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Vol. XXX, No. 1275
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Thursday, March 15, 2012
L.A. Watts Times
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Thursday, March 15, 2012
March 15 - 21
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ries ~ The golden rule is in full effect as the week gets under way: Respond to others with the thought and care you'd like them to use with you. The good karma you accrue is priceless. Doors swing wide open for you around Wednesday and Thursday. Opportunity’s knocking — so greet it with a smile (and more, if it’s of the romantic variety!). Friday or Saturday could involve issues surrounding who’s in charge. Are you ready to negotiate when it comes to a certain situation or relationship? aurus ~ Feelings, situations, relationships: They’re all intensified by the stars as the week gets under way. Things can get tricky —will it be in a getting fooled or an ‘oh, I get it!’ way? Not everything’s on the surface, and this trend continues on Wednesday and Thursday. Let your subconscious speak now — in dreams, in fanciful thoughts, in free-form writing or brainstorming. On Friday and Saturday, you’re especially responsive to your physical surroundings. Why not go places that inspire you —and take someone inspiring along? emini ~ It looks like you’re sticking to your guns as the week gets going, and you’ve got the smarts to make an insightful argument for your point of view, too. A logical approach works wonders. Around Wednesday and Thursday, an extra set of hands and eyeballs (and the extra perspective that comes with them) makes projects (or even play) much better. Say howdy, pardner! Be sure to be explicit about plans, ideas and feelings from Friday through the weekend — and get those around you to do the same. ancer ~ Take a deep breath and another look as the week begins. If you don’t, you risk taking something personally when you shouldn’t. (Also, be sure to pause before you make any agreements final.) Around Wednesday and Thursday, take a one-for-you, one-for-me approach; your attention to helping others and also helping yourself makes everybody feel good, whether at work or in your personal life. Then heads up! Something you see or hear from Friday through the weekend helps you take a step in a slightly different, much better direction. eo ~ You might be getting lots of input as the week gets going, and, sure, you’ll want to consider it all. Just remember that the most important feedback will likely come from within. Don’t neglect your best instincts! Your heart's definitely got something to say around Wednesday and Thursday, and before you know it, you might just be blurting it out. Good for you! You're hot, so make some stuff happen. Then, from Friday through the weekend, it looks like something (or someone) is really sparking your enthusiasm. irgo ~ Getting stuff done — and lots of it! — is likely priority one for you as the week begins. Just make sure pertinent people are on board with your plans, or else conflicts are in the cards. You might want to loosen those plans up, or set them aside altogether, around Wednesday and Thursday. A looser approach as well as an open heart and mind allows room in your world for the expansion the stars favor now. Let it grow. From Friday through the weekend, it just might be your love life that’s flourishing gorgeously.
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ibra ~ Is life more about money and material stuff, or ideas and feelings as the week gets going? The stars call on you to check your priorities now. What’s most important? Be conscious about such choices. You’ll have a stellar opportunity to explore them more around Wednesday and Thursday. And if you’ve got a chance to explore vis-a-vis a certain someone, it looks like now’s the time. (Get them in on it!) Then, on Friday or Saturday, an old issue or a person from your past may resurface. corpio ~ You’re ridiculously compelling as the week gets going. If you want something (or someone!), now’s the time to go for it! Around Wednesday and Thursday, it’s time to look at the bigger picture, to check out the road ahead. Proceed with a bit of caution — and with your eyes and ears wide open. You’ve got a way with bringing people together and bringing plans to fruition on Friday and Saturday; work looks extra-productive, while your friends hail you as a hero. agittarius ~ Give yourself time to puzzle through something at the start of the week. Whether it’s a work issue or something more personal, you can come up with an unusual (and unusually good) solution. Then you’re ready to let some good times roll around Wednesday and Thursday, when friends and maybe a sweet surprise or two are in the stars. Your personal style shines, and it keeps on shining through the weekend. That imagination of yours is working overtime on some hot stuff! Somebody loves your way with (warm, witty) words now, too. apricorn ~ A little prep time is a big help as the week starts moving. Get your work agenda and your social calendar all lined up, and choose a goal, hope or dream to keep at the forefront of your mind. Speaking of dreams, those who think you’re all about the nitty-gritty may be surprised by your philosophical (or romantic!) side around Wednesday and Thursday. Your personal vibe gets even better on Friday and Saturday — you’re all charged up, and it’s the magnetic kind, with you attracting all kinds of positive attention. Enjoy! quarius ~ Don’t let the little things get you down as the week gets under way — and do plot your next big advance! Then watch for things to be revealed in any and all areas of your life around Wednesday and Thursday. Or maybe it’s you who’s ready to let a plan be known or let the cat out of the proverbial bag. Friday or Saturday might find you with less energy than usual. Get extra rest, and try mental and physical exercise to get you going, rather than just another coffee. isces ~ Know your own vast value as the week gets going. Confidence gets you recognized! Ask for more and you’ll be surprised. An open mind and a little caution don't have to be mutually exclusive, and you'll want both working for you around Wednesday and Thursday. Keep those cues you’re picking up on in your back pocket for later, like Friday or Saturday, when you're down to Earth and ready for action. Consider taking the lead now (you'll look great up there!).
Inside This Edition
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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Rep. Donald Payne was a modest man who favored quiet persuasion over bombast, qualities that didn’t detract from his effectiveness as an advocate for the most vulnerable in the U.S. and abroad, former friends
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L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates
Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010 WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ............Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ..................................Executive Vice President Tracey Mitchell ......................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ..................................................Co-Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds ..............................................Co-Managing Editor Joy Childs ....................................................................Assistant Editor Bernard Lloyd ....................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ....................................................Graphic Designer Chris Martin ..........................................................Production Designer EMAIL: wattsweekender@yahoo.com Circulation ..................................................................................50,000 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the L.A. Watts Times. The L.A. Watts Times is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, CDs or tapes. CIRCULATION AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL
William Payne, center right, arrives at the funeral of his brother, New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne on Wednesday, in Newark, N.J. The 77-year-old passed away last week from colon cancer. The funeral followed two days of public viewing for Payne, the first Black congressional member from New Jersey. BY DAVID PORTER | ASSOCIATED PRESS
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and colleagues recalled at his funeral Wednesday. Former President Bill Clinton called Payne, who died last week of colon cancer at age 77, “a dear friend” who “made me a better president” for his humanitarian efforts in Africa and elsewhere. A who’s who of current and See REP. PAYNE, page 5
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9 BlackFacts.com March 19, 1939 The New Negro Theater is founded in Los Angeles, California by Langston Hughes. March 21, 1965 The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leads thousands of people on a 54 mile march from Selma to Montgomery Alabama to call for voting rights for African Americans.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Susan D. Austin takes the helm at BMI As the new chair at BMI, Susan Davenport Austin becomes one of the most powerful and influential women in radio BY BRANDON I. BROOKS ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Recently Susan Davenport Austin was elected by her peers, as chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) at the annual meeting of the company's shareholders. She became the first woman and the first Black woman to serve in that capacity; previously, she was the vice chair. Austin came to BMI with an impressive resume in telecommunications, banking and academia, not only in the radio broadcast industry, but also in media finance in general. Prior to being elected to chair BMI, she had been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) and President of the Sheridan Gospel Network which was founded by her family in Susan Davenport Austin, Chair of BMI 1972. Sheridan is the majority owner and manager of American but whose songs are very well Urban Radio Networks, the number known, this is to make certain that one ranked radio network reaching they get paid for their creative work." African Americans in the U.S. LAS: "As the first woman ... not Before coming to SBC, Austin just woman, but as the first Black worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co., woman to chair BMI ... what are Bear, Stearns & Co. and Salomon some of your goals and objectives?" Brothers Inc. In addition, she holds a SDA: "As the chair, you're generB.A. in mathematics from Harvard ally trying to help an organization University and an M.B.A. from develop strategy and plans for the Stanford University Graduate School future. Clearly part of looking at of Business. strategy and the growth of the compaThe Los Angeles Sentinel recent- ny and seeing how that evolves ly interviewed Austin about her new because that's the life blood of any position at BMI, and about her future company. And whatever, I can do to goals and objectives for the company. help BMI's tradition ... developing Los Angeles Sentinel (LAS): people regardless of what their back"Outside the broadcast industry, the grounds are ... I am just making sure name BMI is not well known, would that they have the opportunities... and you mind telling me, and particularly I think that's the best thing for the the public, what does BMI really organization." do?" LAS: "Prior to assuming the helm Susan D. Austin (SDA): "BMI of BMI, what do you think prepared basically ensures that the writers of you to take on this monumental task music get paid for their work ... the ... you have an amazing resume ... creative people. So as a general rule, was a Harvard student ... taking over most people who listen to the radio your family business ...but what do tend to think that the person who per- you think are some of the key things forms the song is the person who that brought you into this position?" wrote that song, and sometimes they SDA: Well, there are a few things didn't. And what BMI does is to ... one, I have a financial background make certain that the songwriter - and that certainly was helpful in whose name may never occur - actu- terms of my getting involved with the ally does in fact get paid for that board to begin with ... having a good song." understanding of numbers and everyLAS: "And of course, that's very thing else ... and always trying to do important?" better ... and what we have to make SDA: "Take for example, when sure that what we are doing is providWhitney Houston recently passed, ing opportunities for the best in the part of the song from the Bodyguard business. was actually written by Dolly LAS: What advice or guidance Parton." can you give to our young readers LAS: "I wasn't aware of that and persons interested in pursuing a until her recent passing ..." career similar to yours? SDA: "...exactly, so that's someSDA: I think it's just like any thing where she had in fact, I think other industry in that, the reality is sung it a long time ago. Most people, you have to work hard. I was always it would never occur to them, that in taught growing up that the only place fact, Dolly is the one who is going to you will find success before work is get paid for that song as the writer. in the in the dictionary. But Dolly is obviously so wellLAS: Wow that's a great quote, I known, but there are so many others like that! See SUSAN S. AUSTIN, page 11 whose names are not as well-known
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Recasting the Titans BY NEFTALIE WILLIAMS, USC ANNENBERG SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS WATTS TIMES GUEST WRITER “Hallelujah!” “He’s gonna take this!” “Amen!” “No way — she’s on one right now!” “Please, he’s gonna hit her hard ... but real gentleman like …” This last comment trickles into my left ear and prompts a hushed laughter from the audience members on my right, trying not to appear to take sides. I’m crouched dead center in a capacity crowd flanked by two sets of overflowing viewing rooms and nary an inch of standing-room space in my area. Texans usually reserve this type of fervor for gospel or the Super Bowl. Instead, I’m sandwiched between members of the raucous, big-hearted Marshall, Texas, audience photographing their Wiley College suiting up against ... the University of Southern California’s debate team —An odd visual, perhaps. Yet, like any final game day, nervous energy thickens the air, like August humidity in a Savannah swamp. Fans are eager to determine who has the fortitude to carry the ball and wield the oratory expertise to again change the nation. Almost eight decades have passed since the last battle-royal between these debate teams. Originally, Wiley, a histor-
Photo by Neftalie Williams
The Wiley Debate team Chad Mossman, Cary Chavis and USC Debate team Maria Mohammed and Clara Perk. ically Black college, lobbed a Hail-Mary challenge at the historically debateblessed USC, which ruptured the established fault lines of the American educational system. In those days, the tentacles of the Jim Crow south were firmly rooted in America’s foundation, and Wiley College surely operated well beneath the underdog. During that historic debate, Wiley students steadily placed segregation, racism and overt hostility in their crosshairs and fired a shot to both deaden those evils and gain entrance into the
world of the White elites. African American voices went mostly unheard of outside their community, and their act could strengthen the will of the people beyond the walls of anyone's alma mater. The larger implications of their performance could sound more than their own horns; it might sound a battalion’s. Not too much pressure on a young team: just your entire culture on you back. Now, although exact records are not See TITANS, page 11
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Thursday, March 15, 2012
Restoring King Hospital New screening Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has made the restoration of MLK Hospital to its full potential, a cornerstone of his administration. BY YUSSUF J. SIMMONDS CO-MANAGING EDITOR According to Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas’ website, he is building more than a hospital; he’s building a sprawling health care complex that will be an economic engine for new jobs and allied health business development. Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has been the driving force to restore to Greater South Los Angeles the critical life-sustaining healthcare resource that was lost due to mismanagement and high profile medical failures. When King-Harbor Medical Center that was forced to close in August 2007 for repeatedly failing to pass medical accreditation reviews, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas vowed, that when elected in November 2008, he would work tirelessly to create a new Martin Luther King Hospital to replace the long troubled facility. Through his leadership, collaboration and fueled by his dogged determination, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas is very close to fulfilling his promise made in 2008. MLK Hospital is of vital importance to the South Los Angeles community and the surrounding communities.
procedures for air travelers over 75 BY JASON KEYSER | ASSOCIATED PRESS
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas Without a community hospital, travel (emergency or otherwise) time to distant health facilities could result in dire consequences to the residents. MLK
Hospital is the community’s lifeline. Under the leadership of Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, the Board See KING HOSPITAL, page 10
CHICAGO (AP) — Some air travelers over the age of 75 will soon get a break at airport security checkpoints under a test program announced Wednesday that could allow them to keep their shoes and light jackets on and skip pat-downs. The new guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration, which take effect Monday at four U.S. airports, are part of an effort to move away from its onesize-fits-all security procedures and speed lower-risk passengers through while focusing on those who may need more scrutiny. Similar changes were made last fall for travelers 12 and younger. Since the 9/11 terror attacks that led to tighter security, air travelers have criticized what they say is a lack of common sense in screening all passengers the same way, including young children and the elderly. That criticism grew louder in 2010 when the government began using a more invasive pat-down that involves screeners feeling a traveler’s genital and breast areas through their clothing. “By moving away from a onesize-fits-all approach to security and applying some intelligence-driven and risk-based security models, TSA is looking at how this works for passengers,” said agency spokesman Jim Fotenos. The change in guidelines will be introduced at a limited number of security lanes at Chicago’s O’Hare International, Denver International, Orlando International and Portland International. Those airports were chosen because they have a higher percentage of travelers 75 and older, Fotenos said. He said the rules will be relaxed indefinitely at the four airports with the intention of expanding
elsewhere if it is a success. Two passengers in their 80s traveling separately through New York’s Kennedy Airport in November complained that they were effectively strip-searched. One was made to remove a back brace so it could be X-rayed. The other said she was humiliated when two female screeners made her lower her sweatpants so they could examine her colostomy bag. The TSA has disputed parts of their accounts while acknowledging that screeners violated rules by asking to examine their medical devices. In another incident that sparked outrage, a 6-year-old girl was reduced to tears after screeners frisked her at New Orleans airport in March 2011 — a scene recorded on video and posted on YouTube. To reduce the number of patdowns given to children and the elderly, screeners in the test programs are being told to send those passengers through metal detectors or walk-through imaging machines multiple times to capture a clear picture as well as to use more explosive trace detection tools such as hand swabs, according to the TSA. “The TSA recognizes that the vast majority of air travelers present no risk to aviation security,” Fotenos said. “But it’s how we identify those (travelers) and expedite the process that we’re working on right now.” The agency is also expanding a program that allows vetted travelers in certain frequent flier programs to go through expedited screening, keep their shoes on and leave liquids and laptops in their bags. Removing shoes during checkpoint screening has been a common complaint among airline travelers since security was increased after an al-Qaida operative tried to set off a bomb built into his shoe on an American Airlines flight in December 2001.
Hollywood Park to add sponsor name to track INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Hollywood Park will add the name of sponsor Betfair to the historic track in the first such naming rights deal for a U.S. racetrack. The five-year deal announced Tuesday calls for the track to be renamed Betfair Hollywood Park and for major technology, facility and infrastructure upgrades pending approval of the track’s racing dates for 2013. The upcoming spring-summer meet is to run April 26-July 15. Betfair US is a Los Angelesbased subsidiary of Betfair Group that also owns TVG, the horse racing network. It plans to create a club on
the main floor and a lounge on the third floor with improved technology and food and beverages. The track’s simulcast signal will be produced by TVG. The California Horse Racing Board is considering regulations that would make possible exchange wagering on racing by state residents for the first time. Track president Jack Liebau says partnering with Betfair will modernize the racing product and help attract a younger fan base. Hollywood Park opened in 1938 and hosted the first Breeders’ Cup in 1984.
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Red Bull drops Jesus ad in South Africa BY ANGUS SHAW | ASSOCIATED PRESS JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Energy-drink maker Red Bull said Wednesday it has dropped an advertisement in South Africa after an outcry from both Christians and Muslims for its portrayal of Jesus Christ walking on water. South Africa’s Roman Catholic bishops urged Christians not to drink Red Bull in traditional fasting for Lent ahead of Easter celebrations next month, stopping short of calling for a full commercial boycott. The television cartoon implies Jesus walked on water because he had been invigorated by a miraculous energy drink and knew where there were hidden rocks to tread on. South Africa’s Muslim Judicial Council on Wednesday warned of consequences of “secular extremism” against any religious faith. It said any “insult and satire” of Jesus targeted “the very foundation of Islamic theology.” Christ is a revered prophet in Islam. In a message to Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, head of the Southern Africa Roman Catholic Bishops Conference, the Muslim
council said the ad was hurtful to Christianity, Islam and religion as a whole. “We wish that our voices can be united to make clear to any secular extremist that any attack or defacement of religious symbols and sacred spaces is not acceptable,” the council said. Cardinal Napier earlier called on Catholic worshippers to donate to charities any money they saved on Red Bull during Lent. In a statement, the drinks maker said its humorous advertising always looks at “well-known themes.” “It is never our intention to hurt anyone's feelings,” it said. It said the ad, aired Tuesday, was scrapped Wednesday, and Red Bull regretted it had caused such strong feelings in religious communities. Cartoons depicting Islam’s Prophet Mohamed triggered violent protests in Europe and across the Muslim world. “There is a need for a new sensitivity toward people’s beliefs,” said Chris Townsend, an official of the Bishops Conference in South Africa. “As on this occasion, people become very deeply offended,” Townsend said.
Continued from page 2 former politicians attended Payne’s funeral at Newark’s Metropolitan Baptist Church, a place the 12-term congressman returned to often during his years in office. “What made him loved was that he was not only global, he was grounded,” the Rev. Al Sharpton said. “Donald Payne never forgot why people sent him to Trenton and to Washington.” Clinton, who received a standing ovation when he was introduced, sat next to Republican Gov. Chris Christie during the service, and the two talked together and shared a few chuckles. “Donald Payne believed peace was better than war, that it was better to build than to break down, better to reconcile than to resent,” Clinton said during his remarks. “You know when he grew up; he could have been an angry man, a resenter rather than a builder. But then this church wouldn’t be filled today.” Payne became New Jersey’s first Black congressional member in 1988. He served as a member of House committees on education, foreign affairs and a subcommittee on Africa. He is considered one of the first U.S. officials to speak out on atrocities in war-torn Sudan. He started out as a public school teacher in Newark, and went on to serve on the city council and as a county freeholder before being elected to Congress on his third try. He replaced former Rep. Peter
Rodino, who had retired after 40 years in Congress. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Payne brought his teacher’s perspective to Washington and succeeded “in a city where progress can too often be stalled by bureaucracy and big egos.” He also credited Payne with helping to pave the way for Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president, as well as for a Black attorney general — Holder himself. “We stood upon his shoulders,” he said, before reading a letter from the president that praised Payne for his efforts on behalf of working class families. The famously blunt Christie lauded Payne’s “gentle power” and drew laughter from the crowd when he said that in terms of personality, “Congressman Payne and I complemented each other.” Others who attended included the Rev. Jesse Jackson, boxing promoter Don King, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Environmental Protection Agency head Lisa Jackson, Rep. John Lewis, and other congressional members and state politicians. Payne had announced in February that he was undergoing treatment for colon cancer and would continue to represent his district. He was flown home to New Jersey from Georgetown University Hospital as his health took a sudden turn for the worse, and died four days later, on March 6.
BY STACY A. ANDERSON | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Michelle Obama will lead the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, the White House said Tuesday. It has become a tradition for first ladies to lead the U.S. delegation. Laura Bush headed the delegation to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, and Hillary Rodham Clinton led the delegation at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. In advance of the upcoming summer games, Mrs. Obama hosted a mini-Olympic competition with physical activities for D.C.-area children at American University on Tuesday. The competition is part of her Let’s Move! initiative to promote fitness and healthy eating. Olympians and Paralympians including Kortney Clemons, Dominique Dawes, April Holmes, Lisa Leslie, Lori Ann Lindsey, Dan O'Brien, Becky Sauerbrunn and David Wagner led the children in competitions that included basketball, soccer, tennis and relay races. The fifth-graders were from MacFarland Middle School in Washington, Manor View Elementary School in Maryland and Arlington Science Focus School in Virginia. Mrs. Obama was joined by Britain's first lady, Samantha Cameron, who is accompanying her husband, British Prime Minister David Cameron, on an official twoday, visit to the U.S. The first lady and President Barack Obama will host the Camerons at the White House for a state dinner Wednesday. The two first ladies stopped by about halfway through the students’ hourlong workout. They mostly observed, but Mrs. Obama briefly hit tennis balls with the kids before making a few remarks. She told the children she was thrilled about leading the U.S. delegation in London. “It’s not just about who wins the medals, or which country wins the most medals,” Mrs. Obama said. “That’s not what the Olympics are about. Instead, the Olympic Games are about commitment, about determination, and, most importantly, it’s about teamwork.” She said she hopes the Olympics and athletes inspire young people to get up and move. The mini-Olympics concluded with an award ceremony, with the athletes placing medals on the students.
BlackFacts.com March 19, 1968 Howard University students seized administration building. Students were demanding campus reform and Black-oriented curriculum. Civil rights forces mobilized in support of striking hospital workers in Charleston, South Carolina.
AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari
First lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of British Primer Minister David Cameron, join with students participating in a miniOlympics competition in celebration of the 2012 London Summer Olympics and Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 in Washington. At right is American decathlete and Olympic gold-medal winner Dan O’Brien.
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Thursday, March 15, 2012
F E AT U R E
L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER
Yvette Nicole Brown by Sandra Varner/Talk2SV | Special for Watts Times Perhaps you know her smiling face from TV commercials or the numerous roles she’s had on situation comedy shows, among them, NBC’s The Oƥce, HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage. Maybe you recognize her trademark scowl and eyebrow roll or tune in each week to see her hilarious character, Shirley Bennett, on the popular NBC primetime sitcom, Community. It might be her familiar voice as Cookie in the animated series, Pound Puppies. Either way, funny lady Yvette Nicole Brown is someone you won’t soon forget. I spoke to her about the fame she’s enjoying and her road to stardom. WATTS: You are becoming one of the most recognizable faces on TV with a penchant for unique character portrayals, not to mention your role on the successful sitcom, Community. What makes Yvette Nicole Brown stand out in the most competitive industry there is? Yvette Nicole Brown (YNB): I never knew that I was a standout, so I’m really happy to hear that and thank you. I think if it’s anything, it’s probably how grateful I am and the joy that I have to be an actor. There’s not a lot of us with my skin tone or my body size that are allowed to have a shot at this, so the fact that I was able to be on a show (Community) that has lasted three years is just a great blessing. Maybe it’s the joy that I feel every day going to work; people see it and maybe that’s what makes me stand out, if I do at all. WATTS: Gratitude and appreciation for one’s work does speak volumes. One particular character trait I’ve noticed is your ability to communicate through a range of hilarious facial expressions. Is this a characteristic that you’ve worked to perfect or are they just instinctive reactions? YNB: I think they’re just instinctive reactions. I have a very expressive face and a big old apple head, so I think that everything I’m thinking crosses my eyes and my eyebrows — it just kind of shows up. I come from a funny family. My mom is hilarious. Growing up, she always made our lives so much fun. I think many times it’s just me hearkening back to the things that I saw her do as I was growing up. So it’s probably a little bit of mom along with having an expressive face. WATTS: How did growing up in East Cleveland, Ohio, enhance your sensibilities as an actor? YNB: I grew up in a single-parent home with my mom and my brother. We didn’t have money when I was coming up so we had to be creative, especially around Christmas time. When it came time to entertain ourselves, we would put on plays, write songs and that kind of thing to entertain my mom because she was al-
ways working so hard. And on her part, she was always trying to make ends meet. She didn’t want us to see the struggle so she would always come in the house with a big smile on her face. Whatever play or skit we had created after an eight-or nine-hour day of working, she’d come in excited to see it even though she was probably very tired. I think that informed my work ethic now: Put a smile on your face no matter how you feel. That little performing spirit was in me as a kid because we were performers for my mom and I think that’s how it has colored my acting now. WATTS: You started performing as a kid. When did you know that you were good at it? YNB: I still don’t know that I’m good at it … Sometimes I can’t believe they’re letting me work (laughter). I don’t think I’ve ever given a performance and thought, ‘Yeah, look at me.’ I don’t think I’ve ever done that. I know that I am at least doing the bare minimum that’s required because I keep getting a paycheck and I haven’t been fired. I always try to be better. I hope that I make people laugh; I hope that I lighten their load in these strange times — and that’s all that I could ask for as a performer. WATTS: Speaking of “strange times,” you mention that you are still getting a paycheck, particularly in an industry known for uncertainties. Are you a good money manager? YNB: Oh, I’m a great money manager. I grew up poor and my goal was to never go back. Even before I started acting, when I was an oƥce temp. I was a very good manager of my money. I saved, always saved more than I spent, and I always decided that I would save at least five or six years below the standard of living that I had achieved. When I was working, I had a full-time job; I was still living as an oƥce temp. Now that I am a series regular, I’m still living as if I’m a guest star. I don’t even pay attention to the money that comes in above whatever that level is. That money always gets put away and invested and so forth so I can give to my mom, my brother, friends and whatnot, as time goes on. I don’t ever want to be a burden. I always want to be a blessing, so I save. WATTS: This is a rare discussion we’re having, and I love hearing you say these things. It’s easy for someone in your position to become pompous, arrogant and oơ-putting, particularly in this business. You’re a treasure. YNB: Oh, my, thank you. I know where my blessings come from. I feel that if I ever got high-minded the Lord would come down and let me know who was really in charge (laughter). I tend to give Him the glory first
— He ain’t got to remind me who’s running things. It’s easy to stay humble if you know who you are. WATTS: You are self-deprecating, making jokes about yourself as well, earlier, referring to the size of your head. Conversely, I think you have the best head of hair in the business. Who is your stylist? YNB: My stylist is Janet Moore. Loretta styles my hair on Community. Sometimes I’m wearing a wig on the show. Last year, I had my own hair — and I love my hair. Earlier, I was talking about my big old apple head. I have a certain shape head that makes me look like an apple. I don’t know if it’s a Cleveland staple, but a lot of my family members have apple heads too. (laughter) WATTS: Laughter comes easy when talking to you. Have your ever done stand-up? YNB: I have not. I have a great respect for stand ups. Loni Love is a close friend, Sherri Shepherd is a close friend, and I see the work that goes into crafting the perfect joke. I’m not one of these people that have ever believed that I can do all things. I could do all things right, but as an entertainer, I believe that there’s some things that you can excel in and there’s other things that you’re just OK at. I never wanted to do something if I couldn’t excel, so I leave the comedy to the professionals and I just say funny things that people write for me. It’s not an easy craft to stand in front of a brick wall and take a microphone and talk about your life and lighten people’s load, so no I’ve never tried it and I probably never will. WATTS: Several celebrities are choosing national weight loss programs to shed pounds. Is that in your foreseeable future? YNB: Yeah, look: I’m sure that if you were a chubby girl and now (after losing weight) you can go out and buy those supercute tiny clothes or maybe you can walk up a hill a little easier, perhaps it would make you happier. I haven’t lost weight to know what that may feel like but, again, I get up a hill just fine … and the clothes that I buy are cute too. I don’t see it (my size) as anything that needs to be fixed. Now I’m not saying that that’s what others feel; I’m sure they are making the best decision for their lives just as I’m making the best decision for me and mine. One day, if I lose weight and I decide that I want to go down that route, that’s a decision I’ll make at that time but, as of right now, I’m fine. WATTS: Shed some light on the casting process that landed you the job on Community? YNB: I auditioned along with every single Black woman on the planet. We all laugh when I see all my
friends in the industry, since that day. Everybody I know of a certain age, almost every race, auditioned for the show at some point. They had pretty much color-blind casting. I later found out that my character, Shirley, was supposed to be a middle-aged White woman. I walked in, 30-something and Black and they were like, OK. It just kind of fit my story. I refer to people as ‘pumpkin’ and ‘sweetie,’ so when I read the script, I said to myself, ‘Oh, my goodness, this character uses my language.’ So, I thought, this (role) might be OK for me. I went in and I auditioned the first time with the casting director and the creator. Then he called in a couple of other producers so I auditioned twice. From that day forward and maybe two or three days later, I found out that I was going to be moving on to perform in front of the studio executives, which is very grueling and crazy-making. Then, they used a tape of me from that performance and showed it to the network, and that’s how I got the show. WATTS: As we close, describe the typical day in the life of Yvette Nicole Brown, who is on her way to becoming a household name. YNB: A typical day … If I’m doing Community, I’m usually up and in the makeup trailer by 5:30 a.m., on a Monday; that’s our first day of production. I’m usually there from 5:30 in the morning until maybe 7 or 8 at night. We usually do about 14- to 16-hour days, going over diơerent scenes and so forth. We have an hour or a half-hour lunch break, and that’s the grind. On a nonwork day, part of the day could include a radio tour that begins at 6 in the morning. That could last all day. From there, referring to that particular day, I left to record a voiceover. So that was a typical day when I’m not working. You’re always either doing the show or promoting the show or, in a lot of cases, doing something as the occasion warrants. That’s what I think is important in the event I do become a household name: I would use it to promote worthy things and causes just so that I can say, ‘Thanks for coming … Have you heard about thisgroup.org, have you heard about Lollipop Theatre, have you heard about Amazing Grace Conservatory?’ It’s a great way to let people know about projects that you believe in that are helping other people. I don’t believe God wants anyone to say, ‘Look at my success.’ It’s not about amassing a lot of money; it’s not about amassing fame. It’s about using the money and any recognition I have to bless others. If I don’t use it to do that, I have failed.
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Photo Credit: Tina B. Henderson
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Colston stays with Saints, Marshall to Bears BY BARRY WILNER | ASSOCIATED PRESS Wide receivers grabbed the big money as NFL free agency began Tuesday. Vincent Jackson is headed to Tampa Bay, Pierre Garcon to Washington and Marques Colston will stay in New Orleans, all getting huge deals. Josh Morgan also caught a hefty contract from the Redskins, while Miami dealt its top receiver, Brandon Marshall, to Chicago for two thirdround draft choices. Jackson got a five-year, $55.55 million contract with the Buccaneers. He will be paid $13 million in each of his first two years, then $10 million for the third year. Jackson will provide a deep threat for Josh Freeman, whose other receivers, Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn, are more short-range targets. Garcon gets $42.5 million over five years from the Redskins, with $20.5 million in guaranteed money, including an $11 million signing bonus. Garcon had 188 catches for 16 touchdowns and a 13.4-yard average in four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Last year he had 70 receptions for 947 yards and six TDs as Indianapolis finished 2-14. Washington, which is losing $36 million in salary cap space over the next two seasons for excessive spending in the uncapped 2010 season, also grabbed Morgan for $12 million over the first two years of a five-year deal, with $7.5 million guaranteed. And the Redskins re-signed defensive end Adam Carriker for four years and $20 million, with $7 million guaranteed. Late Tuesday night, the Chargers agreed to a four-year deal with former New Orleans Saints wideout Robert Meachem. Hours before free agency began, Colston agreed to a five-year contract worth about $40 million to remain in the Big Easy. “This was important to me, to be back with this team in this situation,” Colston said in a statement released by the Saints. “I was not looking to chase free agency. It was more important for me to be back in our program, a program we have been building and a program I believe in.” The top free agent, of course, is Peyton Manning, who was released a week ago by the Colts. He still is conducting his limited tour of teams, but the Dolphins’ trade of their No. 1 receiver could indicate Miami is out of the running for the four-time league MVP. “Brandon Marshall out of Miami?” Dolphins center Mike Pouncey tweeted. “Tell me this ain’t true...” At night, Chicago added Jason Campbell to be Jay Cutler's backup quarterback. Also re-upping with their teams were Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas, Eagles tackle Todd Herremans, Chargers center Nick Hardwick, Jets linebacker Bryan Thomas, Vikings backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant and linebacker Heath Farwell, Bears cornerback Tim Jennings, Falcons backup quarterback Chris Redman and
All-Pro Nicks joins Bucs; Megatron collects BY BARRY WILNER | ASSOCIATED PRESS
AP Photo/File
Signs of the season: The agent for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston said Tuesday his client has agreed to new free agent contract with New Orleans. receiver Harry Douglas, and 49ers linebacker Tavares Gooden, a valuable special teams player. The Giants’ Thomas missed last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a preseason game against Chicago. The 27-year-old expects to be ready for training camp with the Super Bowl champions. “I definitely wanted to come back here. This is home for me,” Thomas said. “Coming off an injury, it's better to come back to the same team. You know the personnel and the staff, and they know you. You know the defense.” Hardwick hoped to stay put in San Diego. “I know how hard these guys work up here and how hard the coaches work and how much time they put in and how detailed and very specific everything is, and I couldn’t imagine going somewhere,” he said. San Francisco, which signed enigmatic receiver Randy Moss on Monday, added cornerback Perrish Cox on Tuesday. Neither was in the league last year. Cox is getting a fresh start with San Francisco, signing a two-year contract after being acquitted on sexual assault charges in Colorado earlier this month. Moss sat out 2011 when no team signed him. Players released Tuesday include Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman, Texans tackle Eric Winston and backup quarterback Matt Leinart, Cardinals tackle Levi Brown and San Diego tackle Marcus McNeill. Look for teams to have strong interest in Winston and Brown. Star linebacker-defensive end Mario Williams arrived in Buffalo, where he is the Bills’ first priority in free agency. Williams was limited to just five games last season before he tore a chest muscle.
Calvin Johnson got the biggest contract in NFL history Wednesday, and he wasn’t even a free agent. The All-Pro wide receiver's eight-year deal through the 2019 season is worth $132 million, with $60 million guaranteed, surpassing the $120 million with $50 million guaranteed being paid to Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald. “They were happy to get this thing done with, and I was happy as well,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t a lot of confrontation. We weren’t butting heads or anything. It was just something that we knew needed to get done." Another All-Pro, guard Carl Nicks, left New Orleans for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a fiveyear contract. Considered one of the NFL's best pass blockers, Nicks is a two-time Pro Bowl player and was a key on the Saints' record-setting offense. Johnson lived up to his “Megatron” nickname with his spectacular receptions in 2011, catching See MEGATRON, page 10
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File
On Wednesday, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) signed Johnson to a deal making him the highest paid receiver in the NFL.
Bucks trade Jackson, Bogut to Warriors for Ellis BY CHRIS JENKINS | ASSOCIATED PRESS MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks traded Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night for a three-player package headed by high-scoring guard Monta Ellis. The Bucks also receive forward Ekpe Udoh and center Kwame Brown in the deal. The trade represents a parting of ways between the Bucks and Bogut,
the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft who has struggled with injuries. It also allows the Bucks to rid themselves of Jackson, who had fallen out of favor with coach Scott Skiles and now gets to rejoin his former team. For the Warriors, the trade breaks up the small backcourt of Ellis and Stephen Curry and brings in the type of big man the franchise has been seeking for years. “We’re extremely excited to acquire a player the caliber of Andrew See NBA TRADE, page 11
AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps
Trading places: A person with direct knowledge of the deal says the Bucks have agreed to trade Andrew Bogut, left, and Stephen Jackson to the Golden State Warriors.
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Photo of The Week
Questlove on Roots, Philly, Fallon and Winehouse BY MESFIN FEKADU | ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo Credit: Chris Roman | Daily Trojan
Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway (“Shameless”), whose delivers a poignant portrayal of author Zora Neale Hurston in the one-woman play “Letters From Zora: In Her Own Words,” moved audiences to a standing ovation and earned high praise from peers Angela Bassett (“Jumping The Broom”) and Debbie Allen (“FAME”), who were on hand for the show. Delivering an incredibly nuanced performance while exhibiting a wide range of emotion, Calloway narrated the daring and drama-filled life of the author, using actual letters penned by Hurston. Written by playwright Garielle Pina, the onenight-only performance was held at the University of Southern California’s Bovard Auditioriam. Next up for Calloway: The veteran actress joins the CW network’s hit series “The Ringer” for the season finale. She plays the role of Special Agent Berens, a regional director in the FBI.
American Idol finalist tweets that he’s gone BY DERRIK J. LANG | ASSOCIATED PRESS Jermaine Jones is apparently out on “American Idol.” The 25year-old vocal instructor from Pine Hill, N.J., tweeted Tuesday night that he no longer would be on the Fox singing contest. He wrote on his official “Idol” Twitter a c c o u n t : “Awww I will no longer b on the show.” The AP Photo/Fox, Michael Becker, File post and Jones’ official “Idol” It’s all over for contestant Jermaine Jones, who tweeted Twitter account Tuesday night that he would no longer be on Fox’ were later delet- “American Idol.” ed. A Fox spokeswoman declined vote-getters last week after perto comment on the matter or con- forming Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet” but advanced to firm his tweet. The so-called “gentle giant,” as the group of top 12 singers. “Idol” contestants in the past he was dubbed by “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, was among the show’s have been disqualified when the viewer-selected top 13 finalists show deems that their work or perafter the judges gave him a last- sonal history is an issue. Corey Clark was disqualified minute spot among the 11th seafor concealing his arrest record son’s top 13 male semifinalists. See IDOL TWEET, page 11 He was among the bottom three
NEW YORK (AP) — The Roots aren’t known for selling records. While the hip-hop band has released 14 albums — mostly to critical acclaim — only two have managed to crack gold status. But even though bandleader Questlove might have enjoyed the money that comes along with multiplatinum records, he wouldn’t trade the group’s rarified position in the music world for it. “Mostly for Black artists, we’re really not afforded — unless you’re a jazz artist — you’re really not afforded the luxury of making an art record, or a concept record, or a passion project,” said Questlove, born Ahmir Thompson. “For some strange, odd reason, and I’m not ever going to argue it, The Roots have always (had that luxury).” And The Roots, the house band for “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” since 2009, have had support from high places to maintain that luxury. When Jay-Z was president of Def Jam, he signed The Roots to the label and told them to maintain their sound and integrity, even if it meant fewer sales. “(Jay-Z) didn’t want to be known as the bad guy that killed The Roots,” Questlove said. The Roots put out two CDs last year with the Betty Wright-assisted “Betty Wright: The Movie” and “undun,” which debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard charts. Both landed on several critics’ best-of-the-year lists. In a recent interview, Questlove talked more about the band, his relationship with Amy Winehouse and life on “Late Night.” The Associated Press: Jay-Z gave you guys some good advice. Questlove: I told Jay, “Like man, that would be nice to have all my records debut at No. 1 and stuff.” But he’s like, “Yeah, but you’re just looking at that. I got to deal with beef with this cat and that cat. Every year some rapper’s going to take a potshot and I got to take the gloves out the closet and start training.” ... And (Jay-Z) sees me as an artist making my dream come true. Like, he wants to be seen as a true artist, not the richest guy in hip-hop. Meanwhile, I would like 13 zeros in my account. AP: “Undun” is about the death of fictional drug dealer Redford Stevens, but the story is told from beginning to end. How did the concept come about? Questlove: We wanted to tell his story because we’ve known a billion Redford Stevens in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has been sort of mired and drenched into a lot of random acts of crime, very unbrotherly, like in the last decade or so, and we wanted to show the direct result. AP: You recorded an album with Betty Wright at the same time. What was that like? Questlove: I figured I wanted to dedicate the rest of my existence (to) creating source material so that someone else can have something to sample in 2040 once this becomes a dated record. I’m just trying to create the soulful records that will still be used. And it’s funny because Betty never understood why I wanted to put a drum break at the beginning, she just start wanted to sing.
AP Photo/Carlo Allegri, file
Musician Questlove from the band The Roots. I’m like, “No. No. No. Drum break. Trust me on this one. You’ll thank me 30 years from now when you get your publishing checks.” AP: You were close to Amy Winehouse. What was your relationship like with her? Questlove: She’s such a jazz snob. I couldn’t stand it, but I was obsessed with it because once we exchanged information, she would always be on her computer sending me MP3s (like), “Listen to this.” ... We spent a lot of time on Skype talking about crazy ideas and she schooled me about Sarah Vaughan. I schooled her about J Dilla. And she was like, “All right, we’re going to start a super group. You, me, Mos (Def) and Raphael Saadiq.” I was like, “OK.” And she assigned homework: “All right, study this record.” ... I really miss not having her here to school me on jazz; I thought I was a music snob, and I thought I had my doctorate in jazz, but no. There’s so much more I could have learned. She’s a teacher. AP: Before moving to New York, you used to travel daily from Philly to do Fallon’s show? Questlove: At first it seemed easy: Get up at 4, 5 a.m.; get on the tour bus,
two hours to New York, tour bus, two hours back. It was really hard though. I’d get home at 10 p.m.; work out with my trainer and then 11 p.m., getting dinner. There’s really not much you can do between the hours of 1 and 5 a.m. My social life was pretty much null and void, you know, because any self-respecting woman I see has a job the next morning that she has to be ready (for). AP: How has the band grown from being on the show? Questlove: Being on the Jimmy Fallon show has introduced a word that has never been in our vocabulary. We’ve never, ever rehearsed as a band. We never practiced. Shockers, I know. ...So once we come to Fallon, we’re now confined to a very tight space, and it’s just the eight of us looking at each other, and it’s very awkward. ... It’s like we didn’t know how to play. ... Once we got in a groove, we just practiced a lot. And now we’re better musicians, we’re better songwriters, we’re better engineers, we’re better producers. We’re just more focused on our songwriting than ever. I wish we had this type of discipline and preparation at the beginning of our career. So I feel like now we’re just on our second album.
Michelle Obama to appear on Letterman show WASHINGTON (AP) — Michelle Obama is returning to the late-night stage. The first lady will appear on the “Late Show with David Letterman” on March 19. Mrs. Obama will discuss her Joining Forces initiative, which supports military families, and her plans for the program's oneyear anniversary. CBS, which airs Letterman’s
show, says this will be Mrs. Obama’s first appearance on the program. But she has made other stops on the late-night talk show circuit to promote her initiatives and stump for President Barack Obama's re-election campaign. Her recent appearances include “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and Jimmy Fallon’s “Late Night” program. Both shows are on NBC.
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Houston’s lawyer calls her will ‘straightforward’ ATLANTA (AP) — A lawyer for Whitney Houston said Thursday that her will is a “straightforward” case and expects no complications with the administration of her estate. Kenny Meisalas said in a phone interview that “things with the family have been very smooth, no problems.” He said things are proceeding normally, and he doesn’t expect any challenges to the will. Fulton County Probate Court Judge Pinkie T. Toomer in Atlanta on Wednesday approved the will. It revealed the late superstar left all her assets to her only child, 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina. Her sister-in-law and manager, Pat Houston, was named as the administrator of the estate. Meisalas declined to talk about AP Photo/Dan Steinberg Singer Whitney Houston, left, willed all her assets to Houston’s assets or her only child, 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina Brown. possible debts. Since her death, Her sister-in-law and manager, Pat Houston, was Houston’s albums named as the administrator of the estate. have been top sellers. This week, she has four albums in the top 20 positions on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart, including her “Greatest Hits,” which sits at No. 2 and sold 112,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Obama to open anti-bullying film debuting Sunday WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will deliver an opening message before the debut of “Speak Up,” a Cartoon Network documentary about bullied youth across America and those who have helped them. The half-hour film, part of the network’s “Stop Bullying: Speak Up” initiative, will be aired on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT, with an encore at 8 p.m. The documentary features appearances by star athletes Venus
Williams, Chris Webber, Lisa Leslie, soccer player Hope Solo, BMX bike rider Matt Wilhelm and NASCAR drivers Trevor Bayne, Jeff Burton and Joey Logano. The film will also post on www.StopBullyingSpeakUp.com and be available through other outlets including Facebook, iTunes and YouTube after the premiere. Obama, who has said he endured school-yard harassment, hosted the first anti-bullying summit at the White House last year.
Concert Reading of “The Ballad of Emmett Till” MONDAY, MARCH 19 AT 7:30 P.M. BROAD STAGE, 1310 11TH ST., SANTA MONICA 90401 Classic & Contemporary American Plays (CCAP) presents a concert reading of “The Ballad of Emmett Till,” the emotionally riveting story of the 1955 racially motivated murder of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black child, whose death helped galvanize the civil rights movement. The powerful truths of this tragedy still resonate today for highschool students and older audiences alike. Directed by Shirley Jo Finney.
KING HOSPITAL Continued from page 4 recently awarded $16.8 million in additional funding for construction of the MLK multi-service ambulatory care center, according to the news report. That amount added to the total budget of $167 million. The report went on to state that the action taken by the Board was for the installation of standard hospital equipment, such as surgical lights, surgical integrated camera systems, and scrub sinks. However, the combination of the aforementioned funding moves the hospital closer to completion. At that time the Supervisor said, “We are committed to providing the community with a top of the line facility and cutting edge technology. The vote today elevates the progress of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Campus to fulfill its promise of providing the best possible health care to its patients.” The Los Angeles Sentinel reached out to Supervisor Ridley-Thomas to be able to provide an update to the community on his progress toward the full restoration of King Hospital. These are the questions that were asked of the Supervisor and the answers that he provided to the community. 1. What is the status of the restoration of King Hospital as of today? The construction of the new hospital is a compelling story, not only from a health perspective but also in
MLK Hospital terms of economic development and uplifting of the community. The work of building our new hospital is supplying much-needed jobs to the skilled workers who need them most — and they are doing a wonderful job. I was out at the site just last week and was impressed by the ability and dedication of the workers. Under the construction careers and local hiring policies I authored, almost one-third of the work completed, 30 percent of the construction hours performed on the facility have been by African Americans, and nearly 40 percent of the workers live within a five-mile radius of the hospital. I’d like to emphasize, however, that this really is a new facility — not just a re-imagining of the old hospital. Of course, there are elements of the campus that were there before, but there is a new
MEGATRON Continued from page 8 96 passes for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns in leading the Lions back to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Jerry Rice, Randy Moss and Johnson are the only players in NFL history with at least 95 receptions, 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns in a season. “Calvin’s one of those guys — we’ve said this about a few guys that we have in our building — whatever they pay him is not enough,” coach Jim Schwartz said. “He’s truly a special player.” Tampa has been among the busiest teams in free agency, hardly surprising after the Bucs slumped from 10-6 to 4-12 last year. Nicks joined cornerback Eric Wright, who also signed Wednesday. Wright got a five-year deal, too. On Tuesday, the Buccaneers added star receiver Vincent Jackson for five years and $55.55 million. Chicago agreed to a three-year deal with wide receiver Eric Weems, also a standout on special teams who could ease the kick returns burden on Devin Hester. The previous day, the Bears traded with Miami for wideout Brandon Marshall and signed quarterback Jason Campbell. Yet the Bears also brought back Josh McCown on a one-year deal. McCown joined Chicago late last season and appeared in three games, making two starts after Caleb Hanie struggled filling in for Jay Cutler. New St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher brought in one of his regulars when he was with the Titans, agreeing with cornerback Cortland Finnegan on a contract. Finnegan was an All-Pro in
2008 and is known for his physical style. He got into a punching match with Texans star receiver Andre Johnson during a game in 2010 and both were fined $25,000. “Obviously, I’ve had a relationship with him, know him very well and I know he’s going to fit in and be a very fine player for us. We’re very, very excited about that,” Fisher said. “He’s a complete corner in that he’s got great cover skills … he’s a run support corner. He’s got flexibility to move inside. There’s always potential to match him up with a top receiver on a game-to-game basis.” Another Tennessee player, defensive end Jason Jones, was visiting Rams Park on Wednesday. Eagles defensive end Trent Cole, who had 11 sacks last season, agreed to a four-year extension with Philadelphia. The Peyton Manning courtship continued, with the Titans taking their turn at wooing the four-time MVP quarterback, who was released earlier this month by Indianapolis. Coach Mike Munchak, general manager Ruston Webster and owner Bud Adams’ top executive in Tennessee took off in the team’s private plane to RaleighDurham, N.C., picked up Manning and then headed back to Nashville. The quarterback’s suitors already include Denver, Arizona and Miami. Two other quarterbacks on the market, Green Bay’s Matt Flynn — considered the top available QB behind Manning — and Chad Henne, have scheduled visits to Seattle. AP sports writers Teresa M. Walker in Nashville and Noah Trister in Detroit contributed to this story.
vision for a Martin Luther King, Jr. health village and it’s exciting. The hospital is on schedule for completion in the spring or summer of next year. 2. At the end of the restoration project that you have envisioned, will the hospital be fully operational including federal assistance as before? It will. It is our expectation that the new hospital will meet every standard of excellence and qualify for certification and funding from the federal government. 3. Will the hospital remain under the umbrella of the UC system? The University of California Board of Regents unanimously voted in 2009 to partner with the County to bring a new hospital to the community, and I have to say the Board has been engaged and supportive. We couldn’t have a better partner as we move forward with our new vision. The agreement with the Regents calls for UC to provide 14 to 20 full-time physicians (from UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside) and other medical staff. This is a unique public-private partnership in which the County will contract for medical services in County-owned facilities leased by an independent MLK board. 4. Are the other supervisors on board with this project or is it a solo project? Absolutely. Bringing a new hospital to the community has the unanimous support of the full Board of Supervisors. A project of this magnitude is never the work of just one person, and there is a strong collaboration between this Board and the state, UC, the MLK hospital governing board, the County departments of, health services, mental health and public works, as well as the office of the Chief Executive Officer and community stakeholders. 5. Will the relations with Charles Drew University continue relative to supplying interns, residencies and fully qualified doctors? The academic enterprise at the new Martin Luther King, Jr. hospital remains undefined. UC, in conjunction with the hospital governing board, will play the leading role in reestablishing clinical teaching and training at the facility. I’d like to emphasize that all of the partners in this undertaking have expressed their commitment to academic excellence, quality patient care, diversity, cultural competency and serving the underserved. The role played by any medical school at the hospital will be viewed in this context. And in this context, Drew can thrive yet again and in fact is already doing so. The community awaits!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
TITANS Continued from page 3 available, the accounts we do have point to a win in the debate by Wiley College, and it has long since moved into American lore. In fact, it is that specific event that spawned Wiley’s history of excellence in debate, which continues to this day. Times have changed since then, but a rumor of a return bout has always swirled in the ether, yet remained just out of reach — until now. Great moments in history take time to produce, and this is no exception. It’s required exactly 77 years, the Civil Rights era and one feature-length Hollywood film — “The Great Debaters” (produced by Oprah Winfrey and starring Denzel Washington, whose $1 million donation helped to finance the Wiley debate project) — to come together to create favorable conditions for these historic institutions to meet once more. The popular story known by most is slightly different than the record. The dream factory of Hollywood always does its best to intensify drama. The Hollywood version proposed “Resolved: Violence was necessary to produce change” as the topic versus the original topic, which dealt with the use of munitions in the same context. Hollywood also took liberties in the alma mater, changing the participant
11 school from the University of Southern California to Harvard. This evening is far from Tinseltown, however, and the spotlight belongs to a new generation of debaters. Here the diverse background of the participants represents the ever-changing demographic within the country as well as the paradigm shift of American culture since their last meeting. As the director for Wiley College’s debate team, Christopher Medina speaks eloquently: “When they last met, they left as equals, and now they begin that way.” The make-up of the Wiley team is testimony to America’s progress toward equality: Chad Mossman (class of 2012, business major), who chose Wiley over other collegiate institutions despite his not falling into the Wiley traditional demographic, says, “I just believe in diversity, and Wiley’s rich history of debate brought me here.” His teammate, Cary Chavis, an African American senior and Wiley’s debate captain (class of 2013, education major), says that he and Mossman are both “the new faces of Wiley men.” After declaring how honored they are to represent Wiley, Cary launches a salvo about the importance of civil disobedience and its role as a tool throughout the civil rights movement. This concept resonates deeply with the audience members, who remember the sit-ins and the marches for equality. Many present
NBA TRADE Continued from page 8 Bogut, who we think is certainly one of the top centers in the NBA,” general manager Larry Riley said. “He will add an element of toughness to our team and will provide us with scoring, rebounding and a defensive presence in the middle. We’ve lacked those elements in recent years and think that Andrew's addition will be a key factor in the growth of our team.” Ellis and Udoh left the team before Golden State's 115-89 win at Sacramento. The deal, first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, was confirmed shortly after the game ended. The players won’t be separated from their respective former teams for very long, as the Warriors host the Bucks on Friday night. Bogut fractured his left ankle Jan. 25 against Houston when he landed awkwardly, and it's not clear if he'll be able to return this season. The original timetable for his recovery was eight to 12 weeks. It's one of several significant injuries that have plagued the Australian center throughout his career. Bogut missed the end of the 200910 season when he dislocated his right elbow, sprained his right wrist and broke his right hand in a hard fall to the floor. The injury bothered him for much of last season. Bogut also missed significant time with an injured lower back in the 200809 season. When Bogut has played, he has played well. In 408 career games, he is averaging 12.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots. The Bucks struggled in February without Bogut but have won four of their last five to chase down the struggling New York Knicks in a race for what would be the No. 8 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Jackson, meanwhile, hasn’t played since Feb. 19, recently sitting out with what the team has described as a hamstring injury. Skiles benched him for a game in January after he missed a
shootaround, he was suspended one game by the NBA for verbally abusing an official and his playing time has been limited ever since. The deal brings the enigmatic “Captain Jack” back to the Bay Area. He helped lead the team’s only playoff run since 1994, a surprising trip to the second round in 2007. In October 2009, the disgruntled Golden State star asked to relinquish his captain title during a meeting with Riley and thenWarriors coach Don Nelson. He was traded to Charlotte the next month. Ellis has been the Warriors’ main offensive threat, averaging 21.9 points. But Golden State struggled to win with the backcourt tandem of Ellis and Curry. The deal clears a spot for 6foot-7 rookie Klay Thompson to take over at shooting guard, adding needed size to the starting backcourt Ellis signed a six-year, $66 million contract in July 2008, then injured his left ankle in August in a low-speed moped crash — an offseason activity prohibited in his deal as is a standard provision for contracts around the league. It cost him a 30-game suspension without pay. Udoh is averaging 5.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 21.8 minutes for the Warriors. Udoh is an athletic power forward who was Golden State’s sixth pick in the 2010 draft out of Baylor. The Warriors hoped he would become a reliable defender, rebounder and shot blocker. Brown, a former No. 1 overall pick by Washington, is likely out for the season with a chest injury and will be eligible to be a free agent this summer. “The difficult part of this transaction is having to part ways with several players who we really value and one, in particular, Monta Ellis, who has been instrumental in our organization for the last several years,” Riley said. “We wish Monta, Ekpe and Kwame the best of luck in Milwaukee and thank them for their many contributions.”
took part in the historic civil rights movement and, when so moved, soundly acknowledge portions of his arguments by banging upon their chairs in unison, loudly enough to be a second line in a New Orleans parade. With content so close to the hearts of many, including Dr. Arthur Tolson, the son of the legendary Wiley professor and debate coach Dr. Melvin B. Tolson, it almost seems there could be no logical rebuttal. USC keeps the debate interesting, by presenting a reminder of the barriers still being conquered in America. Though Wiley’s interracial team reflects a changing of the old guard, USC’s reflects both an international and a female perspective. The USC team consists of Clara Purk, a student from Salt Lake City via Chicago (class of 2014, an international relations and communications major), and a Fullerton, CA, student via Ethiopia, Maria Mohammed (class of 2012, engineering major). Maria helped the team advance past the first line of debate, reminding us of the larger global context of civil disobedience and that it should not be the first tactic used. She demonstrated the importance of operating within the system to create the largest impact and protect participants. Maria’s hand-off led to a smashing display of her teammate Clara’s own prowess, which left the crowd breathless and bewildered. Her arguments pointed out how quickly self-imposed black-outs and black-out supporters like Google® and Wikipedia® were able to operate within the system and stop the controversial SOPA and PIPA legislation. Clara’s line of debate so stirred the crowd that they not only sounded off in a rhythmic agreement, with the young debater, they clearly split into different factions. As a sophomore, Clara had the least experience in the collegiate debate arena, but her powerful stage presence and dynamic delivery more than accomplished the task of making the judges and the audiences seriously consider the amount of talent on both sides of the aisle. With such a divided room, the crowd clearly looked to the expertise of the judges. Atlas couldn’t have supported the tension in the room, which made every moment heavy like the elephant in the room who decides the best place to hide is upon your chest. This left us all in a predicament while the judges pondered their verdict. “The winner is ...” In a flash, before Dr. Morale finished announcing the winner, Dr. Stables rushed to the stage declaring, regardless of the outcome, they were all winners. Then, on behalf of Dean Wilson and the Annenberg School, he announced USC’s invitation for Wiley to come and enjoy West Coast hospitality and debate again on the USC campus. With this, the legacy of Melvin B. Tolson and the Great Debaters will continue another day. The crowd erupted and everyone in attendance, including the mayor of Marshall, Chris Paddie, and Kansas State Senator David Haley, immediately sprang to the stage to embrace the students and to thank both USC and Wiley College for sponsoring the historic event. In the melee surrounding the historic announcement and the acceptance of the future meet, somehow the envelope with the true winner was never opened. As of now, the winner will be revealed only during the rematch next year. And so, just like any Hollywood feel-good hit of the summer, the Great Debaters once again has another happy ending, with the audience the true benefactors of the event. We will see who brings home the accolades next year.
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SUSAN D. AUSTIN Continued from page 3 SDA: I got it from my parents (laughs)... The opportunities are there, you just have to work for them. It's never easy, there will always be challenges...but this is a fun industry with talented people...the difference is a willingness to work hard to maintain integrity in what you are doing and deliver what you say you will deliver. And I think you have to believe in yourself and you have to recognize that you have something you can contribute. You have something to say and what you say is worth hearing but you also have to be willing to listen. I think so often we get so busy saying things that we are not listening to what other people are saying to us. And as a result we miss out on learning things that we could so easily learned if we just stopped paused and listened for a minute. Again, the opportunities are there. I'm excited by them and I think we have some really great young people who should really be excited by the opportunities presented. To put it very bluntly in terms of the African American world, yes you really can be President of the
United States, if you work hard and do what you need to do. I think you should always dream big and then you should do what will work in the integrity that actually will help achieve those dreams. LAS: Is there anything else you would like to share with the public about BMI or where we can find more information on your company? SDA: I talked about our basic goal is getting songwriters paid but BMI is really so much more than that. Not every song is a hit song. But in terms of education about the business, again whatever endeavor you do you want to make certain you do the work that you get educated in terms of what you need to do and what the opportunities are, and how you can improve your craft improve your talents and I think what's really nice about BMI is a lot of the workshops BMI provides for writers to learn the craft of songwriting. You should definitely go to BMI.com and learn the opportunities that are there. For more information on Susan Austin and BMI visit www.bmi.com.
IDOL TWEET Continued from page 9 during the second season in 2003. Frenchie Davis was also dropped from “Idol” that year because of her previous appearance on an adult website. During the eighth season in 2009, Joanna Pacitti was shown advancing to the top 36 semifinalists after “Hollywood Week” but was later replaced. Pacitti released an album in 2006 and had ties to 19 Entertainment, which produces “Idol” with FremantleMedia North America.
Chris Golightly was dropped from the top 24 semifinalists in the ninth season in 2010 because he didn't disclose that he had a previous record contract. In contrast, the singing competition allowed past finalists like the sixth season’s Antonella Barba and the seventh season’s David Hernandez to stay on after racy photos that appeared to be Barba leaked online. Hernandez was revealed as having once worked as a nightclub stripper.
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Thursday, March 15, 2012