November 17, 2016 

By LYNN ELBER 

Associated press 

“Saturday Night Live” called on host Dave Chappelle’s wit and Kate McKinnon’s performance of “Hallelujah” for a thoughtful coda to a divisive presidential campaign.

 

Chappelle, claiming to be rusty after a decade largely out of the TV spotlight, proved ready and eager to offer his take on Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton, including the protests that followed.

 

“I haven’t seen white people this mad since the O.J. (Simpson) verdict,” the comedian said drolly, suggesting he would take a knee like football player Colin Kaepernick and let whites figure out the election.

 

There were one-liners — he grabbed the maid in his Trump hotel room because the “boss said it was OK” — but Chappelle also got serious, talking about the Black Lives Matter movement and other issues beyond the election.

 

“I don’t even think it’s the most important thing we’re dealing with,” Chappelle said, noting “all these shootings in the last year, worst mass shootings in the history of the United States.”

 

Giving a shoutout to President Barack Obama for a job well done and saying he'd be missed, Chappelle told of attending a recent BET-sponsored White House party attended mostly by African-American guests.

 

He recalled how rare it was in past centuries for blacks to be allowed to visit the White House, adding that he relished seeing “how happy everybody was, these people that had been historically disenfranchised.”

 

“It made me feel hopeful, and it made me feel proud to be an American, and it made me very happy about the prospects of our country,” Chappelle said.

 

“So, in that spirit, I’m wishing Donald Trump luck, and I’m going to give him a chance,” he said. “And we, the historically disenfranchised, demand that he give us one, too.”

 

Chappelle, who earned increased fame and critical acclaim with his 2003 Comedy Central sketch series, “Chappelle’s Show,” abruptly left early in its third season.

 

For a “SNL” parody of “The Walking Dead,” Chappelle revived a number of the characters he played on his old show. Chris Rock joined him in a sketch mocking white election angst.

 

When a white character ex­claimed, “Oh my God, I think America is racist,” Chappelle replied: “I remember my great-grandfather told me something like that. He was like a slave or something.”

 

The show’s musical guest, A Tribe Called Quest, sang, “We the People” and later, “The Space Program” with Busta Rhymes and Consequence. 

Category: Arts & Culture

November 10, 2016 

By Zon D’Amour 

Contributing Writer 

November 7, 1991 Earvin “Magic” Johnson made an an­nouncement that shook the world. During a press conference, the Los Angeles Lakers point guard told the world he was HIV-positive. At the time, his wife of two-months, Cookie, had just found out that she was pregnant with their son, EJ. “I had a choice, to leave and let him die or stay and help him live” recalled Cookie during an intimate conversation and book signing at Valencia Christian Center (VCC) for her newly released memoir, “Believing In Magic”.

 

During the Q&A which was moderated by VCC Pastor Marlon Saunders, Cookie gave the congregation a glimpse into some of the non-glamourous but relatable aspects of the last two decades of her life which included her adopted daughter Elisa reconnecting with her birth mother, her son EJ coming out as gay and the launching of her denim line, CJ by Cookie Johnson.

 

The fashion designer and philanthropist candidly shared that she was initially against the press conference that revealed Magic’s diagnoses as she worried about whether people would shun them in public, turn them away from restaurants and treat them as social outcasts. According to her, it was Magic who was adamant about revealing his condition to the world. He said to her, ‘I have to do this because I have to try and save as many people as possible.” Cookie said it was at this point, “That’s when I knew that it was God’s purpose for him.” she added. “And my purpose was to make sure that he was healthy and strong and that our family was taken care of so that he could carry out his purpose.”

 

Prior to Magic’s revelation, the Johnson’s relationship had already been tested several times when the NBA star called off their engagement twice. Having grown up in the church, Cookie was able to lean on scriptures to help her withstand the heartbreak. When the couple finally tied the knot and she was suddenly thrust into a new-normal in trying to help her husband maintain his health. At the time of Magic’s diagnoses, there was a stigma associated with HIV that it was a homosexual disease as well as the presumption that there would be a swift deterioration prior to an untimely death. However, Cookie attributes Magic’s continuous good health and weigh gain over the past two decades to their strong spiritual beliefs. “[We] pushed out the negative thoughts of his death with the scriptures: ’No weapon formed against me shall prosper’ and ‘By my stripes you are healed.’ The Bible is full of promises of what God will do for you. I had to take those promises, embed them into my head and trust what God said. [Eventually] trusts turns into faith because you know He’s going to do it. You take that fear and turn it into faith—that’s how I’ve survived.”

 

While many people are enthralled by Magic’s basketball career as well as his various entrepreneurial endeavors, Pastor Saunders was adamant about the importance of celebrating the integral position that Cookie has played in Magic’s personal and professional success. “The wives are handling all of the things you don’t see behind the scenes; whether it’s prayer, encouragement, comfort, maintaining the household, etc. so the 1% of things that the world does see, goes off without a hitch.”

 

With insight on how she manages the demands of being a wive, mother and First Lady, Tamara Saunders shared, “It’s a matter of time management and priorities. You can have it all, but not all at once. Never lose sight of your goals but sometimes you have to stick a pin in it and come back to it. Whenever you have a few minutes, carve out time for what’s important to you and eventually you’ll look up and see whatever you’ve been working on has come to fruition. Patience and prioritizing is how I manage things.”

 

Echoing similar sentiments, in an exclusive interview with the L.A. Sentinel, Cookie spoke of the importance of women who may marry athletes having lives outside of their celebrity spouse. “I tell young women to first of all, have your own dreams and goals and continue to pursue those even if you decide to date someone with a high profile, remember to always stay true to who you are and don’t lose yourself in that person. Make sure you stay true to yourself and develop a strategy of how you want to accomplish the dreams that are important to you. That should all work together in tandem with the relationship. Don’t drop your dream to run after someone because you might look up and regret that you didn’t pursue the things that you were passionate about because you were caught up in someone else’s dreams.”

 

For young women who may have experienced a breakup and are trying to discern if a relationship is worth fighting for, Cookie shares the importance of prayer, “You have to ask, ‘God, how do I find the purpose that you have for me? Be honest and true in the relationship but at the same time, don’t loose who you are.”

 

When asked why it was important to have Cookie speak during the Sunday service, Pastor Saunder’s said, “This is real life, this isn’t a bible story that sometimes we can be disconnected from. It’s not a story handed down through generations. Cookie Johnson isn’t an intangible person, she’s a real human being and she’s sharing her testimony of all of the things she’s gone through and overcome, that’s powerful.”

 

In closing the Q&A, Saunders wanted the congregation to revel in Johnson’s testimony. “Most people give up having gone through a lot less” He said. “You all may own half of L.A. now…” Saunders joked, “We celebrate your glory but we don’t know your story,” he added.

Category: Arts & Culture

November 10, 2016

Aries   

March 21 – April 19 

It's all about change as cosmic influences alter your perspective and give you new ideas to consider. With Mars in Aquarius for the coming six weeks, your social life could have plenty of extra sparkle. You may be more proactive about joining clubs and getting involved in activities, too. You'll be very aware of the best people to hang out with and those who are a wise investment of your time. Learning can also be important as a way to expand your horizons.

  

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

You could get very excited about an opportunity and use the next six weeks or so to look into it further. This week you may want to connect with those who share your vision and are very much on your wavelength. You could get great support from tips, advice, and anything else that can help you progress. Regarding more personal issues, you could feel a restless desire to leave your comfort zone. Would it be good for you? It certainly seems so!

  

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

You may be ready to explore the latest developments in technology, whether by upgrading current devices or taking a class. During this week and into the future, social media and the Internet could bring opportunities for new friendships and creative outlets that you'll enjoy. When it comes to finances, you may be very aware of the need to invest wisely and make the most of your money. Investing in relationships can bring satisfaction, too, in a heart-centered way.

  

Cancer 

 Jun 21 - Jul 22 

You may be captivated by ideas, an online business, or a moneymaking opportunity, particularly as Mars dances into Aquarius and your financial zone. You could also find that an ongoing business could make you more productive and wealthy if you're willing to use the latest developments in technology. The move of Venus into your sector of relationship can help smooth over any difficulties and foster greater harmony. Researching your health and wellness options can bring positive rewards, too.

 

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

Is it time to clear the air? You might notice that you're more willing to say what you think when Mars dances into your relationship zone. Although a diplomatic approach always helps, there are times when it's better to be honest and open. Projects or relationships that have stalled could suddenly get moving in the right direction. Venus entering your lifestyle sector can bring positive relationships with co-workers and superiors. Regarding leisure, competitive sports can help channel excess energy.

 

Virgo 

Aug 23 - Sep 22 

There could be disruptions to your routines, but would this be such a bad thing? Sometimes you get stuck in ruts that sap your energy and resolve. Lively new influences showing up in your solar chart from this week can be like a new broom that sweeps clean. You might want to swap habits that have become second nature for those that can bring enhanced results. Will romance be yours? Venus entering your sector of dating and romance hints that it might.

  

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

Lighthearted love affairs and fun dating options can show up from this week as Mars, your relationship planet, stirs you to action. You may be more proactive about calling someone you find attractive and proposing a date. Or you may feel more inclined to accept an invitation and see how it goes. The move of Venus into your home and family sector might encourage you to redecorate or make your place more comfortable. Anything that helps you relax is perfect.

  

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

If your home has become a haven for unused clutter, this week's blend of influences could see you making a start to clear it away. You don't have to do it all at once. Regular effort could leave you with more room for other things. And you might be surprised by what you can do with it. Mercury's move to Sagittarius can be helpful for selling anything you no longer need and giving yourself some spare cash to play with, too.

 

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

A stirring influence in your communication sector could be the catalyst that encourages you to go after what you want. Do you need a new job, or are you hoping to connect with a special person? Whatever you need, this is your opportunity to make the key connections that will help you progress. The move of Venus into your money zone can encourage you to splurge on luxuries. If you've been saving your money recently, it might feel good to treat yourself.

  

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

There could be a lot of activity in your financial zone in coming weeks, but this week an event could encourage you to begin the process of sorting things out. You'll likely feel a lot better if you face up to any difficulties and do what you have to do to resolve them. The move of Venus into your sign can also be a call to reach out to friends, especially if you've been busy lately. You'll feel better for the chance to relax and unwind.

  

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

As Mars jogs into your sign for a six-week stay, it can enhance your energy and leave you feeling more upbeat and lively. You may be very interested in starting on goals and plans that have special meaning for you, especially if doing so affirms your identity. Any activity that allows you to be the individual that you are will feel very satisfying. Mercury's move into your social sector can pave the way for new friendships and associations.

 

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

As Mars jogs into your sign for a six-week stay, it can enhance your energy and leave you feeling more upbeat and lively. You may be very interested in starting on goals and plans that have special meaning for you, especially if doing so affirms your identity. Any activity that allows you to be the individual that you are will feel very satisfying. Mercury's move into your social sector can pave the way for new friendships and associations.

Category: Arts & Culture

November 10, 2016 

By Zon D’Amour 

Contributing Writer 

According to USA Today, women represent “26% of computing professionals and only 12% of professional engineers”. With the new web series, “GodComplX”, one of the biggest tech companies in the world, Google, is helping to show that representation matters. The 10-part web series was funded through Google’s Computer Science Education in Media team (CS in Media) which is designed to encourage women and underrepresented minorities to not only use technology, but to create it. The show’s executive producers, Joe Sicora and Claire Brown tapped Maya Washington, known to many as “Shameless Maya” to play Sabrina, a successful project manager at a tech company who gets invited to live with five other young tech geniuses in Silicon Beach. Similar to the way in which Hillman College, a fictional school that was used as the backdrop for “A Different World” inspired a generation of students to attend HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) it’s quite possible that Washington with her 700K subscribers are YouTube is inspiring a new generation of women coders through the show. In an exclusive interview with the L.A. Watts Times, Washington speaks on the importance of continuing to explore diversity within the series.

 

LAWT: For fans of your YouTube channel that are used to your direct to camera videos, was it difficult separating Maya the vlogger from Sabrina the character?

 

MW: The direct to camera aspect was the idea of the show’s co-creators Joe Sicora and Claire Brown. They knew that they were designing a show for YouTube so they wanted it to have a YouTube feel. I would say the hardest challenge in this entire process has been memorizing nearly one hundred pages of script to say in a few days. I didn’t feel like I really had to get into character, I just had to be myself in certain situations.

 

LAWT: What are the similarities and differences between you and Sabrina?

 

MW: I can relate to Sabrina in terms of being a workaholic, that’s very much Maya. I’m similar to my character in having the experience of working in a white male dominated industry as a photographer. When I started photography, I was 18-years-old and I didn’t know other photographers that looked like me. There’s a scene in the show where Sabrina is in an interview and she’s asked what challenges she faces as woman in the tech industry and she goes on to say, ‘I refuse to let my sex determine my struggles’ and I can completely relate. Do I struggle in life? Yes. But do I use that as a representation of me or an excuse? No. I want a lot of things to be non-issues. I want to be judged on the merit of my work versus who I am so Sabrina and I share those similarities. Sabrina has ­somewhat of a privilege in terms of being educated and being able to live in this complex with other beautiful, intelligent people. I love her life. In contrast, everything I have is a result of the work I’ve done by myself.

 

LAWT: You recently posted a video questioning whether or not you should quit YouTube and many people commented that your videos had become disingenuous, and overly produced. Since you can’t please everyone, how do you maintain a sense of self while making sure you’re giving your audience what they want?

 

MW: It’s a matter of perspective. What I learned from that video is yes, people want to relate. People could relate to me because of my struggle but I’m trying to evolve out of that. And when we do, it can be challenging for a large part of our audience to evolve with us because they’re still in the same space and they’re comfortable in that space. I had to change my perspective and truly invest in the people that can evolve with me, there may not be as many; but at the end of the day, I’m here to inspire others while being inspired. It’s hard to take a loss but it’s rewarding in the long run to know you’ve evolved even though some people aren’t willing to evolve with you. You just have to stay faithful and know that the moves you’re making will amount to something in the end.

 

I would rather be honest with myself than play a lie just because certain people want me to stay in a particular place, I physically couldn’t do it.

 

LAWT: There are a lot of moving parts in the first season of “GodComplX”. If you have input on what happens to Sabrina, what are you hoping to see in the next season?

 

MW: Delving more into who these characters are, especially the supporting cast. There hasn’t been an dialogue addressing the diversity of the cast. The only mention of anything is that Hakeem is Muslim, that’s it. But we haven’t directly addressed what it means to be woman of color working in the tech industry. Sabrina has a moment where she tells Reid (actor Nick Moss), ‘You don’t get it, you were born rich, I’m not.’ She could have said, ‘You don’t get it. You’re a white man, you were born rich.’ Those things we’re addressed at all. But I guess the writers’ perspective was to leave it open to interpretation. Maybe there’s room to use more direct language in the second season. But I feel like this just the top layer of this cake and there’s so much more that they can explore in terms of the real issues that happen.

 

To watch the first season visit: youtube.com/godcomplx.

Category: Arts & Culture

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