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Contest: ‘Precious’ Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire – How Has Love Changed You?

MrsGrapevine — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:33:38 +0000

MrsGrapevine.com and Lionsgate have teamed up in promotion of the movie Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. The contest is real simple, all I want to know is “How has love changed you?“ It can be love of a mother, husband, child, self-love, or lack of love. The winner will be selected from the comments section randomly on November 6th. The winner will also receive a promotional packet from Lionsgate which will include:

1 Butterfly PRECIOUS Notebook
1 Full-Sized Official Poster (Seen Below)
1 Full-Sized Teaser Poster
1 Hard Copy of Push by Sapphire

Lee Daniels’s PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL “PUSH” BY SAPPHIRE is a vibrant, honest and resoundingly hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome. Starring Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introducing Gabourey Sidibe, this inspiring film will release in select theaters on November 6th, 2009! Watch the trailer below:

About the movie:

Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write.

Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn’t know the meaning of “alternative,” but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

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Tameka Foster Raymon Plagiarized Dark Skin Article

MrsGrapevine — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:29:27 +0000

I would not be surprised if it’s true, every thing that’s done in the dark will come to light, no pun intended. According to AOL Blackvoices, Aisha Curry, the author of Pretty for a Black Girl, claims Tameka Foster lifted parts of her book without credit when writing an article on skin color for Huffington Post. Coincidentally, Tameka Foster’s article was entitled, “Pretty For a Dark Skinned Girl.” Curry admits that there may be a chance that Foster hasn’t read the book, but she believes that chance is slim to none:

“I cannot and will not say she stole my idea, because you never should assume. However, I will say that It seemed like one heck of a coincidence and everything I touched on she did,” Curry offered, before adding, “I just want other people to know that you don’t have to sit around and do nothing when you feel wronged.”

Incidentally, Curry shared that she had sent her book to an Atlanta-based foundation more than a month ago, so the timing of Foster’s story is eerily coincidental.

Surely Curry and Foster are not the first to touch on this topic, and I’m not sure why all the praise. Just read the comments in many of your favorite blogs and you can see this topic is hot. I commend each one for writing about dark vs light skin, but neither have the monopoly on it, and everyone has a similar story.Similar Posts:

Confirmed: Author E. Lynn Harris Dies Age 54; Famed Author Dead At 54

MrsGrapevine — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:29:35 +0000

UPDATE: Max Brantley of the Arkansas Times just e-mailed MrsGrapevine.com to confirm the death of E. Lynn Harris. He also provided these additional details from Laura Gilmore, publicist:

I talked with his assistant Laura Gilmore, as did the AP. I believe Arkansas Sports 360’s report came from University of Arkansas athletic officials. This is from AP:

A publicist for E. Lynn Harris says the author has died at age 54.

Publicist Laura Gilmore says Harris died Thursday night after being stricken while at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Gilmore says a cause of death had not yet been determined. A coroners’ official in Los Angeles said only that a man matching Harris’ name and date of birth had died Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

UPDATE: Essence.com has also posted a story on the death of E. Lynn Harris, but no official statement has been released, yet.

Renown author E. Lynn Harris passed away on Friday, July 24, at the age of 54, according to the Arkansas Times.

The celebrated author’s personal assistant confirmed that his health had declined but would not provide any details as to what caused his death. Harris was in the middle of a West Coast book tour. His best-selling novels such as “Invisible Life” depicted African-American gay community in a unique way and exposed the down-low phenomenon of athletes.

There is only one news source reporting E. Lynn Harris death, so until I get more confirmations, this will be posted as unconfirmed. E. Lynn Harris rep has not been able to verify, so this just may be a bad rumor. As soon as someone responds or release a statement I will update this post.

According to local Arkansas newspapers, E. Lynn Harris, the famed openly gay African-American writer dies at age 54, from health issues. Originally Harris was suffering health complications during a West Coast Book Tour, but just minutes ago Arkansas Sports 360 has confirmed his death. No word on what those complications are.

We owe the word down low to Mr. Harris, because he certainly made it a household name. Harris famed books were often controversial and revealed a secret world of gay black men, married to women. Harris had trouble finding a publisher for his first book, Invisible Life, so he published it himself. Since, five of his books have made the New York Times Best Seller’s List.

Invisible Life (1991 Self Published – 1994 Mass Marketed)
Just As I Am (1995) ^*
And This Too Shall Pass (1997)

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Janet Hubert, Aunt Viv Of Fresh Prince, Talks Will Smith In New Book

MrsGrapevine — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:59:57 +0000

Janet Hubert, Aunt Viv from Fresh Prince of Bellaire, is back for part two of her exclusive interview with Eurweb. Aunt Viv has a new tell-all book coming out, spilling the beans on the behind the scenes drama that led to her departure. I loved Janet Hubert as Aunt Viv and I don’t know what happened behind the scenes, but I was mad when the new Viv was thrust upon us with her obviously inferior acting skills. At the least, they could have found someone similar to Janet Hubert like Vanessa Bell Calloway.

Excerpt:

When asked by Bailey if she got any support from her fellow, older cast members Hubert’s authentic, guttural laugh implies a negative.

“Let me explain something to you about Hollywood Negroes,” she begins. “Hollywood negroes are afraid to not eat. Everybody out there is so afraid that they’re going to lose that job! And that job and that money supercede e-v-e-r-y, s-i-n-g-l-e thing in life! People in Hollywood, in my opinion, would step on their baby’s face for a deal. If their baby is in the way, they will kick that baby out of the way for that money.”

Hubert says she was a mess during those last months with ‘Fresh Prince’ – dropping down to 104 lbs. She had no milk to [breast] feed her baby anymore because she had lost too much body fat. She said Will insulted everything in her world, including her husband – who he knew was not employed at the time, saying, “Well, I don’t know, he looks a little soft to me.”

Standing strong she replied, “…Well, you might know soft, but that’s not my husband!” Hubert said she was totally alone.

After her ‘Fresh Prince’ contract was not renewed, and Smith went on his alleged slander campaign, Hubert took her case to court, spending $98K out of her own pocket in attorney’s fees. “Will hid behind NBC’s panties, I swear,” she said, after she filed a slander suit against the actor and NBC.

Click Here to read full interview:

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Travis McCoy Of Gym Class Heroes In South Africa HIV/AIDS Awareness

MrsGrapevine — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:52:01 +0000

Here are some more pictures of Travis McCoy in South Africa serving as the MTV Staying Alive Special Ambassador. His job is to travel with foundation as use his celebrity to bring attention to a special cause. If you don’t understand why this is important then read my earlier post, or take a look at the statistics of HIV / AIDS in South Africa.

-5.7 million people are living with HIV in South Africa, 2/3’s of which are women.
-28% of pregnant women are living with HIV
-280,000 children below the age of 15 are living with HIV
-There are an estimated 1,000 deaths every day due to AIDS: 71% of all deaths of 15-49 yr olds are due to AIDS

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Juicy Tidbits: Buffy The Body Got Book

MrsGrapevine — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:56:07 +0000

Following in the footsteps of Karrine Steffans, Buffy the Body has a tell all book coming out in June. If you don’t have anything else of fictional literary quality to read this summer, then this might be worth picking up. After all it is a book…

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Blogsophere Author: Sheils Goss – New Book, ‘Double Platinum’

MrsGrapevine — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:16:23 +0000

I was suppose to post this two weeks ago, but I am behind on some promises, so I need to catch up. Sheils Goss, is a frequent visitor here at MrsGrapevine.com, and she has two blogs that she operates, SheilaGoss.com, and E-Spire Entertainment News. Sheila is also a talented writer who has written four novels, My Invisible Husband; Roses Are Thorns, Violets Are True; Paige’s Web; and her new book: Double Platinum. Sheila is also the recipient of three Shades of Romance Magazine Readers Choice Multi-Cultural Awards and honored as a Literary Diva: The Top 100 Most Admired African American Women in Literature.

“An evocative look at the music industry from the inside. Double Platinum is a gripping portrayal of one woman’s quest to climb back to the top of the charts while overcoming personal obstacles.”

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MrsGrapevine Exclusive: Kenya More Interview – Game, Get Some!

MrsGrapevine — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:20:37 +0000

You asked the questions, and Kenya Moore graciously answered. I must say she is kind and thoughtful to take the time to answer so many questions. If you have not purchased the book, please do so, help support positive talent.

Kenya Moore: Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to answer the questions that inquiring minds want to know! lol. I love to reach the people who have supported me throughout my career.

MGV: How hard is it to find “atypical” roles as a black female actress in Hollywood?

KM: I think there are less and less roles for African American women. I think the answer to this deficit is to create our own roles and opportunities. I’ve created my own production company and I’ve personally produced 3 films so far and currently I am an Executive Producer on a movie starring Meagan Good entitled “Sundays in fort Greene”.

MGV: With reality shows like I Love New York and Flavor of Love becoming increasingly popular, do you feel that African-American women in Hollywood should be more selective in the characters they portray?

KM: Trick question! Those reality shows are most often “bafoonery”. Those aren’t actors in those shows they are characters that networks exploit in order to get higher ratings. Unfortunately, these characters are being pushed into the limelight and made to be pseudo celebrities for 15 minutes. African Americn actors in Hollywood should continue to seek roles that are motivating and fulfilling to them. I would personally like to see less of these reality shows and more shows that highlight us as beautiful, intelligent, and involved in universal stories and not made to be cartoonish spectacles.

MGV: Does the color of your skin bring unnecessary challenges in Hollywood? What are some of those challenges?

KM: It’s always a challenge being black. We are slowly being replaced by Latina actresses and reality TV stars. The key again is to create and write your own material.

MGV: As the second black woman to win the crown, do you feel you have well represented being Miss USA, and what do you feel is your legacy?

KM: I am constantly being told I represented the title well. I had a wonderful year and was able to reach a lot of people. So many little girls remember me, me and women alike, young and old. I appreciate the title the most because it was my voice that was heard. As an actress, you are reading lines, so you are in a sense a hired gun or puppet. But what is encouraging is my writing. I began to feel like Hollywood was making me lose my voice. I enjoy motivating and uplifting people and overall encouraging them to live their dreams. As the second AA women to win the title, I hope my legacy is that of hope and encouragement. I know how important it was for me to see women who looked like me (black women) in positions that seemed impossible or unattainable. Now we have Condoleezza Rice, Oprah Winfrey, Chandra Grimes, Suzanne Depasse and so on. All women who are amazing role models. I am often told that women and young girls are most proud of me winning the title because of my dark skin. Because of that, many were encouraged to believe that we can see beyond color lines, and hopefully look to what is most important- that is one’s inner beauty, one’s personhood, and one’s purpose in life.

MGV: What role did your grandmother have in helping you achieve these milestones in your life?

KM: Every role! My grandmother raised me to be positive and smart, and kind, and thoughtful. She taught me the importance or respecting your elders and the love of god and respecting myself. She is primarily, if not solely, responsible for the woman I am today. She made me believe I could do anything and there is no one in the world that can take that from me.

MGV: Game, how much do you have, and what was the concept behind writing this book?

KM: Lol! I have a lot of game! lol! I’ve been told that by many men. But game is a not a negative thing that many believe it to be. It’s just having finesse and technique but there are never lies or deceit involved.

MGV: Quick lesson for those that haven’t read the book, yet. What is the one thing that women really want that men always seem to ignore?

KM: An active listener and a good friend. Women naturally do this. We instinctively know what our girlfriends need and know how to be there for her emotionally. However, men often miss the mark in this area.

MGV: In the book you discuss sex and what women really want from men when the lights are out, do you feel there is a double standard between men and women when it comes to premarital sex standards? Are women often unfairly labeled when they express themselves sexually?

KM: I don’t believe they are unfairly labeled. But again, there is a technique. It is not often what you say but how you say it that is key.

MGV: Game: What is the funniest or worst pick-up line you have ever had tossed your way?

KM: There are too many!! but they are all in my book: What’s your number; I lost mine…My pet peeve is when you say no that you do not want to give your number out, then the man says that he just wants to be your friend. That is the worse. We both know that is not the truth and men will say anything to get your information. But women like a confident man, so if she is not feeling you, he should think it’s her loss. But be very respectful and accept that, do not call her all kinds of b*thces lol! You know, the ones that say, “She is a ho,” because she slept with everyone but you. lol!

MGV: What is the one thing about men that women should know? What red flags do women ignore that lead them to choosing the wrong mate?

KM: Disrespect, anger, control issues, infidelity, dishonesty, abusive language or behavior

MGV: If you had to choose between acting and writing, which would you chose? What has your experiences with writing this book, taught you about yourself? Are there future books on the horizon?

KM: I love them both. acting if it is an amazing role with a great director and great actors. writing because I can express myself and encourage, and help others and myself in the process.

MGV: What has your experiences with writing this book, taught you about yourself? What has your experiences with writing this book, taught you about yourself? Are there future books on the horizon?

KM: Many things. My shortcomings, my strengths, the pattern in the men I date, why I’ve fallen in love as opposed to who I’ve fallen in love with. What are my deal breakers, how can I be a better communicator, how to always fight fair and uplift my brothers and never tear them down… many lessons too numerous to name.

MGV: Are there future books on the horizon?

KM: Absolutely! I wrote a memoir called Invisible. I’m very proud of my writing and I’m happy that people are responding so positively to my works, it’s very encouraging. It’s important to mention that I self published this book because so many publisher’s wanted to offer me a low advance because they said I’m writing to an audience that doesn’t read. Meaning, “black men”. I want to prove them wrong and my goal is to make the NY Times Best Sellers List. So please buy my book!!! It’s a good, funny, and entertaining book. You will enjoy it. We are already on our second printing. So I thank everyone who has bought it already. Check your local bookstores and if they don’t have it ask for them to order it or you can go to Amazon.com to purchase it.

Thanks again for continuing to support all my endeavors. Check out my website often at kenyamoore.com to keep abreast of all my future projects. love ya!!

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Former Miss USA Kenya Moore Interview On New Book – ‘Game, Get Some!’

MrsGrapevine — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:51:07 +0000

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS FOR KENYA MOORE IN THE COMMENTS

GAME, GET SOME! WHAT WOMEN REALLY WANT IN STORES NOW

Kenya Moore adds author to her ever expanding resume that includes actor, model, and former Miss USA. Ms. Moore, a beautiful and very intelligent woman, “coaches men on how to get the woman of their dreams as she reveals the secrets of what women truly desire from men..”

Game, Get Some! is an essential stocking stuffer for the holidays. Men, and women, too: If you are single and looking for partner of quality, then this book is for you. I know a lot of you already have your game on lock, but if you are in a serious relationship or in a marriage, then this book will also help you keep your woman happy. After all, women are complicated beings and sometime men need all they help they can get.

Game, Get Some! is an imperative and palatable easy read for men and women alike. It will not only give men the “Game” to capture the heart of any woman they desire, it will ensure their success on any platform when dealing with ” this thing you call woman“.

About Kenya Moore:

Detroit native Kenya Moore is perhaps most recognized for being crowned Miss USA making her the second African-American to be bestowed with such a prestigious honor. Her acting credits include, Deliver Us From Eva, Waiting to Exhale, Trois, and I Know Who Killed Me. Moore has also enjoyed recurring roles on TV shows such as Girlfriends, Martin, and The Steve Harvey Show just to name a few. Adding the title author to her list of talents, GAME, GET SOME! is Moore’s first literary work.

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Tribute To Black Fathers – A New Book By Rachel Vassel

MrsGrapevine — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:57:55 +0000

Finally a book that celebrate black men as fathers, DAUGHTERS OF MEN: PORTRAITS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN AND THEIR FATHERS, a book by Rachel Vassel, is a tribute to the black men that helped their daughters become successful.

According to Black Voices Blog, this book “includes stories from a diverse collection of women–CEOs, actresses, educators, journalists, and musicians. And many of the names and faces you’ll recognize like Yolanda Adams, Beyoncé, Cathy Hughes, Mary Mary, Rene Syler, Tisha Campbell-Martin, and Tracey Edmonds. These woman share remarkable stories about the love and support of their fathers.”

This is a coffee table book that’s a must have, so please pick up this book while you’re out shopping for Karrine Steffans Vixen Diaries.

To learn more about this book, and to view all the fabulous women and their fathers go to www.rachelvassel.com

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Karrine Steffans Excerpts From The Vixen Diaries

MrsGrapevine — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:55:32 +0000

Karrine Steffans is back with her much anticipated, The Vixen Diaries, a follow-up to her best selling book, Confessions of a Video Vixen. The NY Daily News describes the book as a self-help manual, “Having sold more than 350,000 copies, she’s back with The Vixen Diaries. Though its tilted toward self-help (and self-aggrandizement), her new book has a few good servings of celebrity tenderloin.”

Jamie Foxx told her, “Damn, you’re pretty!” when they met. “When Jamie Foxx offers to massage your body at four in the morning, after a bottle of Champagne and two shots of Patron, it’s hard to say no,” she writes. However, Jamie soon figured out she was “that Karrine.” Foxx ran in the other direction, leaving the author “depressed. Jamie had no idea that he made me cry all the way home and in the days that followed.”

Comic Bill Maher delivered her greatest heartache. “In January of 2006, Bill and I split. Three days later, I suffered an emotional breakdown and was sent to the hospital for psychiatric observation. I cut my wrists and started drinking myself into an emotional tailspin. At the end of the night, the love of my life was gone and so was my son, Naiim,” taken away by Child Services.

She denounces those vicious rumors that she came between Eric Benet and Halle Berry, and Chris and Malaak Rock. She also maintains she didn’t have sex with Whitney Houston’s husband, Bobby Brown, though she says, “I kept Bobby close to my heart.” Meeting after a time apart, “he embraced me as I whispered, ‘I love you,’ and he returned, ‘I love you, too.’” But she says Brown later told “me I had done nothing for him, while he was sleeping in my home, eating my food, driving my car and spending my money.” After a tryst with Ray J, she told Brown that the rapper claimed he’d added Whitney’s name to his bedpost. “I could hardly wait to get the news out, to tear [Bobby's] heart apart and hurt him the way he hurt me, I wanted him to go to bed that night with the image of his wife with another man.”

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Best Sellers: Read A Book & Step-Up Your Vocab

MrsGrapevine — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 05:32:33 +0000

Mrs. Grapevine Recommends

I am not into all fiction, I do not like sensational dramas. I am actually an English Lit Major with a Creative Writing ( Fiction) Specialty. I knowyou may not notice from reading my blog, but my blog is what I do for entertainment. If you are really into fiction, please take a look at some of the award-winning-academic-fiction by African-Americans.

After, A Novel by Marita Golden (Doubleday)
Fortunate Son by Walter Mosley (Little Brown and Co.)
Jump At The Sun by Kim McLarin (William Morrow)

Click Here: For Full List of Essence African-American Best Sellers

Fiction – Hardcover

1. Sleeping With Strangers by Eric Jerome Dickey (Dutton, $24.95)
2. When Somebody Loves You Back by Mary B. Morrison (Dafina Books, $24)
3. The First Lady by Carl Weber (Dafina Books, $24.95)
4. Love & Lies by Kimberla Lawson Roby (William Morrow, $23.95)
5. Borrow Trouble by Mary Monroe and Victor McGlothin (Dafina Books, $24.95)

Fiction – Paperback

1. Forever a Hustler’s Wife by Nikki Turner (One World/Ballantine, $13.95)
2. In Cahootz by Quentin Carter (Triple Crown Publications, $15)
3. Thug Matrimony by Wahida Clark (Dafina Books, $15)
4. Death Before Dishonor by 50 Cent and Nikki Turner (G-Unit/Pocket Books, $12)
5. Grindin’ by Danielle Santiago (Atria, $14)

Nonfiction – Hardcover

1. The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (Crown, $25)
2. What I Know for Sure by Tavis Smiley (Doubleday, $23.95)
3. A Hand to Guide Me by Denzel Washington (Meredith Books, $24.95)

Nonfiction – Paperback

1. The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier (HarperSanFransciso, $14.95)
2. The Willie Lynch Letter by Kashif Malik Hassan-el (Frontline Dist Int $3.95)
3. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama (Three Rivers Press, $14.95)

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