MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP
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TIGER WOODS: NO MORE TALKING, NO MORE PLAYING
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Tiger Woods has disappointed both those who want to hear him talk about his single-car wreck last and see him play golf this weekend. Looks like he won't be doing either any time soon. He has pulled out of his own golf tournament, which had been set for this weekend in California. He says on his Web site that he will sit it out because of the injuries he suffered when he ran his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his home near Orlando, Florida. He was to hold a press conference today in support of the charity event, and no doubt there would have been plenty of questions about the accident and what led to it. And he has continued to stiff authorities who are trying to find out how he got hurt. He has said, also on his Web site, that the matter is private, as he put it, "no matter how intrusive some people can be."
Sound:
<<CUT …020 (12/01/09)>> 00:20 "competition next year"
John Klobucar
AP correspondent John Klobucar reports Tiger Woods will not play this week in the Chevron World Challenge.
<<CUT …021 (12/01/09)>> 00:16 "in Winderemere, Florida"
John Klobucar
AP correspondent John Klobucar reports Tiger Woods cites injures sustained in a car crash as the reason he won't attend his tournament this week.
TIGER WOODS: GOLFER URGED TO TAKE A "LETTERMAN?"
UNDATED (AP) — Tiger Woods would probably be unwilling to accept advice on his golf game from comedian David Letterman or baseball stars Alex Rodriguez or Andy Pettite. But some media experts say the golf star could stand a few pointers on dealing with a personal crisis from those three. An official with a company that handles public relations crises says people are willing to forgive people for their bad deeds — but not for a bad cover-up. Woods has made vague statements and denials in the face of reports that his single-car accident last week may have had something to do with a marital beef with his wife, Elin (EEL'-in). By contrast, when Letterman found himself the target of an extortion scheme, he acknowledged sexual relations with staffers and the public has let the issue fade away. Steve Rosner of 16W Marketing indicates that by insisting on privacy now, Woods may become his own worse enemy. While he says Woods has the right not to address the rumors about domestic troubles, by not addressing them, he creates "a situation where the story will continue to be the story."
TIGER WOODS: HOW PRIVATE IS PUBLIC LIFE?
UNDATED (AP) — The Tiger Woods saga is once again raising the issue that often comes up when celebrities get into trouble, whether it be big or small, real or imagined: how much does the public have the right to know about their public life. Since his accident last week, Woods has refused to discuss the details with authorities or the media, choosing instead to issue brief, vague statements through his Web site. The accident came two days after the National Enquirer published a story alleging that Woods had been seeing a New York night club hostess. When contacted by The Associated Press, the woman, Rachel Uchitel, denied having an affair with Woods. Some of those who commented on Woods' own Web site say the golfer should say more about what happened because he has an obligation to his public. Others write that it's Woods' personal business — and no one else's. The head of one PR firm, Mike Paul, says evading the issue will only urge people to dig further.
MICHAEL JACKSON: TOPS ON YAHOO SEARCH ENGINE
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — It's no doubt the biggest entertainment story of the year. And Michael Jackson's sudden and surprising death has also made him a major star for a major search engine this year. Yahoo says Jackson tallied the most frequent online search requests for 2009. His rise to the top ends Britney Spears' four-year run at the top of Yahoo's search rankings. From June 25 on, fans flocked to the Internet to find out news about the pop star being rushed to the hospital, declared dead — and continued to search for information about his music and legacy.
On the 'Net:
Yahoo site: http://www.yahoo.com
MICHAEL JACKSON: DVD VERSION OF "THIS IS IT" DUE OUT NEXT YEAR
NEW YORK (AP) — If you missed it in the theaters, you won't have to wait all that long to catch "Michael Jackson's This Is It." The film about Jackson's final rehearsals before his death is due out on DVD on January 26, 2010. Sony Pictures is announcing the DVD release — and says the package will include a pair of extra documentaries, in addition to the film that has grossed more than $70 million in the United States alone.
On the Net:
This Is It movie site: http://www.thisisit-movie.com
Sony Pictures site: http://www.sonypictures.com
PAULA PATTON: TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT "PRECIOUS"
WASHINGTON (AP) — Quit whining! That is basically, what Paula Patton says people should take from the movie "Precious." She says watching the struggles of the main character played by Gabby Sidibe (SY'-dih-bay) should give people a chance to reflect on their own lives. She notes that the main accomplishment Precious has is making it to a halfway home, where she starts learning to read and get her life straight. She says if you watch that girl struggle just to get to that point, it should cause anyone who thinks they have problems to "rethink their priorities" in life. She notes that either people have felt like Precious at times in life — or have judged someone who is like her.
Sound:
<<CUT …022 (12/01/09)>> 00:08 "judged a "Precious''"
Paula Patton
Paula Patton says people who look at Precious in the the theater may also be looking at themselves.
<<CUT …023 (12/01/09)>> 00:10 "has a story"
Paula Patton
Paula Patton says "Precious" should cause people to think twice before judging people like the main character.
<<CUT …024 (12/01/09)>> 00:11 "re-prioritize your life"
Paula Patton
Paula Patton says a key scene when Precious makes it to a halfway house should cause people to rethink their so-called "problems."
PENTAGON OFFICIAL DENIES AIDING WHITE HOUSE GATE CRASHERS
WASHINGTON (AP) — They got to rub shoulders with some of the most famous people in official Washington, including President Barack Obama. But now, some of the people who have had contact with the Virginia couple that crashed last week's state dinner are distancing themselves from the pair. A special assistant at the Pentagon says she did communicate with the couple about getting into the event a week ago. But Michele Jones says she never said or implied that she could get Michaele (mih-KEL') and Tareq Salahi (TAH'-rehk sah-LAH'-hee) into the White House for the dinner. The couple is being asked to make another high-profile appearance — this one before a House committee later this week.
REPORT SAYS COUPLE ALSO CRASHED CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS EVENT
WASHINGTON (AP) — Apparently the White House state dinner wasn't the only event involving President Barack Obama that a Virginia couple has crashed. The Fox TV affiliate in Washington D.C. (WTTG) is reporting the couple also managed to get into a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Awards dinner on September 26. The president spoke at that event. The station quotes a representative for the CBC foundation as saying the couple were booted by security guards after they were caught sitting at a table. Some lawmakers have called for criminal charges to be brought against the couple. But the Secret Service hasn't decided whether to refer the case for criminal prosecution.
JAY-Z: CHARGES SET AGAINST BOUNCERS WHO WORKED RAPPER'S CLUB
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Police in Atlantic City, New Jersey say bouncers at a club owned by Jay-Z may have gone too far in dealing with two club patrons over the weekend. Authorities say charges will be filed against several of the bouncers in the beating of the partygoers. The beating, captured on videotape, shows about nine security guards in a parking lot kicking and punching the two men. One of them is heard yelling for the bouncers to stop. Police say they will use the video to help identify those who administered the beat-down. Authorities say the two men have been charged with disorderly conduct, allegedly for what they did inside the club. But one of the men tells The Associated Press he and his friend did nothing wrong.
On the Net:
YouTube video: http://tinyurl.com/ybv7pb6
T-PAIN/SMOKEY ROBINSON: MORE NAMES ADDED TO GRAMMY NOMINATIONS EVENT
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — There are some entire awards shows that aren't throwing down the kind of names that the Grammy people are rolling out just to have the nominations read off. Among those who are to take part in the nominations readoff tomorrow are Smokey Robinson and T-Pain. Joining them will be former Beatle Ringo Starr and country star Dwight Yoakam. LL Cool J will host the event, which will air on CBS.
JORDIN SPARKS/COMMON: SINGING 'ROUND THE TREE
WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Christmas Tree will be lit up by President Obama and his family this week. But before they throw the switch some top musicians will flex their vocal cords. Common and Jordin Sparks are among the performers who will take part in the tree-lighting festival on Thursday. Jazz musician Joshua Redman and country star Sheryl Crow will also be involved. The tree is the one located between the White House and the Washington Monument.
On the Net:
The National Tree site: http://www.thenationaltree.org
O'JAYS/GLADYS KNIGHT/AL GREEN: CALLING KENTUCKY HOME FOR FESTIVAL
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Usually, Churchill Downs is known for the annual Kentucky Derby. But next summer, it will be home to some thoroughbreds in the field of music. The O'Jays, Al Green and Gladys Knight are among those who will be performing at a three-day music festival at the Downs. Also performing will be the Dave Matthews Band, Bon Jovi and Colbie Caillat (kal-LAY'). The show's set for July 23-25.
SERENA WILLIAMS: FINED, PUT ON NOTICE, FOR TIRADE AT U.S. OPEN
UNDATED (AP) — She went off on a tennis official for ruling she stepped over a service line. But the people who run tennis are now warning Serena Williams that if she crosses the line again with her behavior, she will be in big trouble. First off, the Grand Slam organizers have fined Williams a record $82,500 for cursing and threatening a U.S. Open line judge at this year's tournament. And she has been told that she would be suspended from the Open if she acts out in a serious way at any other Grand Slam event in the next two years. Any future outbursts would also hit her in her wallet. Organizers say the current fine would be doubled to $175,000 for additional offenses. On the other hand, if she keeps her temper in check the next two years, the suspension would be lifted. In a statement released by her publicist, Williams says she is "thankful that we now have closure on the incident" and says it's time to "move forward."
MARION JONES: VYING TO JOIN WNBA?
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Track star Marion Jones is shooting for a comeback in the WNBA. She has been training with an eye toward joining the league as a member of the San Antonio Silver. Jones is 34 and has been out of prison for more than a year after being busted for lying about her use of performance enhancing drugs. Jones played college ball at North Carolina. She tells The New York Times she hopes to play in Europe this winter and join the WNBA next season, if all goes well.
ANTOINE WALKER: PROMISING TO PAY
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former NBA all-star Antoine Walker says he will pay up — over time. He says he will make good on the $900,000 he owes to settle bad check charges with three Las Vegas casinos. A Vegas Justice of the Peace OK'd the deal, which would see Walker pay about $13,000 a month over five years. The deal avoids felony criminal charges for Walker, who is looking to play with a team in the U.S. or Europe this season.
ATLANTA ELECTION SET FOR TODAY, ISSUE OF RACE A FOCUS
ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta likes to call itself the city that is too busy to hate. But an election set for today will determine whether the city is ready to elect its first white mayor in a long time. Today's runoff battle pits Mary Norwood against former state Senator Kasim Reed. Reed is black and Norwood is white — but when it comes to their policies, they are pretty much identical. One political strategist says the race will hinge on black versus white turnout. Atlanta has had black mayors since Sam Massell, the last white mayor, was defeated in 1973.
ROSA PARKS: LOOKING BACK
UNDATED (AP) — On this date in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus. The seamstress was arrested, sparking a yearlong boycott of the buses by blacks. Parks passed away in November, 2005, and was laid out in honor at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington before being buried in her adopted hometown, Detroit.
MICHAEL JACKSON: LOOKING BACK
UNDATED (AP) — On this date in 1982, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album was released. It was the best-selling album by a solo act and the best-selling album worldwide, with up more than 40 million copies sold. Thriller produced the platinum singles "Billie Jean," ''Beat It" and "The Girl Is Mine," a duet with Paul McCartney.
NAUGHTY BY NATURE: LOOKING BACK
UNDATED (AP) — On this date in 1991, there was a fight between the road crews of several rap acts and as many as two dozen police at the Emerald City nightclub in East St. Louis, Illinois. Local newspaper reports said the scrap started when someone hit a member of the road crew for Naughty by Nature with a beer bottle.
SAM COOKE: LOOKING BACK
UNDATED (AP) — On this date in 1957, singer Sam Cooke made his national TV debut. It happened on "The Ed Sullivan Show," which aired Sunday nights on CBS. The show also featured the national TV debuts of two other acts, the Silhouettes and Buddy Holly.
TUPAC SHAKUR: LOOKING BACK
UNDATED (AP) — On this date in 1994, rapper Tupac Shakur (TOO'-pahk shah-KOOR') was convicted of sexually abusing a woman in his New York hotel room in November of 1993. But he was acquitted of more serious sodomy and weapons violations. Shakur's conviction came a day after he was shot five times in an apparent robbery attempt. He had faced criminal charges five times since of March of 1993, including a gunfight with two off-duty officers in Atlanta. Charges in that case were eventually dropped. Shakur was shot to death in Las Vegas in September of 1996.
RICHARD PRYOR: LOOKING BACK
UNDATED (AP) — On this date in 1940, comedian Richard Pryor was born in Illinois. He was a pioneer in the world of comedy, both in his standup routines and in his many TV appearances. Pryor passed away on December 10, 2005.
LOU RAWLS: LOOKING BACK
UNDATED (AP) — On this date in 1935, singer Lou Rawls was born. He died in January, 2006. During his long career, he posted two songs at the top of the R-and-B singles chart. The first was "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing," which spent a week at the top in 1966. Twenty years later, Rawls was back on top again with "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine." But for many African-Americans seeking higher education, Rawls delivered a big hit each year -- by hosting a telethon that benefited the United Negro College Fund.
PLAXICO BURRESS: LOOKING BACK
UNDATED (AP) — On this date in 2008, then-New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress surrendered to police and entered a plea to a gun charge. He shot himself in the leg with an illegal gun he tucked into his pants when he went into a New York night club the previous weekend. He has since been cut by the Giants and is currently serving a jail sentence for the incident.
BILLY PAUL: BIRTHDAY
UNDATED (AP) — It's birthday number 75 for singer Billy Paul. He had a number one hit back in 1972 with "Me And Mrs. Jones." He also had a top-ten hit on the R&B list with "Thanks For Saving My Life." It was on the charts in 1974.
ASHLEY MONIQUE CLARK: BIRTHDAY
UNDATED (AP) — A birthday today for actress Ashley Monique Clark. She's 21 and is best known for her work as Sydney Hughley in the ABC sitcom "The Hughleys."
by Oscar Wells Gabriel II
