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SGL Contents
4 Editor’s Letter 5 What’s The T? The Entertainment Report 5 Michael Jackson Targeted with Death Threat 5 Simon Cowell Leaving Idol? 6 Tiger to Lose Wife and More Endorsements? 7 New Alicia Keys Joint #1: 'The Element of Freedom' tops the charts. 8 Lee Gregory from the-tee.com 15 Jared DeWese Meets Christopher Street 19 More T 19 Mary J. Blige Punches Husband in the Face 19 T.I. Released From Prison Early 19 Dr. Concord Murray Focus of Upcoming TV Special 20 Jay-Z to Become 'Shawn Knowles-Carter? 20 Jennifer Hudson Denies Pregnancy Report 21 Janet Jackson Plans Huge Holiday for MJ Kids 21 Bobby Brown and K-Fed – The Reality Show? 22 Music 23 Movies
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Editor’s Letter
Thank ya’ll for purchasing the last issue with Keith Jordan it was our highest selling issue in our first year in business. Merry Christmas, It has been a wonderful year in business and I can’t wait for year two next year. We have so many things in store to accompany the magazine. In this issue we cover Lee Gregory from www.the-tee.com( page 8) and Actor Jared DeWese from Christopher Street (page 15). Please email us to let us know you are reading the issues it is our only form of payment sglweeklymag@gmail.com. Cordially, Cleavester Brooks Editor In Chief Follow me on twitter to find out the latest in entertainment: http://twitter.com/cleavester
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What’s The T? The Entertainment Report Michael Jackson Targeted with Death Threat According to TMZ : Someone threatened to kill Michael Jackson, and then-President George H.W. Bush, according to FBI documents just released. Someone wrote a letter on July 6, 1992, that the FBI obtained, stating, "I decided that because nobody is taking me serious, and I can't handle my state of mind, that I am going to Washington D.C. to threaten to kill the President of the United States, George Bush." It goes on ..."Michael [Jackson] I will personally attempt to kill, if he doesn't pay me my money." One of the documents, written by the L.A. City Attorney's office, indicated on June 22, 1992, the author of the letter "arrives in Calif at Jackson's . Threatens to kill." The FBI says the person who wrote the letter was charged with extortion, pled guilty and was sentenced to prison in 1993. American Idol could be one season away from jumping the shark as evidence continues to mount that the show's signature barb slinger is preparing to bail. Simon Cowell Leaving Idol?
Cowell's own brother, Tony, is the latest harbinger of doom for Fox's singing contest, announcing in his podcast, The Cowell Factor, that his little sibling is as good as gone. "A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected: Simon will leave Idol at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of X Factor to U.S. TV in 2011," Tony says in this week's installment.
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The X Factor is Simon Cowell's hit U.K. series that, like Idol, uses viewer votes to find new singing talent, most notably Leona Lewis. It even led to a legal battle between Cowell and Idol producer Simon Fuller that was eventually settled. A week ago, the Times of London reported that Cowell has had conversations with Fox honchos about leaving Idol when his contract expires at the end of 2010, with an American X Factor set to debut in 2011 on Fox. (Like Fox, the Times is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation.) Cowell, who's pocketing a reported $45 million for the coming season, has played hardball before in previous contract years, so there is some hope for Idol-holics that Fox might work out a time-sharing deal. But for now, neither Cowell nor Fox is talking. Tiger to Lose Wife and More Endorsements?
We're almost a month deep into Tigergate, and it seems that not a whole lot has changed—well, except for 13-plus possible mistresses coming forward. Woods has lost a few endorsements, not to mention his "perfect" public image, but aside from that $164 fine, Tiger's future is more in limbo than totally destroyed. Here's what our spot-on Tiger insider tells us regarding the current state of the golf legend's business and personal affairs: We know that wife Elin has been spotted recently sans wedding ring and plus moving vans, but so far no divorce papers have been filed. Still, don't think that means, with all of Tiger's latest revelations, she's agreeing to that postnup anytime soon. "If Elin is smart and has good advisors, she'll move quickly and strategically regarding the divorce," Deep Tiger dishes. "In spite of what I'm sure were lucrative offers to stick around and [stay married], Tiger is going to be less remorseful, more hurt, more embarrassed and more pissed if she decides to pull the plug." Again, our insider is very familiar in dealing with sports players' bad habits and how it affects their pocketbooks, not to mention careers. Elin has a better chance at, shall we say, getting even (or "everything" if you want to quote First Wives Club) if she moves now. 6
Adds our source: A Broken Heart," "Empire State of Mind (Part "It sounds like she's planning to file in Califor- II) Broken Down," "Un-thinkable," with backnia if she files anywhere. Smart." ground vocals provided by Drake, and "Put It In That would mean she would get half of their A Love Song" featuring Beyonce) and critics assets acquired while they were married. such as Entertainment Weekly citing "Keys latSo if Elin hits the road, are Tiger's sponsors go- est hits all the right notes" there's no wonder ing to bail, too? why fans flocked to purchase Keys' fifth release. "He's beginning to lose endorsements because Keys was nothing shy of visible in the U.S. he's not going to play golf," sasses our sly leading into the December 15 release with a source. "These partners would have tolerated marketing campaign consisting of several major the alleged adultery, no problem. But not having highlights, including TV appearances on DancTiger out on the course? Different ball game. ing With The Stars, The American Music The partners that stick around will surely nego- Awards, Oprah, two visits on both The Today tiate more favorable terms that acknowledge Show and Late Show with David Letterman, that he's going to be out of the limelight for a Regis & Kelly, Christmas at Rockefeller, The while." View, BET 106 & Keys Live Special, The ColA lot of people in Tiger's camp think that if Elin bert Report and Fuse's special television broaddoes decide to go the divorce route, Woods will cast of Keys' World AIDS Day Concert. The be back on the course sooner than he's anticipat- online community was also saturated with an ing. Hey, if he has no wife to schmooze back array of Alicia Keys promotions including the over, what's a guy to do besides hit a few golf first ever album preview on Facebook, Clear balls? Channel's Stripped/iheartradio performance and So what do you all think Elin should do? For- YouTube's worldwide broadcast of her World give and forget or get outta there? AIDS Day concert. Named one of Billboard's Artists of the DecNEW ALICIA KEYS JOINT #1: 'The Eleade, Keys is never one to rest on her laurels as ment of Freedom' tops the charts. NEW YORK - Twelve we move into the new year. Keys will launch -time Grammy Award 2010 in high gear with a performance on Saturwinner Alicia Keys' latest day Night Live on January 9 followed by an opus The Element of AOL Music Sessions premiere on January 14. Freedom (MBK/J ReOn March 3, Keys embarks on the U.S. portion cords) debuts at #1 on of "The Freedom Tour" at Chicago's Allstate Billboard's R&B Albums Arena. The European leg of the tour will comand Digital Albums mence late April 2010. charts and #2 on Bill(more T on page 19) board's Top 200 Albums chart, according to Nielsen/SoundScan. With a total of 417,277 units sold in a week, this marks the biggest first week sales debut for a female R&B singer this year and Keys' 5th straight chart-topping debut (Keys' previous four albums debuted at #1 on the aforementioned charts). With radio stations playing five songs simultaneously from The Element of Freedom ("Doesn't Mean Anything," "Try Sleeping With 7
Lee Gregory from the-tee.com A Dwight Allen O’Neal Interview Courtesy of thefutureforward.com
Dwight: What is the Official name of your site? Lee Gregory: The-Tee.Com Dwight: How important do you think having nice underwear is versus wearing a nice outfit? Lee Gregory: Underwear is the foundation; to me it’s meant to evoke a feeling! How do I feel today? ―Do I want to feel sexy, naughty, bad, thuggish etc. Women figured this out ages ago. I’m glad to see Men are becoming more in tune with their sexually. Dwight: What are the various types of underwear cuts and which is appropriate for whom? 8
Lee Gregory: I offer Bikini and Boxer Briefs in a variety of colors, and designs. In terms of who should wear what…I totally leave that up to the consumer. Dwight: Are the majority of your clients who actually order underwear men or their wives? Lee Gregory: Both! Women love my line. Believe it or not it’s unisex, in the future you will see women on my site. Dwight: How can you size yourself for appropriate underwear? Lee Gregory: By waist, and it’s all about fit and being comfortable! You don’t want underwear that will rise on you. At the end of the day, if you have a line after you removed your underwear…chances are they are to small! Dwight: If a guy is looking to enhance special areas, what are some options he can explore in choosing underwear? Is there miracle underwear available? Lee Gregory: If a guys has great legs….I think boxer briefs are sexy! A great set of legs and butt, Bikini briefs will always win! I often tell guys to try thongs (they fear they may be uncomfortable). In terms of a miracle, well there are some lines that offer padded underwear, but that’s almost cheating huh? Lol Dwight: For most guys comfort is far more important than fashionable underwear, what cut of underwear are the most comfortable yet sexy? Lee Gregory: Again… I leave that up to the client, what works for one may not work for another. Tye, my muse loves bikini briefs, and feels boxer briefs are a little uncomfortable. I will only wear boxer briefs, however love thongs and bikinis. Dwight: Where can men/women purchase your underwear? Lee Gregory: The-Tee.com Dwight: If a guy has questions about underwear to get, size confusion, or appropriate cuts for his body who should contact? Lee Gregory: Lee Gregory at http://www.theteeonline@yahoo.com/ Dwight: How can readers order from you? Lee Gregory: Go to www.the-tee.com
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Jared DeWese Meets Christopher Street A Cleavester Brooks Interview
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Hello Jared, How are you doing? I’m doing well, thank you for asking. You play a character that is a bitch. What is it like to play a character like this? It’s great! I’ve always been drawn to more complicated characters, instead of the happy-go-lucky types. Since I was young I tend to be cast as villains or sarcastic characters. How are you and your character different? I think Chris is a little more self-indulgent than I am, maybe my friends would disagree. Your character also finds out that he has HIV. If you had the disease how would you handle it? That’s really hard to answer. I suppose the correct answer would be that I would focus on seeking care. However, because I have known many people who have diagnosed as positive I know this is not always the case. I would hope I would have a great support network who had my best interest at heart and help me make the right decisions. Who is Jared DeWese? That’s such a complex answer. I’m discovering that everyday. What is your day job? While you are trying to pursue your dream of being actor? I am a programming coordinator in a museum in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. I help create programs that assist with public understanding of the art the museum chooses to represent. You played a bunny rabbit in kindergarten. How was that? At the time it was the best experience of my young life. I knew at that moment I wanted to be an actor!
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What type of roles did you play in school years? moves to New York with a dream.
I played a variety of roles. Fortunately and unfortunately I went to predominantly white grade schools and was the only student of color in our theatre program. My teacher was very liberal and never let that inhibit the roles I would be cast for. So I played a range of characters from Jim in Big River to Danny Zuko in Grease to a redneck preacher and a Swedish shipping magnate. Do you have an acting coach? Not at this time, I don’t. Do you plan to do Broadway? I want to conquer all entertainment mediums. As a performer of color you can’t really choose the medium you want to do these days. Why New York instead of Los Angeles for acting?
Where do you see your character going in the future? I hope he grows up. I hope that both for him and me as the artist who inhabits the character. Life is not stagnant and I would hope Chris’s life mirrors a real life that others can look on and not feel alone. How are you weathering the storm with the way to economy is? I’ve been able to maintain the job I have now for over two years, so I haven’t been as negatively affected as some. However, it is harder to manage both a social life and pay bills on time. (laughs) Do you wish there were more roles for African Americans?
Of course I do! I wish there were more stories out there about the Black experience, and I I’ve always loved the energy of New York. New York inspires me so much more as mean all facets of the Black experience. It’s encouraging to see acclaim for films such as a person and as an artist. The city is so real. Precious, but as we have seen in the past that acclaim is few and far between too often. Tell us about your love life? How about I don’t. (laughs) I’ve learned to keep some things to myself.
Many actors & actresses are moving back to Los Angeles because they need to work in this down economy?
Is it true you want kids someday?
I haven’t really experienced that, but you have I have a different answer for that everyday. I to do what you have to do to eat. suppose once I get into a long-term relationship that might be something I make a decision about Would you ever pose nude for your craft? with my partner. However, I don’t believe chilI would for the right part, the right director and dren always equal a full life. as long as the nudity wasn’t gratuitous…and as You play the lead character on Christopher long as my gym membership was active! Street. What kind of Character is he? What is your guilty pleasure? Christopher is young, full of dreams, and not Reality shows, I swear my IQ drops ten points exactly sure how to accomplish them. He’s selfish, but loyal to his friends. Chris is some- every time I watch For the Love one who lives in every young gay man who 17
of….anything… What is your favorite sport? Why?
Thank you for your support of the show and if you want to keep up with Jared, check me out on FaceBook and Twitter (JaredDewese on I’m from the South where football is a religion, both). so I think that and tennis are two of my favorite sports. What has been your wildest sexual experience? Wow, we’re getting really personal here. I suppose having sex at work is pretty wild right, well having a threesome at work! What is your biggest sexual fantasy? I don’t really know, I wouldn’t call them fantasies because anything I dream up, I make it happen! What does the future hold for you? An Oscar… Thank you, Jared. Do you have any final words?
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referred to the incident as a "misunderstanding" and said Blige's marriage is as strong as MARY J. BLIGE PUNCHES HUSBAND IN ever. "They're as happy as can be," said Tencer. THE FACE: Singer thought Kendu was eying another woman. Rep calls it 'a misunder- "They're spending the holidays together with their three children. Everything's great." standing.' Both the New York Well in that case we truly want to wish the Daily News and the New couple a very Merry Christmas and a HAPPY York Post have reported New Year. that Mary J. Blige hauled T.I. RELEASED FROM PRISON EARLY: off and socked her hus- Rapper to spend up to three months at a band Kendu Isaacs in halfway house in native Ga. front of guests at her alJust in time for Christbum release party Tuesmas, T.I. has been reday night after accusing leased from a federal him of flirting with a prison in Arkansas and woman. will spend the remainder The reported punch in of his year-and-a-day senthe face – which drew tence in a halfway house blood, according to the in Georgia. Post – went down at New A lawyer for T.I. said the rapper was reYork's M2 after Blige allegedly saw Kendu leased Tuesday morning, the Associated Press checking out one of the waitresses. reported. His sentence began last May following "[Blige] turned to him and was screaming, a conviction for illegal firearms possession and 'You're not going to ruin my night,'" a witness possessing a gun as a convicted felon. told the Post. "They got up in each other's faces Steve Sadow said his client, born Clifford before someone tried to separate them, at which Harris Jr., was expected to report to Dismas point she shoved the guy aside, pulled back and Charities halfway house in Atlanta on Tuesday popped [Isaacs] in the face." night and will be there for up to three months. The source said Blige, Isaacs and their enSadow said Harris "did his very best to adtourage were whisked through a door to the at- just to his circumstances" in prison and knew he tached club Pink, which was closed. The wit- had to pay for his crime. He said Harris was ness continued, "She was yelling at him, 'What most looking forward to getting back to his famare you gonna do, Chris Brown me?' Four of her ily and being as productive as he can be. bodyguards and two of the club's kept them DR. CONRAD MURRAY FOCUS OF UPapart." COMING TV SPECIAL: British documenIsaacs, according to the Post, was tossed out tary crew followed MJ's former physician on of the venue, while Blige went to the ladies first day back to work. room to fix her hair and makeup. But she Dr. Conrad Murray, bounced soon after, leaving partygoers Jay-Z, the cardiologist who was Beyoncé, Busta Rhymes and others behind, acMichael Jackson's percording to the papers. sonal physician at the When asked to confirm the reports, Blige's time of his fatal cardiac rep, Karynne Tencer, told the Post, "People lie arrest, will be the subject and don't know what they're talking about." of an upcoming TV speWhen the Daily News asked for a comment, she cial about his return to
More T (from page 7)
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work while under continued investigation for Knowles-Carter, while Beyonce is to become the King of Pop's June 25th death. Beyonce Knowles-Carter. A British film company asked to follow the "They want to keep Knowles because Bedoctor around as he returned to his clinic in yonce's parents didn't have any sons and they're Houston on Nov. 23, according to TMZ.com. It keen to keep the name going strong, especially was his first day treating patients since becom- if they don't produce any children themselves," ing the focus of a Los Angeles police homicide a source told the publication. investigation. Last week, it was announced that Beyonce's Murray told investigators he administered parents Tina and Mathew would be divorcing the powerful operating room anesthetic propofol after 29 years of marriage. In October, rumors to Jackson to help him sleep. The Los Angeles surfaced that Mathew may have been unfaithful, County Coroner said Jackson died from a com- with a paternity suit filed by Alexandra Wright bination of drugs in his body, with propofol and claiming he was her child's father - an allegation lorazepam playing the largest role. he has denied. Although cameras spent the entire day with However, the estranged couple - who also Murray, including the doc's visit to his church, have a daughter, Solange - claimed in a stateproducers of the upcoming one-episode TV spe- ment that the divorce would not be "an ugly, cial say they are mainly "interested in the reac- messy fight" and they would continue working tion of patients to his return," according to a together amicably. statement from Dr. Murray's rep. JENNIFER HUDSON DENIES PREG"A British documentary crew from a pro- NANCY REPORT: Star Magazine said duction company asked to follow him around on David Jr. was getting a little brother or sishis first day back," the rep stated. "Dr. Murray ter. liked the idea and agreed to do it as long as the Four months after the footage wasn't broadcast until after all the legal birth of her son David proceedings were complete. That could take Jr., Jennifer Hudson is years." said to be carrying her The spokesman also noted that Dr. Murray second child with fiancé will get paid an unspecified amount for the speDavid Otunga, accordcial only after it airs, and that he is in possession ing to Star Magaof all the footage, for safe keeping zine. "Jennifer was in JAY-Z TO BECOME 'SHAWN KNOWLES- total shock when she found out she was having CARTER?" Tabloid claims rapper will take another baby. She had wanted some space beon Beyonce's last name to ensure it's carried tween the kids’ ages,‖ the tabloid quotes her "close friend" as saying, adding that the couple on. The Daily Star newspaper is reporting that learned they were expecting on Dec. 10. Beyonce Knowles and her husband Shawn "JayWell, either Star Magazine is making up stoZ" Carter are to take on ries or this "close friend" snookered them or each other's surnames in doesn't know what they're talking about 'cause an effort to carry on the Jennifer's camp is flat out denying the story: Knowles moniker. "Contrary to what has been falsely reported, If true, Jay-Z will be Jennifer Hudson is not pregnant," her rep Lisa known as Shawn Kasteler says. "Jennifer leaves in April for South Africa where she will portray Winnie Mandela in the feature film, Winnie." 20
"It is a commitment she is excited about and takes very seriously," the rep adds. "Jennifer is currently in the studio recording her second album and this is the only delivery she is looking forward to in 2010." JANET JACKSON PLANS HUGE HOLIDAY FOR MJ KIDS: This will be trio's first Christmas since losing their father. Janet Jackson is reportedly spending thousands of dollars to make Christmas extra special for her late brother Michael's children, who are spending their first Yuletide season together since the death of their father exactly six months ago. "She must have spent thousands on trees, decorations and the kind of toys Michael would have love to be fooling around with on Christmas morning," a source told Absolute Now. The actress, the youngest of the Jackson clan, intends to spoil rotten her niece Paris, 12 and nephews Prince Michael I, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, a.k.a. "Blanket." "It was to be a quiet, somber holiday this year but Janet has stepped in to make it just like Michael did - fun. Michael loved Christmas. He was like a big kid and now Janet has taken that on." BOBBY BROWN AND K-FED – THE REALITY SHOW?: Whitney's ex flirts with idea after starring with Britney's ex on 'Celebrity Fit Club.' Bobby Brown and Kevin Federline apparently had a bromance while taping VH1's upcoming season of "Celebrity Fit Club," because the pair are now looking to appear together in another reality series. In a recent impromptu interview with a TMZ cameraman, Brown said, "We're thinking about doing a show, 'K-Fed and Bobby." When asked what the show would entail, he answered, "I don't know. You'll have to wait and see." Both men have starred in reality shows with their famous ex-wives – Bobby in "Being Bobby Brown" with Whitney Houston, and K-Fed in "Chaotic" with Britney Spears. Brown and Federline will debut as participants on "Celebrity Fit Club" Feb. 14, 2010.
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Music
Stronger with Each Tear 2009 release from the R&B diva, her ninth studio album overall. The album features musical contributions from T.I., Rodney Jenkins, Drake, Darkchild, Swizz Beatz, Sean Garrett, Polow Da Don, Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Stargate and Ne-Yo. Features the singles 'The One' (featuring Drake) and 'I Am'. Also includes 'Color', lifted from the critically acclaimed motion picture Precious.
Sex Therapy: The Session 2009 release, the fourth album from the Grammy Award-winning R&B/Pop singer, songwriter and producer. While he has achieved success with his own solo albums, he has also achieved great success as a songwriter and producer with artists like Usher, Lil Wayne and Jennifer Hudson. Features the hit single 'Sex Therapy'
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Movies
Be Mine In this sweet gay romance, Mayson has been waiting for the perfect kiss. His BFF Robyn takes him to a Valentine's Day party where he falls head-over-heels for Wiley...is he the one? Mayson (Dan Selon) has been patiently waiting and dreaming of that ever elusive sweet and perfect first kiss. His best friend Robyn (Kendra Thomas) thinks it's about time he kissed a boy! Mayson's love of chocolate scones brings about an unexpected coffeehouse meeting with a mysterious hunk who buys the last beloved scone. However Mayson's shyness proves to overcome any possible further development of pursuing a relationship with this new found crush. Fate steps in when Robyn invites Mayson to a Valentine's Day party thrown by their friend Eric (Eric Taylor) where they both run into Reiley (Jared Welch), Mayson's new crush. Will Mayson and his eclectic group of quirky friends find out if Cupid's arrow is truly aimed at him...and him? A sweet and engaging story of budding first love that finds a path even in the face of undying shyness.
Half-Life A bold film, Half-Life is the powerful story of Pam, an eighteen-year-old girl who adores her best gay friend Scott, who's blessed with right-wing Christian adoptive parents. With its striking cinematography, dreamlike sequences, bold story-telling and a very satisfying dose of gay romance, Half-Life draws you into its crumbling and vividly imaginative world.
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