Features

The Ru Report #180

Soul Brothers
A hot new book has just hit the market that will surely catch the attention of many. Described as an “undeniable pleasure” by its publisher, the distinctive title will seduce readers far and wide.

In “More Body, More Soul: Beautiful Black Men” (Universe/Rizzoli) acclaimed art director Duane Thomas pays visual homage to the brothers and all of their physical essence. With the artful assistance of noted fashion photographers Marc Baptiste, Barron Claiborne, David LaChapelle, Roger Erickson, Guzman, Dah Len and “America’s Next Top Model” panelist Nigel Barker, the 144-page coffee table book features photographs of handsome models and celebrities such as Jamie Foxx, Karl Malone, Andre 3000, Gary Dourdan, Terrell Owens, Ludacris, Derek Jeter, Taye Diggs, TI, Garry Sheffield, Grant Hill, Mekhi Phifer, Vin Diesel, Will Smith, Ja Rule, 50 Cent, Usher, LeBron James, LL Cool J, Stephon Marburry, Curtis Martin and even Jay-Z.

“I’ve always loved black male imagery,” Mr. Thomas explained to “The RU Report,” yesterday. “In visiting bookstores, I was dismayed to find that we weren’t represented in more photo books. There were beautiful Black men like Tyson Beckford who’d made it but that wasn’t reflected in the photo books at the time. So I came up with the idea of doing my own book on them.”

The full spectrum of men of color is represented here in this provocative and stunning compilation. Boxer Oscar De La Hoya is featured in his pugilist stance representing for the Latino (or Latin, depending on whom you ask) brethren. Soul singer Ruben Studdard gives it a go for the big men, and funnyman Chris Rock shows up for the more diminutive man. Even pint-sized, thug rap icon Lil’ Wayne appears in the book, all decked out in a silver gray fur jacket accentuated by a chinchilla collar. The photograph was taken by Adam Weiss before the Cash Money rapper’s current dreadlock phase.

“I wanted to reflect a whole range of black men in my book — from baldies to dreadlocks, from dark skin to light,” Mr. Thomas explained, then added “but above all, they needed to be sexy.”

And even though the bare-chested Lenny Kravitz — photographed by Stephanie Pfriender Stylander — graces the book’s cover, all of the men featured in the book are not nude – although more skin than anything else– is being displayed throughout.

Celebrity women get their say too. Actresses Rosario Dawson, LisaRaye, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lynn Whitfiled, supermodel Beverly Johnson and comedic genius Hazelle Goodman are a few of the sisters who offer their thoughts on the male physique.

The aforementioned photographers are a set of skilled and sought-after lens men. Mr. Thomas noted that contributing to the project wasn’t a far fetch. “As an art director, many of the photographers I’ve worked with throughout my career or [the ones] we contacted loved the idea of the book,” Mr. Thomas, who has worked for “Vogue,” “Elle,” “Essence,” “In Style,” “Details,” and “Esquire,” continued. “They, too, recognized the need for a book like this.”

He said the project took six months to complete.

This is not Mr. Thomas’s first foray into the book publishing world. “More Body, More Soul” is the sequel, per say, to Mr. Thomas’ highly acclaimed debut “Body & Soul,” which was published in 1998 and featured neo-soul crooner D’Angelo on its cover. That was followed by “Soulstyle,” which celebrated Black beautiful women.

Why the gap in time from the first “Body & Soul” book until now?

“Because I wanted to give time for new guys to come onto the scene,” he replied. “I didn’t want to picture all of the same guys in this new book. Plus, I wanted to give the photographers time to shoot new images of the subjects.”

With an overall objective of getting readers to “appreciate the beauty of Black men,” Mr. Thomas revealed he had more ideas of expanding the “brand.” Unfortunately that’s all he was telling and we’ll just have to wait and see what else will come from “More Body, More Soul.” Maybe an interactive website? Maybe a touring photo exhibit? Time will tell.

In the meantime, Mr. Thomas and Company will celebrate the release of the book at New York’s Rizzoli bookstore on November 9. Reserved signed copies, in hardcover or trade paperback, are available at 800-52-BOOKS.

Five On It
Five books to read this season…

One of my favorite political satirists, Bill Maher, recently released “NEW RULES: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer” (Rodale; $24.95), which takes serious aim at the people and topics he sees as proof this screwed-up world needs to be changed — and fast. These brilliant riffs and rants, along with a collection of brand new “editorials,” are published for the first time, setting forth the HBO star’s inimitable rules for a better world. Some samples: NEW RULE: The president must stop saying that Osama bin Laden “can run but he can’t hide.” Boy, can he hide. We can’t find him with cruise missiles, satellites, or million-dollar bribes — although, oddly enough, he is reachable through Classmates.com. NEW RULE: Tipping is for waiters, bathroom attendants, and lap dancers only! If your job involves standing behind a counter cutting bagels in half, you’re not waiting on me; I’m waiting on you! NEW RULE: Stop saying athletes do it for the love of the game. They do it for the love of their 32-room mansion with the live shark tank in the living room. If pro sports paid minimum wage, Shaquille O’Neal would be a bouncer at Scores, and Anna Kournikova would be a mail-order bride from Minsk.

Three years removed from his playing career and in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of Air Jordan, Michael Jordan reflects on his on and off court successes, including the creation of Brand Jordan, in “Driven from Within” (Atria Books; $35.00). Edited by Mark Vancil, the book includes vivid stories, anecdotes, drawings, and bold photographs that capture the sports superstar’s exceptional combination of grace, grit, power, and artistry—all the stuff that makes Mr. Jordan a basketball legend and worldwide icon. The book features five anecdote and picture packed chapters highlighting his extraordinary career and life.

Two great books by legendary photojournalist, Gordon Parks arrived on bookshelves this week Nine eventful decades of his extraordinary professional and personal life are explored in “A Hungry Heart: A Memoir” (Atria Books; $26.00), while a new collection of his art — over fifty luminous photographs framed by nearly sixty poems — are displayed with “Eyes with Winged Thoughts: Poetry & Images” (Atria Books; $27.95). As a Black man born into poverty and racism in 1912, and raised in a family who preached achievement while practicing love, Mr. Parks also lived the American dream and played a role in changing the world. He is best known for becoming the first Black photographer to join the elite staff of “Life” magazine — after achieving success as a freelancer for “Vogue” and enduring rejection from “Harper’s Bazaar” because of the Hearst Corporation’s strict policy against hiring Negroes. Yes it was that real. His latest volume of poetry and photographs takes on the tragedy of the tsunami and the war in Iraq — with intense emotion. In his mid-nineties, Gordon Parks is a national treasure.

Lastly, Martha Stewart’s latest best-seller “THE MARTHA RULES: 10 Essentials for Achieving Success as You Start, Build, or Manage a Business” (Rodale; $24.95) is filled with anecdotes and examples from her own experience as well as the lessons she has learned on her road to success. The handy business title appeals to business readers, loyal fans, and anyone wishing to turn their passion into a successful business. How to refine ideas, build a great team, and take chances are some of the topics Ms. Stewart takes on According to the book’s publisher, the formerly imprisoned Diva Of Domesticity wrote THE MARTHA RULES in part to answer the hundreds of questions new entrepreneurs have as well as to give them the inspiration they need to pursue their dreams.

Bits + Pieces
Now that NBC’s long-running medical drama “ER” added some more urban flavor to the mix with the addition of John Leguizamo to the cast, red-hot actor Mekhi Phifer is spreading his wings on other shows — even if only temporary. On November 20, the Harlem native will guest star on HBO’s hit comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” for an episode called “The Ski Lift.” Mr. Phifer, who was last seen in last year’s big screen remake of “Dawn Of The Dead,” recently wrapped his directorial debut, a comedy titled “Easier, Softer Way.” The drama-thrilled “Slow Burn,” starring Taye Diggs, LL Cool J and Ray Liotta (whom he had an emotional scene with in last week’s episode of “E.R.”), is the next project he has in the pike.

Former fashion model turned lifestyle expert B. Smith is still doing her thing. The brown-skinned beauty is currently the spokesperson for Palmolive and Betty Crocker products, appearing in national print ad campaigns. I caught up to her late Saturday night at Paul Mooney’s uproarious sit-down comedy routine at the world’s famous Caroline’s On Broadway and she was beaming as usual. There have recently been some great changes at her flagship New York City restaurant B. Smith’s including the addition of a new general manager named Lonnie Barnett — who previously oversaw things at the Warwick hotel — and Chef Karlton Harris, who was the award winning culinary master at the five-star restaurant the Blakeslee Inn in the Poconos and previously a part owner of Cornbread & Caviar in Long Island. Within the past few months, the Brooklyn, NY-bred Mr. Harris, renowned for his cuisine skills in the art of adding his own flair to traditional and newly created dishes, has brought some juicy morsels to the menu including Southwestern Fried Chicken and Veal Chop Oscar entrées and the Grilled Quail and Fried Green Tomatoes appetizers. That appetizer alone is worthy of tasting. It is made with fresh green tomatoes that have been sliced and pampered with Creole seasoned bread crumbs, fried until a crisp golden brown, and sprinkled with aged ricotta cheese and delectable roasted red pepper aioli. The dish is delish. And although she’s not longer on the revamped Discovery Channel, her syndicated show “B. Smith With Style” is seen in syndication on basic cable channel TV One (which is available in the NYC area via Direct TV). I love the newness going on with B. Smith. Love it!

A monumental replica of the Statue of Liberty was raised on the grounds in the rear of the Brooklyn Museum this week. Created in the late nineteenth century, the 47-foot-high Statue of Liberty and pedestal was originally installed in 1902 on auctioneer William H. Flattau’s Liberty Storage Warehouse in Manhattan, where it was once one of the highest points on the Upper West Side. In its new ground-level home at the Brooklyn Museum, the statue will be viewable up close and on all sides. About one-fifth the height of the Bartholdi original, the sculpture will undergo conservation efforts in view of visitors beginning in the spring of next year while positioned in its new location.

Video View
There is literally something for everybody, as far as home video offerings. And the fall is the perfect time to curl up under the fireplace and pop something in to enjoy. Here are my picks.

Lady Sings The Blues: This is one of my all time favorite movies and is music legend Diana Ross at her very best. After breaking records with the hit making Motown outfit The Supremes and then standing on her own as a sought after soloist, the woman who put the “d” in “diva” garnered an Oscar Award nomination for her breakthrough debut in the lead role as jazz legend Billie Holiday. Directed by Sidney J. Furie and co-starring Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, “Lady Sings The Blues” finally arrives on DVD format, 33 years after being released to the masses. Included in the special edition DVD package is commentary by Motown Founder Berry Gordy, Mr. Furie and Hollywood mogul Shelly Berger, as well as a behind the scenes look at the film and never-before seen “deleted scenes.”

Whoopi: Back on Broadway — The 20th Anniversary: The winner of an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Tony and two Golden Globe awards triumphantly returned to her Broadway roots earlier this year, with the limited engagement run of “Whoopi: Back To Broadway.” She dazzled sold out audiences with this performance. It was 20 years ago when HBO introduced her to TV audiences nationwide with the solo special, “Whoopi Goldberg Direct from Broadway.” For her big comeback, Ms. Goldberg reunited with legendary director Mike Nichols, who originally presented Ms. Goldberg on stage in 1985. Both Broadway specials are featured on the masterful DVD project.

Miracle’s Boy: Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lewis Lee presented the feature film adaptation of author Jacqueline Woodson’s celebrated novel of the same name on Viacom’s tween oriented network The N earlier this year. Under the direction of a cadre of regarded filmmakers including LeVar Burton, Bill Duke, Ernest Dickerson and Neema Barnette, the story centers around three orphaned teenage brothers living in Harlem, NY and their struggle to hold their family together. Broken up into a six-part series, the “Miracle’s Boys” stars Pooch Hall, Sean Nelson and Julito McCullum, also featuring appearances by New York Yankees’ catcher Jorge Posada and New York Giants’ running back Tiki Barber. The theme song was written and performed by recording artist Nas.

Rize: Fashion photographer and sometimes video director David LaChapelle steps out as a film director with this stunning documentary which is an intimate, portrayal of inner city youth in South Central who have created art — and family — a completely unique style of dance that evolves on a daily basis. The DVD package of “Rize” includes an introduction with the cast and director, filmmaking insight, new dancer interviews, deleted scenes and much more.

Gypsy: I know it’s really gay, but one of my guiltier pleasures is the musical “Gypsy.” I first discovered the theatrical masterpiece when Bernadette Peters gave the legendary role of Mama Rose some verve on The Great White Way last year. But I always new the music though — thanks to a late flamboyant family member. In this version, which originally was made for a TV movie in 1993, Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe winning entertainer Better Midler takes the lead. This story never goes old. It’s about an overwhelming stage mother who tries to live out her big hopes and dreams through her young daughters. Directed by the late Emile Ardolino, and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, the TV version doesn’t muster up to the 1962 original (which starred Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood). But it’s still a treat.

The Oprah Winfrey Show: 20th Anniversary DVD Collection: For the very first time, media maven Oprah Winfrey comes into our homes. Anytime we want. On November 15, the unprecedented six-disc DVD collection arrives in stores, featuring never-before-seen footage, candid recaps, her all-time favorite guests, surprises, celebrities and the people that have touched her heart plus thoughts and personal revelations from Ms. Winfrey as she takes a candid, open look back at all the most memorable moments of twenty years of history-making television. An exclusive one-on-one with The Almighty O herself is a nice bonus, along with a personal tour of her home. Rare footage created especially for the DVD is shown throughout the “A Day in the Life of The Oprah Winfrey Show” featurette.

Sex and the City: The Complete Series: This is the mother-load of all DVD releases to get your hands on this season. The critically acclaimed HBO series gets the royal treatment in this extraordinary package featuring all 94 episodes from the Michael Patrick King-helmed Emmy Award winning series on a whopping 19 discs. The astounding collection also includes a twentieth disc full of all new bonus material including an “En-Sex-Lopedia” — an all-encompassing guide to “Sex and the City” that takes a look back at the defining moments in dating, fashion, friendship and relationships; a guide to New York restaurants, clubs and boutiques frequented by Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte; a video jukebox for advice, quips and quotes on dating, sex, fashion and more; a ‘finish that phrase” game that tests one’s knowledge of the famous quotes uttered throughout the seasons; and a look back at some of the famous faces making memorable guest appearances on the show. One of the most beloved series in cable television history, “Sex and the City” followed four single White females as they experience the pleasure of sex, the pain of heartbreak and the panacea of friendship. And although the award winning show made history with its transfer into syndication, nothing compares to this DVD package, which is encased in a beautiful rose colored velvet photo album. Nothing!

Honorable Mention
Beloved television shows from the 1970s are alive and well with the following DVD releases:

“The White Shadow: Season One” introduced Ken Howard as a White former NBA professional no longer able to play ball who finds himself as the coach of a predominantly Black inner-city Los Angeles high school. The four-disc DVD set of “The White Shadow” Season One” features all 15 episodes from the first season, including commentary and a “More Than Basketball” featurette.

“Good Times: The Complete Fifth Season” marked the acting debut of an 11-year-old Janet Jackson, who joined the cast that year as Penny Gordon. Created by TV legend Norman Lear as a spin-off of “Maude,” “Good Times” first aired on CBS in 1974 as a mid-season replacement. The series was an instant hit and soon became a Nielson rated “Top 10″ sitcom. The sitcom focused on a poor but proud family living on the south side of Chicago. During the show’s fifth season, the Evans children — J.J., Michael and Thelma — must learn to live without widowed mom Florida when she remarries and moves away. The set features all 24 episodes in a three-disc set.

“What’s Happening!!: The Complete Third Season” features all 22 episodes of the Eric Monte created sitcom’s final season in a 3-disc set. Set in urban Los Angeles and centering around three best friends whose numerous get-rich-quick schemes never fail to land them in trouble, “What’s Happening!!” is based on Mr. Monte’s classic movie, “Cooley High.” Although it debuted in 1976 for a limited four-week run on ABC, it became a solid top-ten hit and lasted for three seasons.

And lastly, for the first time in any format, the 3-disc DVD collection of the 1970s variety show “Tony Orlando & Dawn” includes all of the best moments from the top-rated show - which was broadcast on CBS from 1974 to 1977. The collection highlight some of the most unforgettable performances, including their # 1 Billboard hits such as “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” “Knock Three Times” and “He Don’t Love You” juxtaposed with their well-known comedy sketches. The compilation also features special guest stars ranging from entertainment legends Jackie Gleason, Milton Berle and Kate Smith, to 70’s contemporaries like Alice Cooper, Sly & the Family Stone, Freddie Prinze and many others.

Ru Raves
As much as I hate to admit it, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is a star.

While I may not like some of the things that comes out of his mouth (when I can understand them), I must give credit where credit is due. The former street hustler, who became famous for allegedly getting shot nine times, has turned his misfortune into triumph and is a rising star on Madison Avenue. Unlike most thug rap icons who came before him, Mr. Jackson didn’t stop his celebrity pursuit at the music industry; he’s expanded his brand into products such as a retail clothing line, footwear and energy drinks. Not bad for someone who no one really knew five years ago. And even though many people always thought he was acting, the Queens, New York bred bad boy makes his feature film debut in the Paramount Pictures release of “Get Rich Or Die Trying.” And he does a great job.

Directed by six-time Academy Award nominee Jim Sheridan and loosely based on the rapper’s life before superstardom, the near two-and-a-half hour drama also stars Terrence Howard, Joy Bryant, Bill Duke, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Omar Benson Miller, Tory Kettles, Viola Davis, Marc John Jefferies and Ashley Walters. The screenplay was written by Terence Winter, who won two Emmy awards for his work on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” Ripe with ghetto clichés and the unflinching realism of street life, “Get Rich” wasn’t the “straight to DVD” fodder I thought it would be. The movie was a whole lot better than I expected. I walked into the private screening hating the whole idea of it and walked out of the theater wowed.

Mr. Howard and Mr. Akinnuoye-Agbaje — the former model who broke out as a star in HBO’s prison series “Oz”– delivers in every role they take on, and Ms. Bryant shines a lot more in this vehicle than her previous work. And my hat has to go off to Mr. Jackson. At the rate he’s going, he just may surpass his more mainstream mentor Eminem in his Hollywood pursuits. Other notable highlights from the film: Multiple Grammy Award winning legend Quincy Jones creating the score for the film, and a full frontal nudity scene which exposes the male lead characters in ways no one could’ve expected.

“Get Rich Or Die Trying” is rated R and opens November 9. Log onto to www.enjoytheshow.com to check for Loew’s Theaters near you.

Hot Stuff
Gift giving time is just around the corner. It’s sweepstakes time and our lucky readers will win a copy of the controversial best-selling memoir “Life Is Not A Fairy Tale,” courtesy of Fireside/Simon & Schuster.

In Fantasia Barrino’s down-to-earth and moving account of her journey to the top of the popular music scene, the “American Idol: Season 3″ winner shows that although life is not a fairy tale, with faith, love, hard-work, and a little bit of sass, dreams can come true. It’s a candid portrait of her hardscrabble life in the South, her fascinating behind-the-scenes descriptions of what it means to be an American Idol and her affirmation of the power of music to strengthen the spirit.

Get this great giveaway while supplies! Only a few entrants, selected at random, will receive a copy of the “Life Is Not A Fairy Tale” hardcover. To enter, send your full name, full mailing address and daytime telephone number to: TheRUReport@aol.com. All eligible entries must be submitted by November 9, 2005. All data will be verified and all privacy will be protected. No replies will be made to any submissions. Winners will be contacted individually by Simon & Schuster.

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

By Karu F. Daniels on 11/5/2005[read on] [Make a comment]