James Bond just as I am to be the new millenium Pam Grier. it seems he may have locked down another film project.

Puffy was spotted at New York’s Nobu 57 dining with execs involved in Denzel Washington-directed project on the legendary Terry “T-LA ROCK’ Keaton biography. The project was written by Antwone Fisher and will have fine ass Denzel Washington in the director’s chair.

The story follows the life of the Def Jam star through 1994, when Keaton suffered a traumatic brain injury while breaking up a fight
in The Bronx. Keaton eventually regained his memory and motor skills. I hope they bring on KRS-1 as a film consultant for real!

DON CORNELIUS ARRESTED
The Soul Train founder Don Cornelius, who looks more like a figure from the wax museum these days, was straight up busted for the use of his pimp hand.

Don was arrested on domestic violence charges. LAPD said they responded to a radio call for domestic abuse at his Mulholland Drive home and arrested the 72-year old wanna-be Ike Turner.

Don posted $50,000 bail and faces felony domestic violence charges. LAPD didn’t release the name of the victim or the nature of the injuries but Don is married to a Brigette Nielsen look-a-like who’s name is Victoria. The victim, whose identity has not been released, was not taken to a hospital and injuries are unknown.

NEWS BLAST
- Rap City has been cancelled after 20 years on the air. Catch the finale show schedule to air on BET October 29th.
- Rumors swirling about Usher & Kelly Rowland.
- Lil Wayne Expecting Lil Baby Boy

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host of and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide first quarter of 2009.

ShareThis

My only question is, when did Dwayne get divorced? Let me put on my Inspector Gadget roller skates and get down to business.

JANET AND JERMAINE GOING DOWN THE DRAIN
Now knowing JJ & JD the way that I do, somebody had to do some really foul nonsense for the rumor of Jermaine being banned from visiting her at the spa where she’s reportedly recuperating from her migraines.

Now, being that Ms. Jackson is “in control” (yes the pun was intended) I can’t believe that her management would tell JD the following, “You’re not her boyfriend any more, and she doesn’t want to see you.’”

With all the madness going on with her lackluster sales, label drama, health problems and the cancellation of her “Rock Witchu” tour, I can believe that this might be some damage control publicity to take the focus off the fact that Ms. Janet isn’t holding down the #1 spot. But the music biz is funky for everybody right now, so who knows, even at this stage in her career, how well is she adapting to the change in climate?

Not being #1 can be an ego killer for sure.

She could either be blaming JD or they are weathering the storm together. Either way, I loves me a Janet concert…so get better ghurl, tighten up that bra and get your ass back on stage….5-6-7-8 girl!

DON CHEADLE REPLACES TERRENCE HOWARD IN ‘IRON MAN 2
Folks don’t understand, Hollywood will chew you up and spit you out and move onto the next actor in a minute. Contract or not, just like the NBA your ass will get traded with the quickness. It seems that studio negotiations with Terrance Howard reportedly broke down over financial differences.

Don Cheadle will be taking over the role of Jim Rhodes in “Iron Man 2″ Marvel Comics is expected to expand the Rhodes role in the May 7, 2010 sequel, which will feature Robert Downey Jr. (thank goodness for Robert Downey) returning in the title role of billionaire industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man and Jon Favreau back in the director’s chair. Gwyneth Paltrow also is expected to return as Stark’s assistant, Pepper Potts.

Don in the meantime is keeping it moving and is shooting Antoine Fuqua’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” with Richard Gere and Ethan Hawke. Damn that cast is good! If you didn’t see “Traitor” you missed out!

IT’S A WRAP ON MADONNA & GUY RITCHIE
Madonna can chew them up & spit them out like nobody’s business. Well, another one of her marriages bites the dust. First Madonna cuts the ball & chain with Sean Penn and now Madonna and Guy Ritchie announced that they are divorcingafter nearly eight years of marriage.

Stories are hitting the fan now; it seems Madonna & Guy haven’t been together for over a year and that they have been privately separated.

Meanwhile folks have been blaming Madonna for putting that voodoo on that fine ass New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez and breaking up his marriage to now his ex-wife Cynthia. At least she’s got some good taste!

Was there a pre-nup involved? Madonna’s a smart mutha… (shut-yo-mouth) so hopefully she safe guarded her coins. But word is a financial settlement has not been agreed by the couple, and now they must decide child custody issues.

If this gets ugly…my money is on Madonna!

NEWS BLAST
*Angela Simmons & Vanessa Simmons Land Spin Off Show Called “Daddy’s Girls” coming to MTV in 2009!* Rapper/actor Heavy D, (Dwight Myers) has switched from hip hop to reggae with his new album “Vibes,” due out on Dec. 16 but currently #2 on the iTunes Reggae chart.

American Music Awards air Nov 23rd..Here’s your nominee list:

Alicia Keys 5 nominations
Kanye West 3 nominations
Lil Wayne 2 nominations

Artist of the Year:
Coldplay, Eagles, Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne

Favorite Male Artist-Rap/Hip-Hop:
Flo Rida, Lil Wayne, Kanye West

Favorite Album-Rap/Hip-Hop:
Jay-Z: American Gangster, Lil Wayne: Tha Carter III, Kanye West: Graduation

Favorite Band, Duo or Group-Rap/Hip-Hop:
G-Unit, Three 6 Mafia, Wu-Tang Clan

T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist:
Colbie Caillat, The Dream, Flo Rida, Jonas Brothers, Paramore,

Favorite Female Artist-Pop/Rock:
Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Rihanna

Favorite Female Artist-Soul/R&B:
Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Rihanna

Favorite Album-Soul/R&B:
Mary J. Blige: Growing Pains, Mariah Carey: E=MC2, Alicia Keys: As I Am

Favorite Male Artist-Pop/Rock:
Chris Brown, Kid Rock, Usher

Favorite Male Artist-Soul/R&B:
Chris Brown, J. Holiday, Usher

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host of and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide this summer.

ShareThis

Last time, I gave you an overview of the major players in the coming mobile-phone slugfest that’s about to hit the market. Apple vs. Google vs. the handset manufacturers (Motorola, Samsung, et al). If I were to portray this market conflict in terms of a boxing analogy, I would invite you to recall the Tyson vs. Spinks fight circa 1988. I was all of 14-years-old and I vividly recall watching the pay-per-view event at a friends’ house. We were glued to the screen as my buddy’s mother got up to fix herself a drink in the kitchen about 30 seconds into Round 1. When she returned ONE MINUTE later, the fight was OVER!!! Iron Mike had knocked Michael Spinks into Dreamland at 1:30 in the first round. I remember seeing Spinks’ eyes roll up into his head and thinking, ” Damn Tyson hits hard!” while listening to my buddy’s mother say, “You’re KIDDING me! The fight is OVER??? And I missed it???”

In this case, Apple is Mike Tyson, and the rest of the industry is Spinks. When the iPhone hit the market in June of 2007, it literally knocked the industry on its collective ass. It had an intuitive touchscreen that would respond to finger touches as opposed to random other knocks and jostles. The applications included a shockingly cool web browser! Check it:

For the first time, a phone could display regular (as opposed to mobile-formatted) websites, either portrait or landscape, and with touch-driven zoom options! And that was just the tip of the iceberg. ITunes was seamlessly integrated, making this a truly multimedia phone. There was GPS, Wi-Fi, instant messaging, video, and more all driven through a miniature version of Mac’s much-lauded operating system. There were even select third party applications you could buy (more on this later).

But even as the early-adopter segment cleaned AT&T and Apple stores out of their inventory, there was a growing discontent among some of the fan boys.

To give you some perspective on the origins of this anti-Apple angst, I invite you to take a trip with me back to the year 2001. Steve Jobs was in the 4th year of his second go-round as CEO at Apple, Pixar Studios (Jobs’ baby) was still riding high on “Toy Story,” and a new digital audio player called the iPod had just debuted to the general public. The iPod, although slow to pick up steam, proved to be a gadget juggernaut and within three years it was a pop-culture darling. Uber-trendy Apple was revered for creating a device that “just worked” for the average consumer. The iPod was simple and intuitive; a stark contrast to Microsoft and the Windows gauntlet. However, the blissful Apple experience came with a hefty price tag: thirty percent more $$ on average than its competitors. And then there was the dreaded vendor lock-in.

(SIGH) This is where things get complicated. Although Apple’s iPod was revolutionary in the digital music player market, many a consumer had no idea that upon purchasing it, the music they purchased via the iTunes music store was largely playable ONLY on the iPod. The actual songs were copy-protected and encoded in a format NOT playable by other MP3 players! Many consumers were shocked to find out that they could not share their iTunes music with a friend, or even back it up to another computer. Apple kept tight control over every aspect of purchasing and playback, all in the name of “stability and usability” for the consumer. It was like buying a car that comes with a driver. But, that driver will only take you to destinations he deems appropriate or safe.

Fast-forward to 2007, and the iPhone is attracting the same criticism as its iPod brethren. Only this time, the lockdown is positively stifling. Although consumers have the power of a portable computer in the palm of their hands, only “Apple approved” applications can be sold via the iPhone application store. Hackers ultimately produced a “jailbreak” application to open the iPhone so that consumers could use features the way *they* wanted, not necessarily the way Apple wanted. Observe. So easy, a caveman can do it:

In under 60 seconds, a plethora of non-Apple approved applications became available to iPhone owners. Thus began the war between Apple and the Hackers. You see, the one constant about Apple, Inc. is that they *MUST* be in control at all times. Hackers jailbreak the iPod, Apple updates and overrrides the jailbreak, Hackers patch the override, and so on ad nauseum. It is a never-ending war to either keep the iPhone locked down or open it for all.

And that is the real decision that potential iPhone consumers must ultimately make. Do you want Apple to drive? Or would you like to be in the driver’s seat, constantly vigilant for Apple updates or kill switches that will replace you at the helm? Do you trust Apple to always accept the “best of breed” applications into their store? Or would you rather “roll the dice” and figure out what works for you while dodging sniper shots from Apple?

Next time, I’ll be discussing Google’s new Android operating systems and the first phones running on that platform. There is so much COOL innovation happening with cell phones right now, I can’t stand it!!!

Jaxon Lee works on the bleeding-edge of the tech market in what he considers to be his dream job. He wakes up every morning, and gets to talk to people about the latest and greatest gadgets! During his downtime, he blogs about new technology and media convergence over at um-reloaded.blogspot.com. Jaxon is happily married and living in Atlanta. His “Check The Tech-Nique” column is exclusive to Urban Thought Collective.

ShareThis

After I was done with my adult duties I reached in my pocket for her number. Nothing. I ransacked everything room in the apartment I just cleaned. Nothing. I went back to my car and cleaned it out. Nothing. It hit me; I just lost the number of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life. I went through all the steps of starting a relationship and didn’t get to start a relationship.

This is what’s happening to thousands of people all across the America. In Mora, New Mexico, a dirt poor town filled with Hispanics, half of the Democrats had their registrations to vote simply disappear in thin air, under the eye of a Republican contractor. In Florida, they are refusing to accept 85,000 new registrations, and the majority of them are black voters. In Nevada and Ohio, they are denying thousands of people who lost their homes to foreclosure of their right to vote.

Similar events are happening all over America. It’s like the current gang of neo-con Republicans are dead set in making John McSame and Sarah Palin the head of this country. They know that it’s the Black vote that is going to be the turning point in this election. 2008 will come down to urban America. The hoods and projects of this great country who are going to come out and vote for the first time for the guy being rapped about, worn on shirts and talked about in all the magazines.

I’m happy about this. Obama will need all the votes he can get, and just as white people will vote for McCain because they can’t see themselves voting for a Black man, millions of inner city blacks will vote for Obama simply because he’s Black.

Despite the fact that I have no problem with people voting for my candidate because of his skin color, I also feel like it’s up to people like us to educate our brothers and sisters and let them know where Obama stands on the issues. Explain to them the true importance of this year’s election and that this time, all of our futures literally may depend on it.

Until the next plate of chicken and waffles is served…

BlogXilla.com is one of the biggest relationship and entertainment sites on the internet, and has been mentioned and featured in numerous publications including LA Times, TMZ, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, MTV, VH1 and many more. The site focuses on relationships and entertainment news. Xilla’s take on politics and society will be featured weekly on Urban Thought Collective.

ShareThis

The cheapest I can get folks is FREE! Exercising outside is as free as it gets whether it is stepping outside and walking or running in your neighborhood, or hitting your local hiking trail. You can also go to most local junior and high school locations, and find folks walking the outdoor or indoor tracks. To find a local hiking trail, you can contact your city or county parks and recreations department.

Another alternative is your local YMCA. These facilities may not be as fancy as the expensive per month gyms, but they get the job done. I also find that these facilities are not as crowded which eliminates one more excuse for not hitting the gym. My local city gym is $100 per year! That is $8.33 per month. I can’t even get 3 gallons of gas for that amount. They may also offer exercise classes and personal training, at a discount, on site as well.

I must say I love my people and I love seeing you even more. As I am hitting the various hiking trails in the greater Southern California area and occasional hitting the gym, I am just not seeing us in the numbers I would like too. So, as we see 2008 coming to an end lets get out there and do something good for ourselves! Remember, fitness is free!

If you have any inexpensive workout alternatives please share them with me and our UTC family.

Tilane Jones is a long-time practitioner of retail therapy. As an administrator for a top marketing company, she can hunt and negotiate a bargain like nobody’s business. Miss Jones shares her top-notch tips for looking & feeling fabulous on less money exclusively with Urban Thought Collective.

ShareThis

This year the DNC did exactly what it was designed to do, unite the party, identify Barack Obama, and attack John McCain on his lack of judgment. The morning after a speech watched more the “American Idol” finale, John “McSame” placed the icing on the cake of his lack of judgment by picking an inexperienced hockey mom as his running mate.

There have been 3 major displays of judgment by these candidates.

In 2002, Obama had the judgment to know that the Iraq War was a mistake. He said: “After September 11, after witnessing the carnage and destruction, the dust and the tears, I supported this administration’s pledge to hunt down and root out those who would slaughter innocents in the name of intolerance, and I would willingly take up arms myself to prevent such tragedy from happening again.” He then went on to say, “I don’t oppose all wars. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics.” With all due respect to the soldiers whom lost their lives we can see Iraq was exactly that.

McCain supported this mistake and continues to support the war saying we might be in Iraq for over 100 years.

In 2005, while thousands were drowning, while millions lost their homes, and countless others looked death in the eyes during Hurricane Katrina, our candidates for presidency responded in two different ways. Obama rolled up his sleeves and helped rebuild the city of New Orleans; McCain had cake with President Bush on the runway in front of their private jets.

The next display of judgment came when each candidate picked his running mate. Obama, the young charismatic nominee who faces death threats daily, picked someone who is ready to lead on day one, Sen. Joe Biden.

McCain, the tortured war veteran 72 years young, who has had two cancer scares, picked a women whose only known for being under investigation for getting her brother in law fired from his job because he left her sister. I doubt she could lead a game of musical chairs let alone this country, and this is who he picks?

Mr. “McSame,” this country does not want to go in the direction you’re heading. Mr. “McSame,” the Iraq War was a mistake, like the one you made when you voted against declaring Martin Luther King Day a National holiday.

So, here is a little bit of advice for you SIR! Thanks, but no thanks. Eight is enough. Why don’t you go have some more cake?

BlogXilla.com is one of the biggest relationship and entertainment sites on the internet, and has been mentioned and featured in numerous publications including LA Times, TMZ, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, MTV, VH1 and many more. The site focuses on relationships and entertainment news. Xilla’s take on politics and society will be featured weekly on Urban Thought Collective.

ShareThis