Tuesday Tales

I often hear and read things regarding African Americans in film and televison. It seems that there still seems to be a lack of quality roles for African American actors and actresses in Hollywood. I believe the only way to truly level the playing field is to lobby to get more African Americans in decison making positions at the televsion stations and movie studios. We need more Black writers, directors, and producers as well. We can no longer afford to sit idly by and complain about what Hollywood is unwilling to do. We must do this ourselves. The idea of waiting 30 years before another African American is rewarded for their hard work is a trasvesty that must not take place. It's like turning back the hands of time to the occasssion when Sidney Poiter won his Oscar for "Lillies Of The Field". I believe he, and other just like him, have paved the way. All we need to do now is follow the path.

Monday Madness

The great American hero topped the box office this weekend. The film, "G.I. Joe: "The Rise Of Cobra" took in 56.2 million dollars at this weekend's box office making it the highest grossing toy film ever. Coming in a close second was "Julie & Julia" with 20.1 million. Rounding out the top ten are: "G Force 9.8 million, "Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince" 8.9 million, "Funny People", 7.9 million, "The Ugly Truth", 7 million, "A Perfect Getaway" 5.8 million, "Aliens In The Attic" 4 million, "Orphan", 3.73 million and "500 Days Of Summer" 3.7 million. It looks like actress Gabrielle Union is ready to fight the gossip bloggers. Be sure to check out her exclusive interview in the next issue of Essence magazine. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "Two And A Half Men" on CBS and "Wipeout" on ABC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

Sad news out of Hollywood. Writer/director John Hughes, who wrote and directed such films as "Sixteen Candles" "The Breakfast Club", "Pretty In Pink" and "Farest Buler's Day Off" died of a heart attack at age 59. He began his career written commericals and soon after began writing film scrips. It's rumored that Jennifer Lopez could possibly taken the judge's chair vacated by Paula Abdul. No word from Lopez or her representatives. A "So You Think You Can Dance" champ has been crowned. More Kelis/Nas divorce drama. An item posted on blackplanet.com quoted the Queensbridge MC as saying, "I should be given a trophy for being a good husband. On the tube: "Termanator" on Fox, "Ghost Whispers" on CBS and "20/20" on ABC. In theaters this weekend: "GI Joe". Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Arosmith frontman, Steven Tyler suffered head, neck and shoulder injuries after a fall from the stage during a concert in South Dakota, a spokesman said. It seems Paula Abdul's sudden departure from "American Idol' has become fodder for light night talk show hosts. Serveral have made light of the situation. Check out the latest issue of XXL magazine. It's on newsstands now. The mother and sister of singer Keyshia Cole will both have reality series on BET. Stay tuned. Actor/writer/producer Tyler Perry made some dreams come true recently. He took the children who were refused entry into a Philadelphia pool to Walt Disney World in Orlando. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Danc" on Fox, "Big Brother 11" on CBS and "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has announced that she will not be returning for the show's ninth season less than a week after it was confirmed that Kara DioGuardi will be returning to the judges chair. Rumor has it that a "fair deal" regarding salary is the reason for the sudden departure. The MTV Video Music Awards are just around the corner and among the artist nominated for awards are Beyonce and Kanye West. For Arosmith fans, the fellas will be heading out on tour soon. It looks like rapper Lil Wayne is headed to court, but he's doing the suing this time. The rapper is apparently suing the company owned by the son of producer Quincy Jones for breach of contract. In a documentary the company produced based on the rapper's life, his drug use is documented, among other things. On the tube: " Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "Criminal Minds" on CBS and "Wipeout" on ABC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Just in case you've been living under a rock, the Jon and Kate show has returned for another season and all is not well with the couple. They it appears, squared off regarding kitchen renovation. We'll see what happens. For those who remember the show, there was a "Saved By The Bell" cast reunion, well sort of. There was a recent photo shoot featuring all but two actors from the series. Check out the latest issue of Jet featuring "Ugly Betty" star, Vanessa Williams. She discusses her career, children, beauty tips and what she wants in a man. J Kon has new music in stores this week. On dvd: "Obsessed" and "Night". On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen on Fox, "CSI" on CBS and "The Batchlorette: The Final Rose" on ABC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has granted custody singer Michael Jackson's children to their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. She and the children's mother Debbie Rowe, had reached a agreement between the two regarding custody of the children. Rowe receives visitation rights and now money. Rumors are swirling about actress Jennifer Aniston the co-star of her next film. No word on whether the rumors are true. In a sign of the tough economic times, Vibe magazine has folded. The magazine was founded by producer Quincy Jones. It's rumored that the magazine will continue online. The film, "Funny People" topped the box office this weekend. Rounding out the top ten are: "Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince", "G Force", "The Ugly Truth", "Aliens In The Attic", "Orphan", "Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs", "The Hangover", "The Proposal" and "Revenge Of The Fallen". On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS and "The Batchlorlette" on ABC. Happy Monday!