India. Arie Back In The Grammy Race

Two time Grammy winner and multiple Grammy nominee, India.Arie added 3 more Grammy nominations to her resume last night, giving her an incredible career-total of 20 nominations. Honored this year for songs from her critically acclaimed album Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics (Soulbird Music/Universal Republic), the singer collected nods for Best R&B Album, her fourth overall nomination in that category, making her one of the only artists to receive a Best R&B nomination for every album released in her career. India.Arie was also cited for Best R& B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for her duet with Musiq Soulchild, “Chocolate High,” and for her duet on “Pearls”, with Dobet Gnahore which snagged her a Best Urban/Alternative Performance nomination. Both songs are featured on Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics.

The Grammy nominations cap another superb year for the legendary singer/songwriter, who received across-the-board acclaim for her fourth studio album from critics and fans, completed a sold-out tour as special guest with singer John Legend, honored with the DC Branch NAACP Centennial Award, was featured as one of the Centric Network’s “Leading Women”, and even met the Dalai Lama.

Testimony Vol. 2, Love & Politics debuted at the top of the music charts, hitting # 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Chart and locking down the #3 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Chart upon its release. The New York Times called her, “one of the most determinedly virtuous songwriters in R&B or pop, India.Arie strives to make faith, goodness and positive thinking seductive,” while USA Today praised the effort as songs resounding “with keen insight and warm passion, giving Testimony a ring of truth."

“Chocolate High,” featuring Musiq Soulchild, was the #1 most added song at Urban AC in 2009, and rose to the top tier of the tastemaking format during a year that saw India.Arie make her way around the country for several other events, including a performance with Adele on the highly-rated VH1 Divas TV special in September, and fulfilling a lifelong dream of meeting the Dalai Lama this past fall. The singer even twittered about the once-in-a-lifetime meet-n-greet with the renowned humanitarian, which included the duo touring the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN, where India.Arie performed two songs for the revered spiritual leader at a special show staged for the Museum.

With nearly eight million albums sold, India.Arie who emerged onto the music scene in 2001 with her double-platinum debut album Acoustic Soul, establishing herself both as artist and humanitarian of substance. Refusing throughout her career to succumb to female stereotypes that have plagued other female artists, she has worked steadily throughout her career to champion causes close to her heart. As a UN Ambassador for UNICEF, she has traveled to Africa numerous times to address the AIDS crisis, and is featured in the documentary Tracking the Monster: Ashley Judd & India.Arie confront Aids In Africa. Her songs have appeared in such films as Sex and the City, The Secret Life of Bees, A Soldier’s Story, Radio, A Shark’s Tale and Diary of a Mad Black Woman, to name a few.

Among her Grammy wins and nominations, India.Arie has won a host of awards including 4 NAACP Awards, as well as being recognized and honored by BET, Billboard Magazine, MTV, VH1 and Essence Magazine, among others. India.Arie was also a featured guest in an evening of celebration with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in honor of musician Stevie Wonder’s receipt of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The televised event “In Performance at the White House - Celebrating the Music of Stevie Wonder: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize” aired earlier this year on PBS. A one hour documentary on India.Arie was filmed this year and began airing this month on the Centric Network , BET Network's (a division of Viacom Inc.) new 24-hour entertainment channel as part of their “Leading Women” series. .

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards will be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 31st, 2010, and will air live on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 pm.

Robin Williams: Weapons Of Self Destruction on HBO. Sunday December 6th

ROBIN WILLIAMS: WEAPONS OF SELF DESTRUCTION,
THE SUPERSTAR’S FIRST HBO COMEDY EVENT IN SEVEN YEARS,
DEBUTS DEC. 6, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

Longtime HBO favorite Robin Williams, who first appeared on the network more than three decades ago, returns to HBO this month for a unique stand-up event from Washington, D.C., marking his first solo special on the network in seven years. Taped at DAR Constitution Hall in November and debuting SUNDAY, DEC. 6 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), the exclusive comedy event ROBIN WILLIAMS: WEAPONS OF SELF DESTRUCTION features the Oscar®-winner at one of the stops on his current sold-out national tour.
Other HBO playdates: Dec. 6 (12:20 a.m.), 9 (10:00 p.m., 3:10 a.m.), 15 (10:30 p.m.), 17 (3:05 a.m.), 19 (10:15 p.m.), 21 (11:35 p.m.), 23 (11:45 p.m.) and 29 (2:20 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Dec. 11 (8:00 p.m.), 22 (10:00 p.m.) and 24 (12:10 a.m.), and Jan. 1 (9:00 p.m.), 9 (3:00 a.m.) and 13 (11:15 p.m.)
In this performance, Williams covered such topics global warming, sex and politics, the state of health care in the country (suggesting a cash for clunkers program for elderly relatives, among other things), drugs – recreational and otherwise – and more personal topics, including his recent heart surgery.
Although he rocketed to fame in 1978 on the sitcom “Mork and Mindy,” Robin Williams was already familiar to HBO subscribers from his appearance on the 1977 “Young Comedians” special. He went on to star in four solo specials on the network: “On Location: Robin Williams” (1978), “An Evening with Robin Williams” (1983), “Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met” (1986) and “Robin Williams: Live on Broadway” (2002), which received five Emmy® nominations, in addition to performing on a variety of other HBO specials and series. Along with Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg, Williams was one of the hosts of all nine “Comic Relief” all-star charity benefit specials on HBO.
With four Golden Globe® awards, as well as the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, four Grammys®, an Oscar® win for “Good Will Hunting” and three additional Oscar® nominations, Williams is one of the most successful and beloved figures in entertainment history. His other film credits include “The Fisher King,” “Dead Poets Society,” “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Awakenings,” “The Birdcage,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Insomnia,” “Happy Feet,” “Aladdin,” “Hook,” “Jumanji” and the “Night at the Museum” films. His recent credits include the dark comedy “World’s Greatest Dad” and the current Disney comedy “Old Dogs,” opposite John Travolta.

Motown's 50 Anniversary Half Time Show on Thanksgiving

(November 5, 2009 - New York, NY) The most quintessential of American holidays, Thanksgiving, is the setting for a special celebration of a quintessentially American musical treasure: the classic songs of Motown. NFL fans will be dancing in their seats at home and at Ford Field in Detroit during the 2009 United Way Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show: A Motown 50th Anniversary Tribute. The Motown tribute will take place during halftime of the first game of the NFL's Thanksgiving tripleheader when the Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, November 26 at 12:30 PM ET on FOX.In Motown's original hometown, this special halftime event features six of the brightest talents from the current roster of Universal Motown Records, performing classics from Motown's all-American songbook.Bringing the unforgettable songs of Motown back to the Motor City are Melanie Fiona, Kem, Shontelle, Forever The Sickest Kids, Vita Chambers, and Hal Linton. The dynamic and driving tribute spans more than a decade of Motown classics - every one of the songs among the most recognizable and culture-defining songs in pop music history. Following the performance, fans can visit NFL.COM/THANKSGIVING to find out how to download a copy of the halftime medley, as well as music from each of the artists. Proceeds will benefit United Way.In addition, singer-songwriter Jadyn Maria will kick off the game in Detroit with the National Anthem. She is also a member of the Universal Motown family, and was the first artist signed to Grammy-winner Ne-Yo's Compound Entertainment roster.MELANIE FIONA brings together vintage grooves on her exuberant and original SRC/Universal Motown debut album THE BRIDGE, available now at digital retail and on CD November 10th. Universal Motown singer-songwriter KEM performed a special live show in Detroit's Cass Park in support of the city's homeless in August 2009. KEM is a leading light of this decade's progressive neo-soul movement with two gold albums and two No. 1 singles. International Top 10 hit singer-songwriter SHONTELLE's SRP/SRC/Universal Motown album SHONTELLIGENCE contains the international hits "T-Shirt," "Stuck With Each Other" (featuring Akon), and "Roll." The innovative alternative rock/electronic six-man band FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS' Universal Motown album debut, UNDERDOG ALMA MATER, is now available in a deluxe edition now; the group will release an innovative series of three EPs of new material starting with FRIDAY on November 17th, 2009. The halftime show also features two impressive young Universal Motown newcomers: VITA CHAMBERS, who honors Motown's classic era with her own edgy mix of rock, pop, and soul, and HAL LINTON, a talented singer who updates the great vocal tradition of Motown's Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder for the new century. Both are completing debut albums for SRP/Universal Motown for 2010 release.All of the halftime tribute's songs are culled from the golden era of Motown, the company founded by Berry Gordy in 1959 that revolutionized contemporary music with its brilliant, influential, and unique fusion of pop, blues, R&B, rock, and gospel elements.The celebration of Motown's 50th anniversary continues around the globe with events, special programming, exhibits, etc. An irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy's legendary Motown made its mark not just on the music industry but society at large, with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture with artists such as Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Jackson 5, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. That influence is still being felt today, from pop to hip-hop, as Motown celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. Today, Motown is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).Continuing an innovation introduced in 2006, the NFL will serve up three nationally-televised games on Thanksgiving Day. The early game (FOX, 12:30 PM ET) will be an NFC North meeting of the Green Bay Packers at the Detroit Lions. This is the 19th time the Lions have hosted the Packers on Thanksgiving, including 13 consecutive games from 1951- 1963. The second game (CBS, 4:15 PM ET) features the Oakland Raiders visiting the Dallas Cowboys in the Raiders' first Thanksgiving game since 1970.The Thanksgiving primetime game will air at 8:20 PM ET on the NFL Network with the defending NFC East champion New York Giants visiting the Denver Broncos, marking the first Thanksgiving contest in Denver since 1963. The late afternoon game in Dallas between the Oakland Raiders and Cowboys on CBS (4:15 p.m. ET) will also feature special National Anthem and halftime show performances by national artists who will be announced shortly.Now in its 36th year, the United Way/NFL partnership is the longest running charitable collaboration of its kind and connects NFL PLAY 60 with United Way's goal of 1.9 million more healthy young people by 2018.This is the 11th year that United Way has worked with the NFL on the Thanksgiving Halftime Show to inspire NFL fans across the country to get involved in their communities.

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AFTER DARK LIVE December 8th
Raymond Tyler columnist/host/producer
6701 Black Horse Pike, Suite a-4, PMB 981
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
609-816-5589

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11-24-2009

96.1 WTTH’S Breakfast Club presents
AFTER DARK Live from The Tropicana Casino Hotel’s Planet Rose
December 8th AT 7PM
Admission $10

Join 96.1 FM WTTH The Touch radio personality and AC Weekly columnist Raymond Tyler and his special guest Taimak from The Last Dragon for AFTER DARK. Live from one of the most exciting casino hotels in Atlantic City, The Tropicana. AFTER DARK is an evening event, for the successful, the sexy and the creative. The Planet Rose Lounge is the seductively select setting for the start of this series of networking, power players and live performance events.
The list of confirmed guests includes Last Dragon Star- Taimak, Lee Ann Patterson from HBO Films’ Youth Knows No Pain and from the new 50 Cent movie “Before I Self Destruct”, Los Jones. Other guests include book publishers, authors, film makers, owners of businesses that book performers, Grammy nominated music producers, and more.
96.1 WTTH FM airs the Breakfast Club on Sunday Mornings from 7am to 8am. Raymond Tyler producer/host writes The City Beat Column for the AC Weekly (acweekly.com) and also several has contributed to several national magazines including The Source, Essence and Vibe. Since coming to the touch The Breakfast Club has featured interviews with Rodney Jerkins, Smokey Robinson, Tom Smothers, MC Lyte, DMC (Run DMC) and Otis Williams (The Temptations.)
People attending are also asked to bring new toys, coats, hygiene items and or warm weather clothing to benefit the AC Rescue Mission and The Covenant House.
Tyler has hand picked a line up of performers that include spoken word artists, rock, soul and acoustic musicians, comics and more. AFTER DARK brings back cool back and still offers a brand new BRAND NEW FUNK. We hope to see you there covering our event just call to RSVP under press.
More info as it becomes available can be found at www.thenationalimpact.blogspot.com

AFTER DARK offering chances to Win Great Music

December 8th at 7pm at The Planet Rose Lounge inside the Tropicana.....

96.1 WTTH The Touch's Breakfast Club and The National Impact are going to change the way you hang out forever! Our guest list is growing we have film makers, radio personalities, tv personalities and film stars who are going to be in the house.And thanks to TMA Publicity you will have the chance to bring home several great CD's during our AFTER DARK TRIVIA CHALLENGES. Including....

ALLEN IVERSON: WHAT WILL BE THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION CONCERNING HIS LEGACY? By Vincent Lucas

A moment in time: A stutter step, dribble to the left, hesitation and crossover to the right…pull up in the lane and bucket...in Philadelphia against the World’s Greatest basketball player. Against the World Champion Chicago Bulls. Allen Iverson’s sheer talent and gall to upstage Michael Jordan if only for one play came to define his rookie year in the NBA and alerted basketball aficionados that this six foot, 160 lb, kid in cornrows definitely had the Answer.
In the years that followed, Allen Iverson would help change and transform the culture of the NBA combining his raw basketball talent with stoic hip-hop flair and swagger. Fusing these two entities together proved to be both beneficial and detrimental to the NBA and Allen Iverson. Allen was the hip-hop generation’s first true superstar representative in the NBA and hip-hop nation embraced their king. But the NBA did not want to embrace the lifestyle that came with it. A few conduct policies and dress codes later, Allen Iverson emerged as an NBA bad boy. A vivid icon of what’s good and bad about the league.
Iverson pressed on, defended his friends and defied his critics on his way to being an NBA MVP in 2001. He took his Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals that year where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. This little man who stood for all little men in sports and in life, who came to define his era in the NBA and in the process bought a new generation of fans to the game may well have aborted his legacy with one word: PRACTICE. Yes, we’re talking about practice.
Allen Iverson has never been a fan of practice. To be honest, few athletes are. But in athletic circles it’s clearly understood that practice comes with the territory. It’s a mandatory activity necessary for achieving athletic success. Iverson’s sheer talent and will made him exempt from such endeavors in his own mind. Practice was just not a priority with him. What Iverson failed to understand was that this simple endeavor and what it symbolizes is a sacred standard in sports that should never be questioned, ridiculed or downplayed. Practice produces champions. And I would argue that his failure to recognize how important this endeavor is has contributed to his current influx with the NBA and his career. It may even prove detrimental in deciding his legacy.
This past summer Iverson reaped what he sowed. No NBA team offered him a contract except Memphis…and this came at dawn of the new NBA season. He was clearly hurt by the snub and said he was going to show people what a mistake they made. But it was Iverson who made the mistake. He battled with coach Larry Brown over practice while in Philly and it cost him. Brown, a legendary and respected coach, wields great power and influence in the league and it’s not surprising that there were no takers for Iverson this summer. What’s more, Iverson never really was much of a work out guy, either which is another important form of practice. This cost him as well. Now, at the age of 34, his body has begun to betray him. He was battling a hamstring injury as the season got underway this fall.
After years of strictly relying on his talent, Iverson has now been faced with accepting the stark reality of his mistake. Nowhere was that more evident than in Los Angeles recently as Iverson and the Grizzlies were playing the Lakers. Iverson, not a fan of coming off the bench, either was ineffective against L.A. and played sparingly few minutes. He plays for a team rich in youth and talent and instead of accepting a diminished role and being a leader for the young guys, he’s more concerned with playing time and starting. By comparison, this night Iverson was being guarded by Derek Fisher, a player who came into the NBA at the same time as Iverson, is the same age but starts for the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Fisher will not be a Hall of Famer. Iverson has the credentials to definitely be a Hall of Famer. No one will argue that Fisher is a better talent than Iverson. But the telling difference in both these guys’ careers at this point has been attitude and focus. Fisher has always practiced, has always worked on his body to endure the physical grinding that an NBA season requires. And when L.A. signed Gary Payton back in 2003 to replace him in the starting line-up he did not whine or get upset. He embraced his role off the bench and was more focused on what he needed to do to help his team. Is there any wonder why Fisher is a 4-time world champion and Iverson is not? Is there any wonder that Iverson’s skills have diminished and his ability to make it through an NBA season healthy is in question? Is it any surprise that the game against Los Angeles may well have been Iverson’s last? He is currently considering retirement after taking a leave of absence from the Grizzlies following the Laker game.
So what will Iverson’s legacy be? We’re talking about a guy who had tremendous talent for someone his size. Who infused the NBA with a hip-hop swagger and bought a new generation of fans to the game. We are also talking about a guy who refused to subjugate that talent with the concept of practice. Who while being one of the NBA’s valued superstars was not one of its tailored spokesmen. A player who is in the top ten all-time scoring in the NBA but it not particularly known for being a team leader and has never won a championship. I think his legacy will reflect his talent and contribution to the game but it will also mirror his attitude and focus (or lack thereof) that he displayed. In a league of Bryant, Wade, Anthony and James, Iverson is barely mentioned. He has become somewhat of a footnote in NBA lexicon today. I believe his place in the history of the game will have a similar effect. That’s unfortunate for such a talented player as Iverson. But talent is something all NBA players have. What makes one truly great in this game is desire, will to win, focus and leadership…even a little thing called practice.
END.

No Where To Run. NBA Fan's discuss Iverson's Legacy

Allen Iverson as a rookie claimed "I don't have to respect Michael Jordan." Which was not a big deal, rookies from Harold Miner to Isiah Rider have been compared to Jordan in some way. (Neither of them were any deal at all.)

What was a big deal was that after the brash young Allen Iverson explained that he could not step on the court and be in awe of MJ, he then proceeded to light up MJ and the whole Chicago Team.

Unlike Kobe Bryant, A.I was not trying to be the next Michael Jordan.

A.I became the first Allen Iverson and a great one.

Raymond Tyler (Columnist/Radio Personality)

We asked other fans of the talented guard ..."How Will You Remember Allen Iverson?

Tanya Fields-A player who had the potential to be thes best of his time, but instead let his ego get the best of him. There is much to be said for someone who has been playing for 13yrs, on like 4 different teams, and NO championship ring. They used to clown Jordan about the same thing back in the day, but he stepped up to the plate and became a leader for his team, which is why the Bulls won so many championships in the 90's. Iverson had the talent to do the same, but wasted it on his foolish ego.

G. Bruce Ward-On his tombstone "I came to play and hustle every GAME. You talkin bout practice? practice? practice?"

James Burroughs- I don't think the Sixers helped his situation. They did nothing to surround him with the talent needed to win. The one season they made it to the finals there was no effort by the front office to keep the core of the team together for another run the following season. A.I does have a big ego but, unlike Jordan and the Bulls he didn't have the front office support.

Sterling Forrest Jr.-Iverson was and probebly still is a great offensive player but he's spoiled. He never learned to play team ball and made every bad situation worse. I love him because he goes hard every nite but it just seems like he never grew up. This was his chance to mentor the young guards on Memphis instead he cried about not starting on the only team that offered him a contract.

Scott Eisenlohr-Allen Iverson was a great player, but was not the answer for any team. His best shot was when the Sixers went to the finals in 2001. I don't doubt his desire and he leaves it on the floor every night. But he not a player who makes his teammates better. You need that quality to be a winner. Great player, bad teammate.

AFTER DARK...A Brand New...Brand New Funk

Your Tuesday's just got "Fly" People.

The minds behind The Breakfast Club on 96.1 FM WTTH The Touch, The City Beat column in The AC Weekly, The Way Back Machine on 91.7 FM WLFR and The National Impact website and radio show present...

AFTER DARK!

We're giving Grown Folk and Sexy Folk a Brand New, Brand New Funk.

We debut it Tuesday December 8th at The Tropicana Casino Hotel.

Join us for a vibe that sparks memories of that Play Boy After Dark Cool and a new cool of our own.

There will be movers and shakers there of all back grounds so bring your business cards.

Live enteratiners will include Poetry and Spoken Word and Various types of live performers.

We will also have some special invited guest in the building....so far we Last Dragon Film Star Taimak confirmed to show. We will anounce more people from the guest list next week.

If you are not on the guest list you can buy tickets for just $10 but you do not want to be left out.

If you'd like to become a sponsor and set up a table to promore your business or place an ad in the program? Please call raymond Tyler ASAP at 609-816-5589.

Fan Share Their Memories of Mister Magic

Here's what National Impact readers and hip-hop fans had to say Mr. Magic. We asked them how they would remember the WBLS LEGEND?

Donald Corporal-The MR MAGIC RAP ATTACK..use to listen when i lived in north jersey..He is the reason that RAP took off..will be missed by ALL OF HIP-HOP!

Robert Jones (Former AC DJ)
DID YOU KNOW HE ACTUALLY BLEW UTFO UP?

Marc Asbury- He paved the way for all of us. Without him there would not have been Lady B, Funkmaster Flexx, It's Elementary (R.I.P Sure Rock) The Come Up Show.... you get my drift.

Kool Moe D (Award Winning MC) BY FAR THE MOST UNDER - RATED INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN HIP HOP MUSIC!!! THE ABSOLUTE FIRST DJ TO PLAY HIP HOP MUSIC ON THE RADIO!!! MR. MAGIC'S RAP ATTACK ON WHBI 2 AM - 4 AM 1979!!!! WITH OUT HIM, IT'S DOUBTFUL RADIO STATIONS WOULD HAV HAD HIP HOP RADIO PROGRAMING!!! R.I.P.

DJ The Original ILL Nino discusses The Passing Of Mr. Magic

Sad news on Friday October 02, 2009, John “Mr. Magic” Rivas has passed away, reportedly after a heart attack. It’s possible that his name doesn’t ring an immediate bell with you, but if you’re a fan of hip-hop in any capacity, take a minute to read up on his legacy.Mr. Magic hosted what is generally recognized as the world’s first successful rap-only radio mix show beginning in 1982 on New York City’s WBLS-FM. Among other things, Mr. Magic’s show introduced the world to his co-host Marley Marl, who would soon be recognized as one of the genre’s most talented producers. In 1994, the Notorious B.I.G. memorably paid tribute to the show in the opening verse of his breakout single “Juicy”: “It was all a dream/I used to read Word Up magazine/Salt-n-Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine/Hanging pictures on my wall/Every Saturday, ‘Rap Attack,’ Mr. Magic, Marley Marl.“

The Fish The Saved Pittsburgh turns 30 and Philly Celebrates

THE FISH THAT SAVED PITTSBURGH

What: SOUL FOOD FRIDAY PRESENTS THE FISH THAT SAVED PITTSBURGH (1979)When: Friday November 20, 2009 at 7pmWhere: The Point of Destination Cafe, Greene and Upsal Streets (At The Upsal R8 Train Station) Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-849-7771Cost:Free w/ Purchase of a Soul Food Friday Meal Meal ($12 and up) The Pittsburgh Pythons are the worst team in the NBA. Most of the players think the reason why they are in the cellar is because Moses Guthrie who they feel is monopolizing the spotlight. So when they walk out, the towel boy, Tyronne decides to consult with an astrologist, Mona. They in turn decide to hold open tryouts and they only select players who are born under the same zodiac sign as Guthrie, Pisces. And what they get are some weirdos but they play together, they are phenomenal. When they start winning the owner decides to rename the team the Pisces. Starring Julius Erving, Jonathan Winters, Meadowlark Lemon, Jack Kehoe, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

HBO RENEWS REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2009 – HBO has renewed REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER for an eighth season, it was announced today by Nancy Geller, senior vice president, HBO Entertainment. The season launches FRIDAY, FEB. 19, with new hour-long editions debuting at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT) for the first time, followed by an encore presentation at 11:00 p.m.
“Bill Maher is a vital and provocative observer who cuts through the media clutter to offer a uniquely thoughtful outlook on the world,” noted Geller. “HBO’s unfettered creative freedom brings out the best in Bill, and we’re thrilled to bring his fearless insights back for another season.”
Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests. Concluding its seventh season on Oct. 16, with 172 hour-long editions presented to date, the show was hailed recently as “hands down the funniest show on TV” in Rolling Stone by “Family Guy” creator Seth McFarlane, who added, “It surprises me more than any other show I watch.”
Maher was the creator and host of “Politically Incorrect,” which was produced by HBO Downtown Productions and debuted on Comedy Central in 1993. The series moved to ABC in 1997, where Brad Grey Television joined HBO Downtown Productions as producers, and ended its run in 2002.
A favorite of HBO viewers since his first special on the network in 1989, Maher’s other HBO credits include six hour-long specials: 2007’s “The Decider” (nominated for an Emmy® in the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special category), “I’m Swiss,” “Victory Begins at Home,” “Be More Cynical,” “The Golden Goose Special” and “Stuff That Struck Me Funny,” plus “30 Seconds Over Washington,” two half-hour stand-up specials, and “Comic Relief VI™.” His most recent book, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer,” made the New York Times best seller list, as well as best seller lists across the country. He is also author of the books “When You Ride Alone You Ride with Bin Laden: What Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? The Best of Politically Incorrect” and “True Story: A Novel.” Maher also starred in the recent feature film “Religulous.”
Season seven credits: REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER is produced by HBO in association with Brad Grey Television. The executive producers are Bill Maher, Scott Carter, Sheila Griffiths, Brad Grey, Marc Gurvitz and Billy Martin.

To Whom Much is Given...The Third Annual Toy & Coat Drive

Raymond Tyler posing with Grammy Nominated Singer Chrisette Michelle

For 300 of the 365 days of the year I complain and moan that I don’t have much. Unfortunately, I was right when I said years back “People will only be able to live like Puff Daddy or a crack head. No more middle class.” Like many of you reading this I am in a struggle every day to keep my financial status from going over the peak. However, I believe in what I do.
Yet for the past three years for about 65 days or so...I think about the other guy. Instead of comparing myself to the “haves” and feeling the sting of things I need but can’t afford yet, I think about the people who don’t have anything they need.
Raymond Tyler with singer Chrisette Michelle

Every night in Atlantic City my home town children go to bed hungry. Some children will not have a decent winter coat when the weather turns cold. Many children are in need of basic things to keep warm like sweaters, socks and gloves. There are also homeless children in my home town.
When October rolls around I put out calls to the Covenant House of AC to see what I can to help them, help young people in need of a warm bed and roof over head.
I do this because even with all the things I think I need but don’t have. I have been given a lot by way of opportunity. I have been blessed with great parents who are still with me. I have a couple of radio shows, I am looking to move to television and I have a column in a weekly newspaper. Make no mistake I had to fight for all of that but still I know there are plenty of people who would love to be in my shoes.
While I wear these shoes, I hope that my exposure can be used to help other people. So from the bottom of my heart I am asking you, to help me with my third annual AC Weekly/City Beat, WTTH/Breakfast Club, National Impact TOY AND COAT DRIVE.
The drive this year will help two major charities The Atlantic City Rescue Mission and The Covenant House. We do help some other people in need as well.
Here’s what we need this year and you can help with as much or as little as you can afford.
· New Toys (Un Wrapped Please)
· Mp3 players (Can be the very basic ones)
· New Coats
· Any new warm clothing items in all sizes, especially bigger sizes. Includes: socks, sweat shirts, and baby clothing.
· Hygiene products. Includes tooth paste, deodorant, soap, kits, razors and other toiletries.
· Professional work clothes...(for people to go on a job interview.)
· Monetary donations can be made directly to The Covenant House or AC Rescue Mission.
Currently we have several events where you can bring these things to and enjoy yourself.
Arts and Music
Sunday’s at The Doris Jazz Room from 3pm to 5pm
(Admission $5)

AFTER DARK
Tuesday December 8th at Tropicana casino Hotel inside Planet Rose
Invite Only

Poetry Workshop with Raymond Tyler
Monday December 21st at 5:30pm inside the AC Free Public Library
Admission is Free

AFTER DARK TOY/COAT DRIVE VICTORY PARTY
Tuesday DEC 22nd At The Tropicana Casino Hotel Inside Planet Rose
Invite Only
You can also drop off donations directly to the offices of The AC Rescue Mission 609- 345-5517 and Covenant House 609-348-4070.

Raymond Tyler

Thanks to Ewaure Osayande for stopping by The Breakfast Club. Reach him at www.osayande.org

Sunday November 15th, Ewaure Osayande was my guest on The Breakfast Club!

Ewaure performed a emotionally thought provoking poem called HOME.

You can check out Ewuare Osayande anytime at www.osayande.org.

Please drop by his website and let him know he heard and felt his words.

NEXT WEEK!

ALLEN IVERSON VERSUS ALLEN IVERSON

The Pending retirement. Probable Legacy.

How The F, Did You Get So Cool? Schooly? By Jaquline Taylor-Adams

Hip Hop Legend Schoolly D Helps Mark The Return Of Great Live Performance To Philadelphia’s 52nd Street At Festivals, Home of The Old Hollywood Palace.

Local Entrepreneur and Artist Attracts Top Talent and Global Audience with Acoustic Soul.

Philadelphia, PA - Monday, November 23, 2009 hip hop legend Schooly D headlines at Acoustic Soul, Philly’s new hot underground live performance and open mic event at Festivals Caribbean Restaurant & Bar located 5222 Walnut Street in West Philadelphia. Right off 52nd Street which is one of Philadelphia’s historic neighborhood shopping avenues, the weekly Acoustic Soul resembling a cross between Def Poetry Jam and the Black Lily is bringing the arts back to 52nd Street.
Entrepreneur, Producer, and Spoken Word Artist known as Damali is the creator of Acoustic Soul whose resident artists make up variety act The Soul Asylum featuring Master Griots Damali, North Philly’s finest Mrs. Betty’s Son, vocalist and emcee Amun Miraaj, vocalist and Egyptian Belly Dancer Zen Aura as well as guitarist and alternative soul sensation Melvin C. McKnight aka Blaqmel.
Festivals Caribbean Restaurant & Bar was selected as the venue to host Acoustic Soul because of its rich musical history. Formerly the Hollywood Palace which in the 1950s and 60s was a hot jazz speakeasy that hosted jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane just to name a few. In the 70s Hollywood Palace stage was haven to the R&B scene and the Philadelphia International artists like Teddy Pendergrass, Linda Creed, David Ruffin, The Whitehead, and the 1980s became the place where musicians came to jam all night.
Now in 2009 S. 52nd still boasts phenomenal summer jazz and music concerts and festivals in Malcolm X Park, Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts which is housed in the historic building which was the former Nixon Movie Theater, the Philadelphia Beauty Showcase National Historical Museum, local radio station WPEB 88.1FM, and Acoustic Soul at Festivals.
Schoolly D, the moniker of Jesse B. Weaver, Jr. from Philadelphia, performance at Acoustic Soul puts the event on the path to continuing the Hollywood Palace tradition of being a Philadelphia must play for the hottest spoken word, hip hop, soul, and alternative artists across the nation.
As one of hip-hop's pioneers, Schoolly D is noted as the “Godfather of Gangster rap”, having created a genre of music still widely popular far after over two decades. With his early records, Schoolly D indirectly paved the way for the west coast's gangster rappers. Musically, Schoolly D and his DJ Code Money came up with electronic hardcore beats. Later on, Schoolly embraced the black consciousness style, working together with KRS One. He contributed songs and music to many of Abel Ferrara films, His last album, Funk 'n' Pussy, features guest appearances by Public Enemy's Chuck D, Chuck Chillout, Lady B and a drum and bass remix of the classic Schoolly D track "Mr. Big Dick" (remixed by UK trip-hop crew The Sneaker Pimps). Schoolly also does the music and occasional narration for the cult animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, an American cartoon on the Cartoon Network channel in its Adult Swim strand, and most recently music for DJ Hero, created by Guitar Hero.
Also sharing the stage with the legendary Schoolly D for Acoustic Soul’s Old Skool Hip Hop night are Soundbwoi Killaz, The One Sun Lion Ra, Alien Architects, Daynomi Thomas, True Dialect, Voss & Joss Loss, and of course, The Soul Asylum. Doors open at 7:30pm; show begins 9:00pm sharp. Live broadcast can be viewed at http://www.watchurmouth.com/ and http://www.bbsvaluetour.ning.com/. Tickets may also be purchased online acousticsoul.eventbrite.com. For more information email acoustic.soul@ymail.com or call (267) 241-1787.

Hell Up In Smallville By Raymond Tyler

Blaxiploitation Queen Pam Grier joins the cast of Smallville

According to a recent report at EW.com, Pam Grier will be joining the cast of Smallville.
During the last few seasons Smallville a syndicated show which portrays the early life of DC Comic’s character Superman, has also introduced teen to young adult versions of Bat Man, Green Arrow and other heroes.
This time they bring on a villain and who is one of comics best Amanda Waller.
In the mainstream DC Comics universe Dr. Waller is a tough as nails character that heads a secret government organization. Waller’s past includes hard times in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Housing Projects.
Both in comics and in the popular cartoon Justice League Unlimited, Amanda Waller is a highly effective villainess who believes what she’s doing is right. More importantly she gives up very little in her dealings with super humans like Bat Man and Superman. Her job is to keep the heroes in check.
Seeing Pam Grier as Waller on Smallville will make me tune in at least twice this season. If Grier’s appearances are half as stimulating as the appearances of Waller has been in comics and TV? I’ll be savouring every second.

ADVERTISING: The National Impact official web magazine of The Breakfast Club

Magic Wanda By Raymond Tyler

Wanda Sykes has been magic for HBO since her beginnings as a writer for The Chris Rock Show.
On HBO she is allowed to be as much Wanda as she wants when ever she wants.

On Fox she has been historically a little less magic. Her first Fox Show, the sit-com Wanda At Large was a great show. In fact FOX has had many phenomenal shows with black casts but FOX doesn’t have a history of standing by them.
Based on the way Fox has dismissed great shows let’s hope Mrs. Sykes gets her contract money up front.

What will make Wanda Sykes Show a Smash: Being only on Saturday Night’s and going up against a Saturday Night Live run that’s almost as funny as when Eddie Murphy was on the show, I don’t see Sykes Show being a “smash.” It can be a solid hit filling the gap left by Mad TV. Truth of the matter FOX let Mad TV go because of the budget costs. Did I say Mrs. Sykes needs to get as much money up front as she can carry?

What Will Make The Wanda Sykes Show a Flop: Poor guests. If Mrs. Sykes tries to be something she really isn’t. It’s been leaked that she’ll try some Bill Mahr type of political discussion; that might not be what people are tuning in for on a Saturday Night. At her worst Sykes should be at least interesting. The only other problem is that realistically she is only so funny. Unlike David Chappelle she won’t have the ability to really shock the viewer or really break new ground. However, check back in a view weeks, I would love to have to write, that I was wrong.

Rich Georgie

Premiering on Monday Nov 9th will be Lopez Tonight with George Lopez.

Since his sit-com aired on ABC in the 90’s Lopez has made it a point to stay mainstream and stay in the public eye. What makes Lopez a Godsend culturally is that like Freddie Prinze back in the 70’s, Lopez brings his cultural heritage into the mainstream

.
How with this play in trying to crack into the audiences of David Letterman and Conon O’Brien will be interesting. TBS is most likely betting that Lopez won’t take from either of the network shows but maybe grab people who don’t usually enjoy late night shows.

Without question George has the tools to be funny.

What would make the Lopez show a smash: If he can find an audience at 11pm that wants the same type of show that their parents watch at 11:30pm. Lopez can be a solid hit but it will be hard because he’ll be contending for the same guests as David, Conan and Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Falon. Still George appeals to a very under served Latino market.

What would make Lopez a flop: If like Magic Johnson and Keenan Ivory Wayans before him, Lopez just can’t make then jump to being a successful late night host.

What About Arsenio By Raymond Tyler

Let’s talk for real. Wanda and George have made serious in roads in pop culture and are at the top of their games. When it comes to late night talk however, Arsenio is still a legend and the king in absence.

I believe there are maybe thousands of people like myself who respect Arsenio and despise the studios for running Arsenio off late night.

To be clear. I respect Arsenio because he promised America and Minister Louis Farrakhan a passionate and real discussion. Dispite warnings and down right threats, Arsenio kept his word. Arsenio also delivered 90 minutes of discussion that should be a part of TV history.
To all of the execs at Fox and other networks who “will never forgive Arsenio.” GET OVER IT. Admit you were wrong.

This is America and since it was Arsenio’s name on the show he could have anyone he wanted on the show and if people don’t want to see it, they would've tuned in.

Arsenio Hall knows how to put on a show. A little over the top but still he was the only person who could bring Muhammad Ali on and handle the interview with class and give the champ the spot light he’s earned.

When it comes to late night talk shows I know s few things.

I love David Letterman. He’s the best that’s on right now.

What was done to Johnny Carson was wrong and I have a hard time getting over that.

Jimmy Falon, when I can catch him is actually pretty funny.

There’s been a hole left in my TV set since Arsenio has been gone. Thanks to youtube I can go back to when 11:30 during the week was our time.

Furious Five NBA Basket Ball Teams by Raymond Tyler

With the NBA 2009-2010 Season barely a few weeks olds. The National Impact looks at the five teams who we'll still be talking about in April 2010.

Number Five-The Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard is not Super Man and even with Vince Carter’s help The Magic are just barely an elite team. Still, The Magic are good enough. After the Magic, the rest of the league doesn’t count.

Number Four-The San Antonio Spurs

Right now Texas has three real solid teams that are well coached. San Antonio is the best of them this year. Tim Duncan should be injury free. Tony Parker played like a NBA Live version of himself last year by becoming a scoring machine. Plus Parker is still in his twenties with more than 10 years of NBA experience. Manu Ginobili is expected to be healthy this year as well. Then add to this mix former all-star forward Richard Jefferson and The Spurs can play with any team. The only negative to the Spurs will be Greg Popovitch demanding the team play the most boring brand of winning basket ball you’ll ever see.

BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR: Forward DeJuan Blair is playing with a level of excitement and showmanship that’s been missing in “San An” since George Gervin and Gene Banks. Hopefully Popovich will let this “horse” run a little bit.

Number Three-The Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James is without a doubt a one man gang. The problem’s been to win in The NBA you need a team. To win and play into the summer play off months you need a team and at least two super star calibre players. So during the off season “The Cavs” picked up Shaquille O’Neal. Now the question will be how long will it take for Shaq and Le Bron to be able to co-exist and win? Will we see “The Super Man Shaq” that delivered championship rings for Kobe Bryant and Duane Wade? Or will we see the Bizarro-Shaq that seemed to make a Phoenix Suns team with Steve Nash and Amari Stoudemire worse?

BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR: Maybe a new coach. They love Mike Brown in Cleveland but his ability to draw up other plays besides “give the ball to Lebron” remains to be seen.

Number Two-The Los Angeles Lakers

Rule number one; is that the champs are the champs until somebody beats them. The problem is this Lakers team didn’t play the real Eastern Champs last year. Some how, Orlando defeated Boston and Cleveland and ended up in the NBA Finals. That won’t happen this year. Barring an out break of clumsiness and “scrub-itus” The Boston Celtics will return to get back what they feel is their championship. Still The Lakers have the best closer in the NBA in Kobe Bryant who last year learned how to share. If we see that Kobe as opposed to the selfish kid who never saw a shot he wouldn’t take? The Lakers will be in great shape to come out of the west this year.

BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR: Ron Artest’s ability to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory. In the past Artest has been known to melt down. If Artest complains about having to share the ball with Kobe? A team National Impact considers a consensus number two could quickly fall out of the status of elite teams.

Number One-The Boston Celtics

# 1 Boston Celtics-The Celtics have, what should be a super team. The last time an NBA team like this was put together Karl Malone and Gary Payton teamed with Shaq and Kobe. The difference between that Lakers team that got robbed in the play offs and this Boston team is coaching. Doc Rivers will successfully be able to coach not just manage his super star team. Rivers will get Ray Allen’s jump shot back on track. He will inspire Paul Pierce to believe he is the number 3 or 4 player in the league. More importantly Rivers will get Pierce to out play the number 2 player in Kobe Bryant again. Rivers will keep Kevin Garnett’s minutes low until the playoffs. Rivers will by the end of the season find a way for KG to play power forward and Rasheed Wallace to play small forward. Rivers ability to make adjustments in a 7 game series will ensure that by the time The National Impact Baseball preview comes out Boston will be NBA champs again.