Entertainment
Reel-ality TV Talk
By Marquesa LaDawn
NNPA Columnist
This week was interesting because all of my favorites seem to have something in common. It was about the struggle of “playing nice with others.” But before I go there, I have talk about the biggest story in Reality TV. I don’t usually write about the Kardashians but I had to say something with it being a big story – Bruce becoming Caitlyn!
I love it! Bruce making this big decision changed the world, not to mention his life. The perception of a transgender person has shifted. We’ve all been educated. I do think he was the ideal person to take on this mission. Yes, I know he has a lot of kids and was a married man. I can only imagine the emotional confusion that his family is experiencing, that being said, being famous is a good thing and a bad thing.
I admire how Bruce put his feelings aside for so many years for his family. But, he’s right, he’s got to live for himself and that means as Caitlyn.
I think he chose well!
The ladies let it all out on RHOA via Kandi’s family ski vacation. I must say, the Tuckers and the “old ladies gang” are addictive. This week, Todd is fed up with the family blaming him for well everything. He’s tired of Kandi accepting their issues. It was refreshing seeing Todd express himself to his relatives and hearing them say, the ladies are crazy.
Todd goal was to clear the air, knowing Kandi, will pretend everything is fine. Of course, Mama Joyce had to step in and blab about nothing. I loved how Todd ignored her with such class and continued to have his say. In short, let’s be a family and enjoy one another. Awww!
Of course the peace could not last for too long. Kandi’s best friend and assistant (two words that should never go together), got put on blast. Carmen, though a great friend, is a lazy assistant, which became clear and after watching Todd’s assistant shin. Kandi had to say something and it hit Carmen hard. First off all, this can of worms got opened by Kandi’s daughter pointing out Carmen and the other assistant’s not so polite attitude towards Todd’s assistant. Everyone then headed to bed and it happened. Kandi visited her team’s rooms and shared her frustration about not doing a great job. They listened, frowned and finally accepted the challenge to do better. Next week, we’ll see how Carmen does as she tries to make things better with Mama Joyce. Talk about being between a rock and hard place.
Meanwhile, the RHONY ladies were truly in fine form. Dorinda, the newest housewife, is tired of defending her relationship to the ladies and told them to back off! As much I love these ladies, they are not the most objective and here’s why:
- Ramona was in denial a long time about the state her marriage and now its over.
- Kristin, now in her second season, was portrayed as a wife with an uneven marriage. In other words, not much of a voice.
- Luanne is newly separated from her boyfriend and
- Bethenny is dealing with one of the most public and bitter divorces in housewife history.
Bottom line: Dorinda and these ladies, have great advice for others – but not themselves.
Dorinda, also hosted her birthday party in her gorgeous home in the Berkshires. What a huge house, I liked everything but the decor. This week was especially entertaining with Bethenny a/k/a B arriving. Gosh, I love her so much, but I’m worried. I don’t think she’s capable of playing nice with other women. I’m no psychologist, but her troubled relationship with her mom seems to make it hard for her to get along with other women.
Blood, Sweat and Heels was very interesting ….
The villains from last season are under fire, sort of started by the newest villain, Chantelle. Frankly, Chantelle, is bold enough to say something. I read her blog this week and she hit the nail on the head. Demetria wants to control her friend Geneva by playing an emotional game of threatening to not let her share her wedding day. Now, Chantelle called her out on this and she runs. She can dish it out but not take it in. What’s shocking is Melissa’s big shift. She was buddies with one group and now seems to be tied to another that includes Demetria.
I feel bad for Daisy, she’s dealing with cancer and the drama from these ladies. She tries to share her story and they can’t pay attention. Especially, Demetria, who claims some of the other ladies did not act right during her book signing. Daisy tries to tell her that her actions hurt, but she shot them down and left. I have a feeling a situation will come preventing her from just leaving but facing the music.
Marquesa LaDawn is a professional businesswoman who escapes the pressures of living in New York City by retreating into the real world of reality TV. Follow me on twitter @realityshowgirl and subscribe to her podcast at www.RealitytvGirl.com.
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Black History
Martial Artist Victor Moore: An American Karate and Kickboxing Pioneer
Throughout his career, Moore defeated many national champions, including Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. Moore placed in every tournament he competed in from 1965 until his retirement in 1975, defeating renowned national champions such as Mike Foster, Chuck Norris, Fred Wren, Glenn Keeney, James Hawkes, and Jim Kelly. Moore emphasizes that winning or losing does not diminish a champion’s credibility — they are all champions in his eyes.
By Tamara Shiloh
Victor Moore, born on Aug. 23, 1943, holds a 10th-degree Black Belt in Karate and is a four-time world karate champion.
As one of the chief instructors under Robert Trias in the Shuri-ryu Karate system, Moore was also among the first ten members of the Trias International Society. Over his 50-year martial arts career, he trained in various styles, including Chito-ryu with William J. Dometrich, Judo, Kempo, and Bondo karate.
Moore began his martial arts journey at the age of 7 in Cincinnati, lifting weights and reading Charles Atlas books to guide his training. By age 9, he had learned the basics of jujitsu and judo, and at 12, he began training in Kempo karate under Ronald Williams, who awarded him his first black belt after five years of instruction.
In 1961, Moore expanded his training by joining a judo school led by Ray Hughes and later trained in Gyu Ryu-karate under Harvey Eubanks. He studied Kempo with Bill Dometrich and continued exploring different karate styles. Instructors at the time, required students to start as white belts in each new style, even if they held black belts elsewhere, which shaped Moore’s adaptability.
Chung Ling, an exchange student from China, introduced Moore and others to Chuan Fa, enhancing Moore’s understanding of martial arts. He also took up judo at a school in Cincinnati, where he earned his brown belt, and trained in karate with Jim Wax, who had studied under the Shimabuku brothers. Moore’s toughness was further honed by his boxing experience at the 9th Street YMCA, where he became a sparring partner for Tiger Joe Harris.
At Central State University, Professor Barry Yasuto trained Moore in Shotokan karate, but Moore was denied entry to the Japanese Karate Association, possibly due to his race. After returning to Cincinnati, Moore opened his first karate school and began competing in national tournaments. He traveled across the U.S., eventually meeting Robert Trias, who became his mentor and helped him rise to the second-degree black belt level. Under Trias, Moore continued training in Kempo and Goju-Ryu styles.
Moore also trained under Dr. Maung Gyi, learning Bondo karate, stick fighting, and kickboxing. In 1973, Moore and Joe Lewis introduced kickboxing to America on the Merv Griffin TV show. Moore competed in the first kickboxing tournament in the U.S., facing Jim Harrison in a historic fight.
Throughout his career, Moore defeated many national champions, including Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. Moore placed in every tournament he competed in from 1965 until his retirement in 1975, defeating renowned national champions such as Mike Foster, Chuck Norris, Fred Wren, Glenn Keeney, James Hawkes, and Jim Kelly. Moore emphasizes that winning or losing does not diminish a champion’s credibility — they are all champions in his eyes.
Moore continues to teach martial arts, working with instructors and students nationwide. His daughters, Vickie and Vonnie, and his son, Vanceston, also train under his guidance.
Activism
South African Solidarity Committee Hosts 31st Annual Celebration
“We’re all together for each other celebrating 31 years of building international solidarity between the people of the United States and South Africa toward the implementation of the 1955 Freedom Charter and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” said COSAS Operations Manager Nicole Richards.Located in Berkeley, COSAS is dedicated to the continuing struggle by the people of South Africa’s need for independence.
By Carla Thomas
The Committee of South African Solidarity (COSAS) celebrated its 31st anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the East Bay Church of Religious Science in Oakland.
Themed “Ubuntu,” a word in Zulu and Xhosa, which means “I am because we are,” the event brought together supporters and community members.
“We’re all together for each other celebrating 31 years of building international solidarity between the people of the United States and South Africa toward the implementation of the 1955 Freedom Charter and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” said COSAS Operations Manager Nicole Richards.
Located in Berkeley, COSAS is dedicated to the continuing struggle by the people of South Africa’s need for independence.
A soulful meal was prepared by Chef Rene Johnson and Blackberry Soul Catering along with live entertainment and speakers.
COSAS is an all-volunteer, private membership organization, made up of South Africans, Africans, students, professionals, clergy and others committed to building solidarity between the working people of the U.S. and the South African people still struggling for economic and political freedom.
Formed in 1993, the organization promotes the “real nature” of the changes and struggles taking place in South Africa and the African continent, according to Richards.
“COSAS counters ‘disinformation’ and ‘misinformation’ in the U.S. and Western mainstream media that creates division and distrust,” Richards said. “We produce the South African Beacon and organize and transport solidarity shipments of school supplies to South African grade schools requesting assistance,” Richards said.
According to organizers, COSAS is completely run by volunteers, free from the corporate and government agendas that continue to keep South Africa dependent on the West.
“We rely on the support of concerned individuals. Call us today about how you can get involved by sorting and packing supplies, donating office equipment, and supporting special events,” said Richards.
Earlier in the year, COSAS hosted its World Affairs film showing at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church. The screening featured a short film, “Feeding a Crisis: Africa’s Manufactured Hunger Pandemic,” exploring the hunger challenges African countries face and approaches to resolving the issues.
Contact the Committee for South African Solidarity, 1837 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley, CA, 510-251-0998 for volunteer opportunities and event information.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of October 30 – November 5, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of October 30 – November 5, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
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