Some Rappersturnedactors Getting A Bad Rap

Rappers turned Actors are generating a lot of buzz, box office and bombast in Hollywood. In the case of the latter, no one has been more vocal than Samuel L. Jackson who has turned down several roles in movies that co-starred Rappers. His most recent diss was of 50 Cent in last years, Get Rich Or Die Trying. Jackson opined, 'It's not my job to lend credibility to so-and-so rapper who's just coming into the business, he told The Sacramento Bee in 2002. ''I know there's some young actor in New York or LA who's spent half his life learning how to act and sacrificing to learn his craft, but he isn't going to get his opportunity, because of some actor who's been created.

In a later interview, Jackson elaborated, sayingIve worked in movies that have Rappers in them and I didnt have a problem with that. I dont cast the movies. But I do think that if somebodys building a film around some rapper and they come to me with it, I have a right to say noActing is a craft not a whi m.

In the feud with 50 Cent, Jackson said I like listening to 50 Cent and I can groove to his music but I don't want to groove to him on screen, just yet. Maybe if he does five movies and he shows some talent. 50 countered, So I come from being a rapper, and he comes from being a crackhead, a reference to Jacksons early drug troubles. The two later squashed things at the Spike Video Game Awards and have signed on to do a picture together.

The criticism on its surface appears unfair. Rappers have a built-in following that generates box office. The movie Three Kings starred George Clooney and Rappers-turned-actor Ice Cube and Mark Wahlberg. Suppose if it had starred Clooney, with LeVar Burton and Matt Dillon. Could it have achieved the crossover success it had? Furthermore, many Rappers have received critical and industry acclaim for their acting acumen. Both Will Smith (Ali, 2001) and Queen Latifah (Chicago, 2002) have garnered Oscar nominations. Smith has also be en a box-office champ with Independence Day(1886) and Men In Black (1997).

However, in Smiths case, there are those in the music industry that say he never should have been rapping. Many found his work sophomoric, generic and plainly commercial. While he has always been known for the quality of the roles he has chosen, last year's Smith comedy vehicle Hitch,' lacked laughs and was uninspiring.

Other Rappers that have made the transition from vinyl to the big screen includes the late Tupac Shakur (South Central), whose screen persona I equate to that of James Dean; Wahlberg (The Perfect Storm), LL Cool J (Deliver Us From Eva), Busta Rhymes (Finding Forrester, Shaft) and Ice-T (Surviving the Game and as detective Odafun Tutuola in the TV drama Law & Order: SVU).

However, several Rappers find themselves being typecast as thugs and killers. While Snoop Dogg may have a hardcore legion of fans, it hasnt necessarily translated to box-office success. Moreover, hes shown little discretion about his roles, including his turn as the host of the Girls Gone Wild videos. Snoop also headlined the cast of the worst movie Ive ever viewed, 1999s Urban Menace, along with other notable flops--Soul Plane (2004) and Starsky and Hutch (2000). In fairness he received critical notice for his performances in Bones (2001) and John Singletons 2001 urban tale Baby Boy.

The problem with Snoop is that he brings the same persona (himself) to every character he plays and like Keanu Reeves, his range is limited. There have been other Rappers who are weak thespians, such as Eve, whose wooden performance in 2004s The Cook Out made Sophia Coppolas turn in The Godfather III look like Meryl Streep. If DMX could do anything else except scowl and speak in a monotone, he too, might garner some stage cred.

Most movies Rappers appear in are low-budget affairs that allow these neophytes to cut their acting teeth. But the themes hardly vary from the ghetto-que st-for-riches-by-any-means themes. Set It Off, was of this same ilk but benefit from a poignant storyline and pulse-raising action scenes. The cast featured four black womenQueen Latifah. The Vivica Fox, Ella Joyce and Jada Pinkettin a tale about four females who view bank robberies as a means of escaping the drudgery and hopelessness that encompasses their lives. Since this film, Latifah has gone on to win over fans in films like Bringing Down The House, where she co-starred with Steve martin and Eugene Levy.

Ice-T appeared to take a step back with the lightly-regarded and ridiculous plot of Leprechaun In The Hood, and as of late hasnt been seen on the big screen in any roles of note. Plans are for Ludacris and Jay-Z to make their big screen debuts as well. This phenomenon will probably grow, especially since 50s debut in Get Rich and Eminems turn in 8 Mile. Both received kudos for their performances. However, one has to question the skills of these Actors, especiall y when the praise they receive is for playing scenes from their own lives.

Arguably, the most talented and role-conscious of this new breed of thespians is Mos Def (born Dante Terrell Smith). He became known to many through his appearances on Chappelles Show, and his memorable turn as Dr. Vivian Thomas in the HBOs Something The Lord Made, which earned him a Best Actor Emmy and Globe nomination, along with a Teen Image Award. He also received critical praise for his role as Ford Prefect in the disappointing, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,

The thirty-three year old Brooklyn native began his career with the rap group Thermo Dynamics, but most of his work was unknown outside of New Yorks underground circuit. Using his popularity in rap circles, he teamed with Def Jams Russell Simmons to create HBOs Def Poetry Jam. Unlike most of the aforementioned Rappers, he began his entertainment career at age fourteen starring in alongside Mare Winningham in the TV movie, G od Bless The Child. He also co-starred in the short-lived Cosby Mysteries. Recently he starred with Bruce Willis in 16 Blocks.

This young man is just scratching the surface of his seemingly endless talent. He will bring back Def Poetry for a sixth season and later this year will release a new CD. On tap for the multi-talented Brooklynite are three films, currently in pre-production: Stringbean and Marcus, Toussaint, and The Brazilian Job.

Timothy N. Stelly, Sr. is a writer residing in Northern California. He is the author of two novels and a columnist for http://www.useless-knowledge.com

Author:: Timothy Stelly Sr
Keywords:: Rappers, Actors, black Actors, Samuel L. Jackson, Mos Def, black films, Stelly, Hip-hop
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Abstract Painting Abstract ... What does the Word Mean?

Webster defines abstract as: a.considered apArt from a pArticular instance, b.expressing a quality apArt from the object or c. having only intrinsic form with little or no pictorial representation. In other words; taking an object and focusing on its core fundamentalness. All three definitions very easily fit abstract Painting in showing, telling, drawing and Painting the very essence of the object without actually depicting the object itself.

How does an abstract painter arrive at an abstract design? Many stated that they stArted with a representational motif, that the motif was something readily identifiable. Then they di ssected the motif so to speak, looking for the bare bones, the very essence of the object. They expressed this essence with colorful shapes, some beautiful, some drab, and some just plain ugly.

In any type of Painting the Artist is making a statement. It's easy to say pretty pink flowers in a representational Painting. What the abstract Artist has to say must be said with his/her simple means; brush marks, color and interesting shapes. Also, since color is arbitrary, color is at the Artist's whim, and may or may not be pretty and has nothing to do with the Painting's success.

To make a meaningful statement without a recognizable subject is daunting. It's not a matter of simply looking and drawing. He/she must use all their wiles to engage us in dialog with their Art, being limited, or we should say, unlimited, with unrecognizable shapes and unrelated (to the object) color. The Artist must interest and speak to the viewer through form and color.

A weak, wishy washy, pretty pink flower Painting says, Weak, wishy washy pretty pink flowers! Bright, bold colors, without form and substance in an abstract Painting says, No form and no substance! Neither Painting is successful.

So..... here we stand in front of the piece of Art, having no understanding of abstract Art, its purpose and intention. We would like to respond but we are without a clue. So, we hesitate in front of the Art work, we don't know what to say, we don't respond to the color or design, so, we walk away saying, or at least thinking, That Artist must be nuts! And wondering what the Painting was all about. What was its purpose? Was it good Art or not?

There are some people who are of the opinion that a Painting must be representational to be good Art. And if they cannot see every hair on the head and every leaf on the tree, then the Art is not good. That simply is not true. You may prefer the see every hair but that is not necessarily an indication of good Art.

What guidelines do we have in judging abstract Paintings merits? The guidelines that representational painters must follow are the same for the abstract painter. The work must have readable values, color harmony and dominance, repetition with variety in shapes, colors and lines, all that pertains to good Art must also be in abstract Art.

A collection of wild colors and shapes does no t always add up to good Art in abstraction or representational Art. A good abstract can be more difficult to pull off than representational Art because the Artist is relying on his imagination and intuition to make something meaningful and of value. (not necessarily monetary value)

In trying to understand abstract (non-representational) Art, approach it with the idea in mind to simply appreciate what is before you. Sometimes the title will give us a clue as to what the Painting is about. That helps. Then look and take note of how it affects you.

Does the color speak to you? Are you lifted up or cast down by the color? You will have some reaction to a piece of Art work, it will move you in some way, perhaps not much, perhaps a great deal. Identify what it is. Good Art, whether abstract or rep resentational, sets a mood, tells a story, however subtle, intrigues and interests the viewer, and as such, each Painting must be appreciated on its own merits.

Author: Kay Milam I am a professional Artist working in watercolor, acrylic and oil. Not content to only paint, I also try to play the guitar, the piano and now the fiddle. But I must confess, I am a better Artist than musician. You may find more Articles about Art and Artists at my website http://www.milamstudios.com.

Author:: Kay Milam
Keywords:: Art,Artist,Painting,abstract Painting
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Fantasy Art of Exotic Women My Quest To Find the Passions of Gustav Klimt & Lands Unknown

Beginning

I search for Klimt! the artist in me spoke spoke boldly.

Ahhh, then we must start at the Beginning!, said the Wind.

Pulling out oils, my canvas, poems and stories from an old wooden case, turquoise, silver leaf and jewels thrust past the lid and met the open sky.

The Wind confirmed my journey, Your fantasy begins now, paint freely beautiful women goddess art

And so I did.

Beginning is the first oil painting I did in my quest for the passions of Gustav Klimt. I wanted my fantasy art of exotic women to be full of energy and determination. Searching out the exotic meant distant foreign lands, birds not normally encountered, perhaps I would come across a magic swan? To search for Klimt meant to know emotion well and not to be afraid of what those emotions might tell me thus far unknown to science. I start my fantasy art woman paintings with music, usually Enigma; Dead Can Dance or something from Loreena McKennitt. The n I open my heart and the fantasy art woman inside of me begins. It feels like a daydream, a magical adventure. It is a dance and I become covered with all the colors seen in my oil paintings and on my palette. My imagining becomes so real that sometimes I can hear them breathing. It isn't the realism of the brushstroke on watercolor paper or canvas that I capture in this series, ahh no. It is something less tangible than a rendering.

Have you ever met an accomplishment you thought you couldn't? Then stand back and wonder where the energy came from and like lace and whispers you say, Did I do that, did this come from me alone? Sometimes feeling startled by the women and their presence, something imported from another time in space captures me. I pause from the dance, focus my eyes and I see life. I breath in the art of the exotic women I paint. It is all a dance waiting to surface.

-----------------------------------------------

About the Autho r:

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
Hawaii, United States
Aloha! I am a figurative artist and Illustrator. If you check out my website you will see that I am very prolific in oils. My paintings are collected worldwide. I also do sculpture; images available upon request. I have illustrated for Hay House Inc. , Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. I also enjoy story writing and poetry. All of the paintings,stories and poems on my blogs and website are written by me.

Check out my website http://www.kathysart.com or one of my blogs at: http://kathysart.blogspot.com/

Aloha

Author:: Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
Keywords:: fantasy art of exotic women,beautiful women goddess art,fantasy art woman
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Old Josh: The Funeral (Ozark Alabama 1864) Episode Four

Old Josh: The Funeral

[Ozark, Alabama, 1864
Chapter Episode Four 8/2005

[Josh and Silas: The funeral Josh stood by he wooden cross, in the graveyard Jordan, his cousin, who had fought with the Yankees, had come homeJosh and his two sons Silas and Toby had journeyed down to a section of South Carolina know as the Richland Country, they wanted Josh to give a sermon. Mr. Hightower, his overseer agreed to allow this, and wrote a letter, had it notarized indicating these Negroes belonged to him, and were not escaping or running away, that anyone whom might be in authority, to allow them to attend the funeral without delay.

This part of the country had it share, or I should say, more than its share of superstitions (having lived in the Carolinas I can vouch for that). There were tales of African Terror created by the canebrakes and Junglesits yellow waters, dikes and slave dap. And so Josh found his way to the funeral location.

Interlude

The dialect is of course English influenced by traditions, and sentient of the times, of African slaves. I agree few words are distinguishable, but there is a rhythm to it, and I have tired to duplicate it. It is a peculiar sound with significance. This is/was of its day pure Negro, not a dialect of the coast, or the Black Border, but rather a distinct product of the soil, race, environment, their world. It is English adapted to the need of its speakers.

In those days many of the Negroes wee hybrids to speak of, black with white and Indian blood, or as we world say now, part of their genetic pool. Now back to the story.

The Funeral:

Says Josh, standing by the grave of his cousin, fifty black folks, Negroes there with him: family members, and old friends:

Josh: Is you her da news?

Voices: wuh news

Josh: wite folks dhe blue-coats goina win dhe wor!

Silas: pop tanint no difference, all two de-same when its wite folk, free or not.

Toby: you all remble off, wht de seromon pop?

Josh looking at the crowd, then at his sons, especially Silas:

Josh: wes live on bacon, cornbread an cabbage

Silas: pop, dthe serman

Josh: so he luh dem wite folk wander on (Everyone starts to laugh, but Silas, he just shakes his head).

Josh: Silas wants us niggers to go in dem swamps an live, like de site folks want

A Voices: its best dont middle wid nobody, dats what I say

Josh: I sees a dog goes in da wasmp an git lost, ant die-y air got much sense as a man who loss. I tells my boys bring em to dey senses wid a stick. (Josh now moves, waves his cane in the air, up to the heavens, as if he was Moses.)

Well, aint none er dem wite folkda gray religious guh hep dem.

Silas: Pappy, I aint gub jine you in all you say; pray say dthe sermon.

(Josh clears his throat, looks at the son, smiles, pats his hand on his shoulder, looks up to heaven)

Josh: I knows I aint think ing bout no love er God when Is all tored up so furgive me, but me bones witen like me boss MR. Hightower, he jes cant see dem, and no me sermon folks:

Our brother is gone, he dead, he lives in rest, arms of gloary, he breathes in Jesus, fre of dis world below asleep in dhe old graveyard an dhe hear dhe mokinbirds ol brother Jordanhe looks down wid pity, on us ol friends, smiles he does, free of dis world below he asleep under de earth by de soul dat is flown de arms of dth savior my brotherin an sisters we is here today to pry to weep, his life full of trouble an hardships He wis suffernin to set to set us niggers free, hes gone, gave de body of Jordon, stiff an cool, life is donehe now at dhe pearly gates ony his body life fur us weepers and mourners de singer of songs.

most of the Negroes had bare feet, folks in cotton bagging and split flour sack cloths. A few umbrellas by their side, some mules tied to a tree. A few grunted faces. The headstone was plain; just a flat stone with his name, and his name cared in it: a date and the date cared in it: showing his birth and death [1803-1864; that was the sum of it. Into the dirt he went. It was a bit damp, and Joshs rheumatism was acting up, his hands were heavy, hard liftinghe hobbled along side his sons leaving the cemetery, using a stick for a cane. Then three men picked up shovels

See Dennis' web site: http://dennissiluk.tripod.com

Author:: Dennis Siluk
Keywords:: Short Episode
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Mr. Leroy Pepper or Undertaking with Leroy Chapter One

Working in a medium size Mortuary in a medium sized city in the Deep South has not been without its moments. The outside world may think of the Funeral Business as always somber and maybe even a little bizarre but characters like Leroy Pepper provided some occasional comic relief. Poor Leroy did not last long in the death Business but he will be remembered around here.

Leroy's father, Herbert Red Pepper, was our flower truck driver and general handy man for around 22 years when he asked our owner to employ his son as an apprentice. Red wanted in the worse way for his son to have some kind of career so Red thought the Funeral Business would be right for Leroy. Leroy may have has some knowledge as to what his dad did for us but that was about it. I had met Leroy on occasion and felt that maybe he had a minus IQ. All kidding aside I did not think Leroy should be on the inside in the Funeral Business but the hiring decision was not mine to make. Mr. Coons, the owner, hir ed Leroy out of loyalty to Red. Mr. Coons was a no nonsense man but he thought Leroy should have a chance.

Leroy getting a chance to enter this Business was fine with me except that I get stuck with this guy. Leroy had three months before he was to enter the Mortuary science program at a local junior college so Mr. Coons made him my apprentice understudy. I soon found out that Leroy had never been on the inside of the Funeral Business. I decided my main job was to see that Leroy did more watching than doing. I had been in this Business for 5 years at the time and I did not want something Leroy did to ruin my stellar reputation. I had handled over 200 cases at the time Leroy came on board and was in line for a management position at one of the branch Funeral homes. I could manage a case from the first call to the final disposition with our resources at hand. Now for the next three months I had to think of something for Leroy to do. Mr. Coons is not paying this guy to st and around; I have to make sure Mr. Coons gets his money's worth from someone who really does not know this Business.

We decided to start Leroy on Monday at opening hours. With no services scheduled on this Monday I could work with Leroy and see what I could teach him. Leroy was informed to enter the chapel from the rear employee entrance. Leroy does arrive on time but he parks his car in front of the chapel and walks in the main entrance. To make matters worse Leroy is wearing a madras sports jacket and is missing a front tooth. Seems that Leroy's false tooth retainer was misplaced. ......

Chapter 2 coming soon on ...

You may reach Mr. Cooper at leroypepper@cooltoad.com.

Author:: Michael Cooper
Keywords:: Leroy Pepper, Funeral, Funeral humor, Embalming, Mortuary, Business, Burial, Casket,Cremation
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My Wife's Engagement Ring and Rat Poison

There years ago I had the local jeweler add six diamonds to the band of my wifes wedding ring, five for our children and one for our dog.

The reason we had one for the dog was that we had to have an even number of diamonds.

The dog died from rat poisoning.

Rodent Poison

Do you know those cute little yellow boxes that you poke a hole in, the mice eat the grain and poison and you are free of mice?

Watch out!

The label warned about pets. They were right. It kills them. The pets die a miserably slow death.

We put those cute little mouse-killing boxes where the dog could never get to them. Thats what we thought.

Either the dog somehow got his paw far enough under the bottom shelf of my work bench to pull a box out, or the mice moved it for him.

Either way, my son, who is a veterinarian and two other veterinarians, could not save him.

Dont buy that stuff!

My son treats animals all the time that get in to rat poiso ning. Sadly, one of his clients lost two thoroughbred Horses when they reached the bait while riding in the horse trailer.

The Ring

Be that as it may, my wifes ring popped open like a Horseshoe. Stress on the band probably left by improper annealing allowed it to pop open. The jeweler who placed the diamonds was required by the store owner to do the job over again because he made a mess of things the first time. Lets blame him!

We went to the mall in Twin Falls to do our Christmas shopping. That was the day before Thanksgiving, the best day to shop for Christmas without being trampled to death. (See my article on the subj ect).

There, we studied the zillion Jewelry stores.

I knew that Millers Jewelry had a good technician, so we went there.

We were told we could have the ring in one hour.

After shopping we sat in front of the Jewelry store and waited for the clerk to beckon when the ring was repaired.

I ate one of those pretzels with all the sugar and cinnamon in the world on it. I think the pile of fallen sugar and cinnamon left at my feet was about a foot high.

We were told the repair would take one hour.

After only forty-five minutes out came the technician with the ring.

He said, They really look good when they are cleaned up, dont they.

Wow! He was right. The ring was dazzling. He had popped it into his ultrasonic cleaner.

The repair was perfect.

My wife was thrilled.

The technician was as proud as a new papa.

By doing a great job, he made us all happy.

To tell you the truth, I had my apprehensions. I kne w if he did not do things right that my wife would be very unhappy.

Here is Jones Rule 1017: If your wife is unhappy, you are very unhappy indeed!

I figured what I would say to the technician if the job was not done right: Now Ill have to shoot you!

I figured the odds of my wife being happy after the repair were a zillion to one.

Then out comes that technical genius with the ring shining and in perfect condition.

I wish my wife would stop kissing strange men!

CopyrightJohn T. Jones, Ph.D. 2005

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com)is a retired R&D engineer and VP of a Fortune 500 company. He is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering), poetry, etc. Former editor of international trade magazine. Jones is Executive Representative of International Wealth Success.

More info: http://www.tjbooks.com

Business web site: http://www.bookfindhelp.com (IWS wealth-success books and kits and business newsletters / TopFlight flagpoles)

Author:: John T Jones, Ph.D.
Keywords:: Jewelry, wedding ring, engagement ring, Jewelry repair, rat poison, Dogs, Horses
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Invitations for Birthdays Holidays and Theme Parties that Set the Tone

Invitations to Your party are the first things people see, and in that case, they should be flashy and unforgettable. You want people to stick Your decorative invitation on their fridge, mark the date on their calendars, not toss it aside with the rest of their junk mail! Therefore, it is important to make Your invitations fun and noticeable. Plus, the invitation relays a message to the guest as to the level of formality of the event. Casual events have a more casual invitation.

Invitations can be found to match any Theme You may have in mind for a party, like Super Bowl, Cinco de Mayo, and Halloween. If, for example, You are looking to throw a fun summer bash for friends and family, a great Theme to consider is Luau. Again, You don't have to fret about designing the perfect Invites to catch Your gues ts' attention. Invitations can be found at party supply stores, which follow Your summer Luau Theme.

Invitations are key for any celebration because they involve good food, party supplies, decorations and party favors. You must know how much food to prepare and how large the menu selection should be. It is necessary to know how many people are coming and if they have any food allergies or particular limitations to the foods they can eat. Baked ham or grilled chicken with pineapple may sound like a fantastic Luau meal to most, but to some who have vegetarian tastes, a green salad and tropical fruits may be a nice and necessary alternative. In that case, You will need to include a contact number on Your invitation and request that Your guests RSVP, so that You can know who is coming and what You will need to prepare for Your party! Always have the guests RSVP BOTH yes and no to ensure that each person did indeed recieve an invitation.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free Party Games for Birthdays, Theme Parties and holidays to help complete Your event.

Author:: Gail Leino
Keywords:: Parties,Birthdays,Theme,Invite,Thatnk,You,Luau,
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