Monday, February 27, 2012
"Brooklyn Boheme" Makes Me Nostalgic of Days Gone By
When I was watching Nelson's George's "Brooklyn Boheme" this past weekend, it made me nostalgic.
Even though the skylines of Akron, Ohio are from from Brooklyn, the documentary made me nostalgic of my youth.
People like Living Color's Vernon Reid, Spike Lee, Chris Rock, Rosie Perez and the other artists, poets, writers who lived in Fort Green Brooklyn has no idea the influence they had on my generation in Ohio.
Living Color made it cool to rock out like Led Zeppelin, while Spike Lee told me that I can make my own movies as well as be a skinny Michael Jordan loving black dude with big glasses who can seduce the ladies ( "Thank God For Kneecaps").
But even beyond the Brooklyn setting of Fort Green that period of the late 80's was special because pop culture gave African American youth options for success.
While "The Cosby Show" presented an urban nuclear family to great affect, Cosby's spin-off "A Different World" showed my friends and I that college was really cool.
Combine that with Black Entertainment Television's then weekly showcase of HBCU (Black college) football games with their mesmerizing marching bands and college was not just a destination for for me, but people I knew who didn't even think of going until they saw people who looked like us attending college.
However, somewhere after Dr. Dre's released "The Chronic" in the early 90s's, everything went to hell.
Where in the late 80's I could listen to Public Enemy rhyming about Malcolm X and NWA telling me to watch out for the cops with equal comfort, pop culture shifted away from black intelligence and diversity to slangin rocks and sacrificing education to make dat money shawty.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming Dr. Dre for this cultural shift.
I still love "The Chronic" to this day, but post-Chronic, the entertainment industry shrunk the pop culture options of African American youth down to a thimble.
"Brooklyn Boheme" took me back to time where street, education, diversity and the arts were equal bedfellows.
Where you could be middle class like the Fresh Prince or live in the world of crack cocaine like Kool G. Rap and still see the possibilities of life no matter your circumstances.
Here's hoping that Mr. Nelson's "Brooklyn Boheme" will spur another generation to study, create and be just as diverse as we were; In the meantime, I'm grabbing my DVD of School Daze to not only reminisce about days gone by and to plot my future first visit to New York City.
Viola Davis Was Robbed But She Will Win an Oscar One Day
Well, to be honest, Davis was robbed.
It had to be tough for Davis, who won basically won every award leading up the Oscars and to lose, (imagine how Glenn Close feels after being nomianted six times?)
But as I noted my predictions last week, I think that some of the Oscar voters suddenly realized that Meryl Street hasn't won an Oscar since Sophie's Choice in 1983.
In recent years, Streep has had a re-emergence as one of the top female actors in Hollywood.
In fact, Streep could have possibly won several Oscars for her work in "Mamma" Mia, "Doubt", "Julia & Julia" and especially "The Devil Wears Prada," where should have garnered her third Oscar.
But the Oscar voters being the pretentious voters they are, made Streep wait.
So they finally awarded Streep her third Oscar for a role that most critics will say was very good but not her greatest work.
For Viola Davis, her day will come sooner rather than later.
What's been lost in Davis' march to the Oscars was that this was the second time she earned an Oscar nomination, (Davis earned a supporting nod for her role in the film "Doubt" with Streep.) That's rarity for a black actress in Hollywood, especially since its so hard to find a good role for African Americans in general(Whoopi Goldberg is the only multiple Oscar nominee for black actresses) .
My thinking is that the Oscar voters felt that Davis is so talented that she will have another shot for an Oscar.
As flawed as this thinking is (Angela Bassett never got an Oscar shot after "What's Love Got To Do With it" the same goes for Alfre Woodward), this scenario happened to both Al Pacino and Denzil Washington.
Pacino was probably crushed when didn't win for "Serpico", "Dogs Day Afternoon and "Godfather" films, while Washington probably felt the same pain when he lost for "The Hurricane" and "Malcolm X").
Yet, when they both won Oscars for roles that were good, but not their greatest work (Washington for "Training Day" and Pacino for "Scent of Woman," (which bested Washington's Malcolm X)).
As bias as Hollywood when it comes to minority roles, Viola Davis talent is too great not to get another shot to win.
Personally, I would rather see her win an Academy Award for role where she is not playing a maid ("The Help") or an urban mom ("Doubt").
I know these roles are and has been part of lives of African American women, but wouldn't it be great if she won an Oscar for playing women like Maya Angelou, Zora Neale Hurston, Myrlie Evers Williams Madame C.J. Walker, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and/or role fictional multi-layred woman of substance that breaks the mold of the maid or the urban mom.
Viola Davis will win her Oscar and when she does it will create a new path for African American actresses for years to come and become the Meryl Streep for her generation.
Local Coverage: Chardon High School shooting
Update: United Way of Geauga County creates Chardon Healing Fund.
(via WEWS)
...A fund has been set up through the United Way of Geauga County called the Chardon Healing Fund. Already $150,000 has been donated to the fund and 100 percent of the money raised will go to helping the those directly affected by the tragedy, according to Bergant. Donations can be made at any PNC Bank branch or the United Way of Geauga County.
Update: Chardon High School Shooting Memorial Fund
(Via WJW)
The Chardon Angels of Hope Memorial Fund has been set up to benefit victim’s of the the Chardon High School shooting and their families.
On Tuesday victims Russell King Jr., 17, and Demetrius Hewlin passed away from injuries sustained in the shooting. Monday, classmate Daniel Parmertor, 16, passed away. Two Chardon High School students remain hospitalized.
Multiple Fox 8 News sources identify the alleged shooter as Thomas “TJ” Lane. Those sources say Lane is a student at Lake Academy.
Donations can be made at any Huntington National Bank location
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/united-way-creates-chardon-healing-fund-tj-lane-likely-to-face-aggravated-murder-charges#ixzz1nn9SSKjS
Update 5PM Lawyer issues statement for Lane family
(Via WKYC) WKYC'S Russ Mitchell had the chance to speak exclusively with Bob Farinacci, who is representing TJ Lane.
He read a statement from the Lane family.
"The family wanted me to convey to the citizens of Geauga County and Northeastern Ohio that the family is devastated by this most recent event. They want to give their most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family of the young man who passed and their continuing prayers are with all those who were injured. This is something that could never have been predicted. TJ's family has asked for some privacy while they try to understand how such a tragedy could have occurred and while they mourn this terrible loss for their community."
Read more http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/232808/396/Chardon-High-School-shooting-Lawyer-issues-statement-for-Lane-family-
Update 4PM Chardon High shooting suspect appears in court
(Via WEWS) Prosecutor David Joyce said TJ Lane didn't know his victims and chose them randomly. He also said Lane admitted firing 10 shots at Chardon High School.
Geauga County Juvenile Court Judge Timothy Grendell asked Lane if he understood he has the right to remain silent during the proceedings. Lane responded "yes."
Grendell issued a gag order, banning lawyers from both sides from talking to the media about Lane or the case.
Prosecutors have until March 1 to charge TJ Lane
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/chardon-high-school-shooting-suspect-appears-in-juvenile-court#ixzz1nia817wD
Update 2:45pm "The shooter fired at least six shots at victims in the cafeteria and in a hallway".
(Via CNN)...Police Chief Tim McKenna said the motive remained unclear. He hoped prosecutors could provide more information after a hearing in juvenile court Tuesday afternoon.
The suspect was scheduled to appear in juvenile court at 3:30 p.m.
"I have not talked to the prosecuting attorney, David Joyce, yet, but what we would assume is that this case would be at some point bound over and he would be tried, in all likelihood, as an adult," DeWine said on CNN.
A law enforcement source told CNN on Tuesday that the weapon used in the shooting was a .22-caliber handgun that the suspect got from a "close associate or family member." It was unclear exactly how or when he got the semi-automatic handgun, the source said. The gun had been legally purchased in the last few years, the source said.
The source said the shooter fired at least six shots at victims in the cafeteria and in a hallway.Police found the gun inside the school, apparently dropped by the suspect as he ran away, the source said..
Read more http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/justice/ohio-school-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Update 2PM Chardon High School Shooting Memorial Fund
Update 1PM: Third student dies in Chardon shooting
“We are very saddened by the loss of our son and others in our Chardon community. Demetrius was a happy young man who loved life and his family and friends. We will miss him very much but we are proud that he will be able to help others through organ donation. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.“
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/Third-student-Demetrius-Hewlin-dies-after-shooting-rampage-at-Chardon-High-School#ixzz1nnPQ8psD
Update 6:15PM Teachers’ Heroic Actions During Chardon High Shooting
"....Students said that after the teen gunman opened fire, he was charged by Frank Hall, who among other things is an assistant football coach.
Witnesses said Mr. Hall, known at Chardon High as a gentle giant, then chased the suspect from the building.
Student Madison Hess told Fox 8, “I’m actually not really shocked, I mean he’s that kind of teacher who will do anything to save his students.”
Students also said that as the victims lay bleeding from their wounds, math teacher Joe Ricci pulled one of them into a classroom and began rendering first aid until paramedics arrived."
http://fox8.com/2012/02/27/teachers-heroic-actions-during-chardon-high-shooting/
Update 6PM Source identifies Chardon High School shooting suspect as TJ Lane
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/fbi-identifies-chardon-high-school-shooting-suspect-as-tj-lane#ixzz1nimsrcT6
Update 4PM: Gawker: Ohio High School Gunman in Recent Facebook Posting: ‘Die, All of You’
"A high school student accused of shooting five students at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio, this morning has been identified as a student named Thomas "T.J." Lane. The attack this morning injured four students and killed one, 16-year-old Daniel Parmertor.
A few students have described Lane as a "bullied outcast." He reportedly lived with his grandparents and took a bus from Chardon to Lake Academy, an alternative school for "at-risk" students in Willoughby, Ohio, every morning. Some reports say that Lane had written threatening messages on his Twitter feed in the past few weeks, and his alleged Facebook page includes a lengthy note about "mistreated peasants" that ended with, "Die all of you."
A Chardon junior named Nate Mueller told the Cleveland Plain Dealer today that Lane approached a cafeteria table where he and three other students—Russell King, Nick Walczak and Demetrius Hewlin—had been sitting and talking:
Read the posting here http://gawker.com/5888671/ohio-high-school-gunman-in-recent-facebook-posting-die-all-of-you
Courtesy of WJW
Update 2PM Name of student killed in Chardon High School shooting released
(via WEWS)
"CHARDON, Ohio - The name of a student killed after a shooting rampage at Chardon High School Monday has been released.
A spokeswoman for MetroHealth Medical Center said Daniel Parmertor died as a result of being shot.
His family released this statement through the hospital:
“We are shocked by this senseless tragedy. Danny was a bright young boy who had a bright future ahead of him. The family is torn by this loss. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.“
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said Parmertor was 16 years old.
Parmentor and two other victims from the shooting were taken to MetroHealth following the shooting.
Two other victims taken to Hillcrest Hospital are a 17-year-old boy, who is in serious condition, and an 18-year-old girl, who is in stable condition, according to a hospital representative.
Police said the gunman who opened up fire in the school early Monday turned himself in after a teacher apparently chased him out of the building.
No other names have been released yet."
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/report-geauga-county-sheriffs-department-and-oshp-heading-to-chardon-high-school
(via WEWS)
...A fund has been set up through the United Way of Geauga County called the Chardon Healing Fund. Already $150,000 has been donated to the fund and 100 percent of the money raised will go to helping the those directly affected by the tragedy, according to Bergant. Donations can be made at any PNC Bank branch or the United Way of Geauga County.
Update: Chardon High School Shooting Memorial Fund
(Via WJW)
The Chardon Angels of Hope Memorial Fund has been set up to benefit victim’s of the the Chardon High School shooting and their families.
On Tuesday victims Russell King Jr., 17, and Demetrius Hewlin passed away from injuries sustained in the shooting. Monday, classmate Daniel Parmertor, 16, passed away. Two Chardon High School students remain hospitalized.
Multiple Fox 8 News sources identify the alleged shooter as Thomas “TJ” Lane. Those sources say Lane is a student at Lake Academy.
Donations can be made at any Huntington National Bank location
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/united-way-creates-chardon-healing-fund-tj-lane-likely-to-face-aggravated-murder-charges#ixzz1nn9SSKjS
Update 5PM Lawyer issues statement for Lane family
(Via WKYC) WKYC'S Russ Mitchell had the chance to speak exclusively with Bob Farinacci, who is representing TJ Lane.
He read a statement from the Lane family.
"The family wanted me to convey to the citizens of Geauga County and Northeastern Ohio that the family is devastated by this most recent event. They want to give their most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family of the young man who passed and their continuing prayers are with all those who were injured. This is something that could never have been predicted. TJ's family has asked for some privacy while they try to understand how such a tragedy could have occurred and while they mourn this terrible loss for their community."
Read more http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/232808/396/Chardon-High-School-shooting-Lawyer-issues-statement-for-Lane-family-
Update 4PM Chardon High shooting suspect appears in court
(Via WEWS) Prosecutor David Joyce said TJ Lane didn't know his victims and chose them randomly. He also said Lane admitted firing 10 shots at Chardon High School.
Geauga County Juvenile Court Judge Timothy Grendell asked Lane if he understood he has the right to remain silent during the proceedings. Lane responded "yes."
Grendell issued a gag order, banning lawyers from both sides from talking to the media about Lane or the case.
Prosecutors have until March 1 to charge TJ Lane
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/chardon-high-school-shooting-suspect-appears-in-juvenile-court#ixzz1nia817wD
Update 2:45pm "The shooter fired at least six shots at victims in the cafeteria and in a hallway".
(Via CNN)...Police Chief Tim McKenna said the motive remained unclear. He hoped prosecutors could provide more information after a hearing in juvenile court Tuesday afternoon.
The suspect was scheduled to appear in juvenile court at 3:30 p.m.
"I have not talked to the prosecuting attorney, David Joyce, yet, but what we would assume is that this case would be at some point bound over and he would be tried, in all likelihood, as an adult," DeWine said on CNN.
A law enforcement source told CNN on Tuesday that the weapon used in the shooting was a .22-caliber handgun that the suspect got from a "close associate or family member." It was unclear exactly how or when he got the semi-automatic handgun, the source said. The gun had been legally purchased in the last few years, the source said.
The source said the shooter fired at least six shots at victims in the cafeteria and in a hallway.Police found the gun inside the school, apparently dropped by the suspect as he ran away, the source said..
Read more http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/justice/ohio-school-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Update 2PM Chardon High School Shooting Memorial Fund
The Chardon Angels of Hope Memorial Fund has been set up to benefit victim’s of the the Chardon High School shooting and their families.
On Tuesday victims Russell King Jr., 17, and Demetrius Hewlin passed away from injuries sustained in the shooting. Monday, classmate Daniel Parmertor, 16, passed away. Two Chardon High School students remain hospitalized.
Multiple Fox 8 News sources identify the alleged shooter as Thomas “TJ” Lane. Those sources say Lane is a student at Lake Academy.
Donations can be made at any Huntington National Bank location
Update 1PM: Third student dies in Chardon shooting
MetroHealth Medical Center confirmed a third student, Demetrius Hewlin , has died following a shooting rampage at Chardon High School that ended with five shot and one under arrest.
His family made the following statement:
“We are very saddened by the loss of our son and others in our Chardon community. Demetrius was a happy young man who loved life and his family and friends. We will miss him very much but we are proud that he will be able to help others through organ donation. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.“
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/Third-student-Demetrius-Hewlin-dies-after-shooting-rampage-at-Chardon-High-School#ixzz1nnPQ8psD
Update 10AM Second student dies in Ohio high school shooting
The death of a second student in the Chardon High School shooting has been announced at a mid-morning news conference. Chardon Police Chief Tim McKenna announced that Russell King Jr. died at 4:49 a.m. Tuesday morning.
...The Chardon School District remains closed for a second day, but plans were announced at the news conference for returning students to the classroom.
On Wednesday, February 29 high school teachers and staff are to report to the high school while K-8 teachers and staff are to report to Munson Elementary.
Read more http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/232852/33/Chardon-High-School-Shooting-2nd-students-death-confirmed
Update 6:15PM Teachers’ Heroic Actions During Chardon High Shooting
"....Students said that after the teen gunman opened fire, he was charged by Frank Hall, who among other things is an assistant football coach.
Witnesses said Mr. Hall, known at Chardon High as a gentle giant, then chased the suspect from the building.
Student Madison Hess told Fox 8, “I’m actually not really shocked, I mean he’s that kind of teacher who will do anything to save his students.”
Students also said that as the victims lay bleeding from their wounds, math teacher Joe Ricci pulled one of them into a classroom and began rendering first aid until paramedics arrived."
http://fox8.com/2012/02/27/teachers-heroic-actions-during-chardon-high-shooting/
Update 6PM Source identifies Chardon High School shooting suspect as TJ Lane
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/fbi-identifies-chardon-high-school-shooting-suspect-as-tj-lane#ixzz1nimsrcT6
Update 4PM: Gawker: Ohio High School Gunman in Recent Facebook Posting: ‘Die, All of You’
"A high school student accused of shooting five students at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio, this morning has been identified as a student named Thomas "T.J." Lane. The attack this morning injured four students and killed one, 16-year-old Daniel Parmertor.
A few students have described Lane as a "bullied outcast." He reportedly lived with his grandparents and took a bus from Chardon to Lake Academy, an alternative school for "at-risk" students in Willoughby, Ohio, every morning. Some reports say that Lane had written threatening messages on his Twitter feed in the past few weeks, and his alleged Facebook page includes a lengthy note about "mistreated peasants" that ended with, "Die all of you."
A Chardon junior named Nate Mueller told the Cleveland Plain Dealer today that Lane approached a cafeteria table where he and three other students—Russell King, Nick Walczak and Demetrius Hewlin—had been sitting and talking:
Nate said he heard a gunshot behind him. He turned and felt a sting on his ear.Lane's alleged Facebook page has already been searched for any warnings of the attack. The Daily Caller picked out this particular status, posted on Jan. 20. It has been shared more than 100 times on Facebook today, as Lane did not use any privacy settings for his wall"
"My friends were crawling on the floor, and one of my friends was bent over the table, and he was shot," Nate said. "It was almost like a firecracker went off. I turned around and saw [T.J.] standing with a gun and I saw him take a shot."
Nate, who has a scratch on his upper right ear, said he ran out of the building, hid behind a car and called 9-1-1.
Nate said his group was friends with T.J. through middle school, but in high school, T.J. went a separate way.
Russell, he said, had recently started dating T.J.'s ex-girlfriend, who is home-schooled.
"He was silent the whole time," said Nate, who was waiting for a bus to his culinary arts classes at Auburn Career Center. "That's what made it so random."
Read the posting here http://gawker.com/5888671/ohio-high-school-gunman-in-recent-facebook-posting-die-all-of-you
Courtesy of WJW
(via WEWS)
"CHARDON, Ohio - The name of a student killed after a shooting rampage at Chardon High School Monday has been released.
A spokeswoman for MetroHealth Medical Center said Daniel Parmertor died as a result of being shot.
His family released this statement through the hospital:
“We are shocked by this senseless tragedy. Danny was a bright young boy who had a bright future ahead of him. The family is torn by this loss. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.“
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said Parmertor was 16 years old.
Parmentor and two other victims from the shooting were taken to MetroHealth following the shooting.
Two other victims taken to Hillcrest Hospital are a 17-year-old boy, who is in serious condition, and an 18-year-old girl, who is in stable condition, according to a hospital representative.
Police said the gunman who opened up fire in the school early Monday turned himself in after a teacher apparently chased him out of the building.
No other names have been released yet."
Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_geauga/report-geauga-county-sheriffs-department-and-oshp-heading-to-chardon-high-school
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
. @KevinLockett's 2012 #Oscars Predictions
TheAcademy Awards are this Sunday and even though it still sucks that Eddie Murphy dropped after Brett Ratner was being well, Brett Ratner, here are my picks for the golden fella!
Best Picture - "The Artist"
If you haven't seen this movie, you should. Even without sound, "The Artist" is funny, sad, uplifting and dark.
Best Actor George Clooney, "The Descendants"
While the the French George Clonney aka Jean Dujardin could pull the upset for the role as the conflicted actor George Valentin in "The Artist", the American George Clooney is the odds on favorite for his role as the conflicted father and husband in "The Descendants". The career run Clooney has established since Batman & Robin is still amazing, but what will it take for fellow best actor nominee Gary Oldman to grab one of those statutes?
Best Actress Viola Davis, "The Help"
Its almost a travesty that Meryl Streep only has two Oscars (She hasn't since 1983's "Sophie's Choice"), I don't think she will mind losing to her co-star from 2008's "Doubt" Viola Davis for her touching role in "The Help".
Best Director Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Visually stunning with an captivating story about the ending the silent movie era, Hazanavicius made a black & white, silent movie relevant in the 21st century. Plus he's married The Artist best supporting actress nominee Berenice Bejo, so he's already a winner!
Best Supporting Actor Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"
I'm sorry, I just can say star of Superbad and Academy Award winner Jonah Hill?!? So count this win for Plummer as a lifetime achievement award.
Best Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer, "The Help"
Although Berenice Bejo has not got enough for her spirited role as Peppy Miller in The Artist, (her scene alone with the coat rack (see above) was one of the most romantic scenes and memorable scenes cinema the past few years), The Help's Spencer has captivated the voters hearts, so she will probably win the golden statute.
But please Hollywood, no more stories about servants
African Americans has more stories than ones maids, drivers and black men in dresses.
So who are your picks for this year's Oscars?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Don Cheadle Talks House of Lies on Tavis Smiley
Watch Actor Don Cheadle on PBS. See more from Tavis Smiley.
Bar none of my favorite shows on TV right now is "House of Lies" on Showtime.
I call it "Californication" with an urban twist.
When Don Cheadle appered on Tavis Smiley, he mentioned that the show has a diverse writing staff which includes African American and gay writers, which is virtually uncommon on most TV programs nowadays.
One the legacies of the Cosby Show was that Bill Cosby had a diverse crew of writers and staff, which not only made the show strong, but also allowed individuals who otherwise wouldn't get a shot on most shows, an opportunity to shine.
As diverse as America is, its a shame that not just TV but corporations seems to shy away from broadening their pool of workers. If all of us had the same upbringing, the world that we live in would be rather bland.
Diversity allows us to share our stories and learn from others.
Plus, I can watch a guy who looks like me in Don Cheadle act like a stud with woman of all races.
That's prettycool man.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)