Kenyon Martin. The 6'9" forward could help shore up The Clippers' bench.

February 3, 2012-The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agent forward Kenyon Martin. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not announced. An 11-year NBA veteran and former NBA All-Star (2004), Martin joins the Clippers after signing with the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association this summer.

“Kenyon is the ultimate competitor and a key acquisition,” stated Vice President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey. “We expect that he will provide additional experience, passion and professionalism, as well as some important depth to our front court.”

Martin, 34, has played in 654 career NBA games with the New Jersey Nets and Denver Nuggets and 89 playoff games. The 6-foot-9, 234 pound forward brings career averages of 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks to the Clippers.

The consensus 2000 NCAA Player of the Year after a stellar career at the University of Cincinnati, Martin was drafted by New Jersey with the number one overall pick of the 2000 NBA Draft. Martin was a key member of two Nets teams that made back-to-back appearances in the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.

The Dallas, Texas product enjoyed his best statistical season in 2003-04 with New Jersey when he averaged 16.7 points and 9.7 rebounds and was selected to the All-Star Team.

Don Cornelius, Creator of the African American dance show Soul Train, died February 1, 2012 of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The iconic figure is credited for breaking many musical acts and bringing a popular dance show to the African American community that was also watched worldwide by people of all ethnicities. He hosted the show from 1971- 1993 and his popular mantra, "Love, Peace and Soul," was copied and mimicked by many. Funeral arrangements are pending. Photo taken at "Taste of Soul" by Kim Webster.

Cover Photo-Shelley Hayes. Photo by Nelson Shen. Inside photo- Shelley Hayes, with a Rockstars and Angels baseball cap with Donnie. Photo by Zane Berlin.

The Dog Stylist and Pet Advocate Is Realizing Her Passion  with Shelley’s Doggie Diggs

Shelley Hayes, of Houston, Texas, has taken her passion for dogs and made it into a lucrative business. She is the owner of Shelley’s Doggie Diggs, a business makes chic and distinctive outfits for yes, dogs. “It started out as an online retail outlet,” said Shelley Hayes, who launched her business in 2011. “I didn’t have any of my own stuff, I was just buying wholesale and retailing it out on my site.” Her original idea was to have her own designs on the site, so she modified her business model. “So right now I just have a just a clearance section (for her retail items).” Her new design line, which will be called Doggie Stylze, is in the works and will be coming into prominence this year.

Pets, including dogs, can be valued members of the family that comfort you in the bad times, enhancing a better mood for your environment. However many in the family dynamic often take dogs for granted. Shelley’s passion for dogs and empathy for mistreated animals galvinized the mother of three to make a difference. “Once I realized just how passionate I was about dogs and seeing all the neglect and abuse-I’m sure you see all those ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) commercials that make you cry-I had rescued a dog- it just kind of clicked one day that people really dote on their dogs and dress them up,” she said. “It’s a multi-billion dollar industry and I said ‘that’s what I can do.’ I can have an online store and donote a portion of the profits to the ASPCA.” In October of 2011, Shelly, a former gymnast and athlete, put her efforts in full force for the ASPCA, running to raise funds for the organization in their Rock and Roll ASPCA 1/2 Marathon.  

(L-R) Shelley Hayes, Actress Kaitlan Welton, Mario Lopez and Eric Zuley.

Through a mutual friend, she was able to set up a meeting with heartthrob actor, dancer and host Mario Lopez, while on vacation in Los Angeles. She dressed Lopez’s dog in her clothing and received his endorsement of her products. Lopez later invited her to be on the show “Extra” and she was interviewed about her feelings about the 9-11 catastrophe. “I hope that one day he’ll feature me on the show about my business,” she laughed. “He’s super nice.” Also, through promoter and entrepreneur Eric Zuley, she met the proprietor of a popular store on Melrose Avenue, Rockstars and Angels, Sasha, who committed to partnering with her to feature her dog clothing line in his store. Also in her future is the possibility of a reality show, with host and funny man Johnny Venokur of VH1, who is a dear friend of hers. Additionally, she plans on donating 30% of the proceeds from a specialty T-shirt she’s designing to help the ASPCA. But what makes pets, specifically dogs, important in the family? “I think that pets add a lot to the family,” said Hayes.”They teach children responsibility and can be an extra companion because they love so unconditionally.” Can you feel the love and passion Shelley Hayes has for her business? Shelley Hayes’ passion for dogs, empathy and spirit for success makes her a lock as one of the People You Should Know.

Visit her website at www.shelleysdoggiediggs.com.

Shelley Hayes on the red carpet. Photo by Nelson Shen. Visit her website at www.shelleysdoggiediggs.com.

Cover Photo-Etta James at Bilbrew Library in Los Angeles. Inside photo-Etta James (R) pictured with singer Barbara Morrison. Both photos by Kim Webster.

The Legend Was Colorful, but The Scoop LA Remembers Her Fondly

By Buddy Sampson

A pioneer of Soul and R&B has left us, Etta James.

Etta James (born Jamesetta Hawkins; January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012) was an singer whose style spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in the mid-1950s, she gained fame with hits such as “Dance With Me, Henry“, “At Last“, “Tell Mama“, and “I’d Rather Go Blind, a song she penned.” She faced a number of personal problems, including drug addiction, before making a musical resurgence in the late 1980s with the album The Seven Year Itch.

James is regarded as having bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and is the winner of six Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in both 1999 and 2008. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked James number 22 on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and number 62 on the list of the 100 Greatest Artists.

As media professionals, James has left us, The Scoop LA, with some fine memories. When I logged in my computer last week and read the article on Yahoo news, I found that there were a lot of things about Etta James I didn’t know. The article said she battled drug addiction and successfully got off heroin. After she got off heroin, she reached out to clubs booking her own engagements in small clubs.

I was fortunate enough to be at one of those clubs. When I first came to California in 1981, I took a job working at a bank as a teller at Crocker Bank and met a lady, a singer and musician, Essra Mohawk, whose boyfriend played for Etta James. They invited me to a now defunct club at LaBrea and Washington Avenues called The Parisian Room. There is now a post office there, but Etta James was magic in that small club. There weren’t many in the audience, but she was simply electrifying. She wowed everyone there, including me. At the time, I hadn’t started my journalism career as yet, but meeting her and hearing her jokes, because she was so lively, impressed me as much as her singing.

Since that time, I’ve had the fortune of interviewing James several times and Etta was always colorful and fun. I heard stories of her terrorizing other journalists, but she was always nice, respectful and always made me laugh. I’ve had the fortune over the years to meet Cab Calloway and many musical legends at the Long Beach Jazz Festival and I was very lucky to interview her in her trailer. Another outstanding photojournalist, that writes a column for us, remembers her fondly as well. “I first met Miss Etta James during her book signing at the Bilbrew Library in Los Angeles, California,” said Scoop LA columnist Kim Webster, who also writes and shoots photography for several other newspapers and magazines. “The first thing I said was ‘Jamesetta Rogers,’ and she smiled and replied ‘you got that right.’ I saw her in concert at the Hollywood Bowl a few years ago, a fantastic show!” James was raised by a family, the Rogers family when she was small, so sometimes she used both names, Jamesetta Rogers or Jamesetta Hawkins. Some of her friends affectionately called her “Miss Peaches.”

In our career as journalists, we meet and encounter many musical legends and icons of the entertainment industry. Many times, they impress us, sometimes they underwhelm us. But Etta James was never underwhelming. She was a force musically. Her song “At Last” will be played eternally at weddings, social gatherings and at public events. Many singers have covered that song, but no one will ever sing it like the legendary Etta James. We were saddened to hear the news of her passing and we want to take this time to thank Etta James for her wonderful voice, her talent and her always ebullient personality. The world lost an amazing legend and may she delight all those in heaven with her fantastic, but eternal voice.

Etta James at a book signing in Los Angeles. She will be remembered by us for her ebullient personality. Photo by Kim Webster.

Biographic information provided by Wikipedia.

All photos by Kim Webster.

Cover and Inside Photo- Kelvin Anderson locks the door at World Famous VIP Record Store.

By Kim Webster

LONG BEACH CA – As we travel the road of life there are events, places and things that leave an impact in our memory. VIP Record Store is one of those places. A place where you could go, have friendly conversation and, oh yeah, find your favorite music too! They always had free posters of your favorite artists and in-store artist autograph signings. Many artists got their start in the VIP recording studio, including Snoop Dogg, who filmed his first video on the roof of the record store.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end and on December 31, 2011 VIP closed its doors for good. During the day, many folks stopped by to say farewell to the iconic store including former employee Keith Hollis who said, “I was young and just moved out here from Detroit in the 80’s and Kelvin gave me my first job, my first start in life. He became a godfather to me and I hate to see him go; he will always be a life-long friend.” “It’s a bitter sweet day,” said Kelvin Anderson, owner of VIP Records, “A lot of happy and fond memories…the years seem to have went by really fast.” Changes in music retail sales has forced the closing of many record stores and VIP Records was among the last standing. The store may be empty now, but the memory of VIP will always linger in our hearts when we pass the corner of Martin Luther King and Pacific Coast Highway.

Photo by Kim Webster.

Amanda Russell-The Fitness Expert is an acclaimed journalist.

Amanda Russell is an athlete. The lovely lady, an AFTA Certified Trainer, has won triathlons and defined a new age of fitness and wellness, creating The AR Program, a holistic mind and body system that focuses on intense dynamic workouts and a healthy diet.

Recently, Amanda launched her own fitness YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/AmandaRussell. Selected as one of YouTube’s Next Trainers, Amanda’s YouTube channel has grown enormously since launching in November 2011. The successor to supermodel Molly Simms as the spokesperson for ZICO Premium Coconut Water, Amanda also is an acclaimed fitness journalist, having been featured in Fitness Magazine, Redbook, Woman’s World, SELF, Runners World, and Women’s Health among others.

The stunning lady will impress you with her fitness prowess, intelligence and beauty. Visit her website at www.amanda-russell.com,

Fela! is running at the Ahmanson Theater for 5 more days. It is a magical performance. Story By Shelaagh Ferrell. Inside photo-Melanie Marshall and Sahr Ngaujah excel in Fela!

By Shelaagh Ferrell

For those of you who have not yet seen FELA! at the Ahmanson Theater, don’t miss this opportunity to catch the Award-nominated Broadway musical, based on the life and music of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Born 1938, in Nigeria, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, rose to fame in Africa and the diaspora in the 70’s as a musician, composer, performer and political activist. A staunch critic of the corrupt military dictatorships that rule Nigeria and Africa, Fela used his music and lyrics as a weapon to overtly attack the oppressive regime. As a musician, he created the new style “Afrobeat” an electric fusion of Yoruba, Jazz, Highlife and Funk traditions to revolutionize the musical sounds of the day. However, his political voice led him to being a marked man. Arrested over 200 times and brutally beaten on several occasions, Fela remained defiant. He never gave up the fight and went on to produce in excess of 70 albums which became an inspiration to millions.

Presented by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, this production is nothing short of stunning. Act one opens dynamically with a company rendition of Fela’s “Everything Scatter.” Fela played by actor Sahr Ngaujah, immediately draws you in with his intense physical presence, strong vocals and instrumental wizardry. Sahr gives a powerful performance throughout showing his range and versatility as an actor and musician. He commands the stage with wit and humor, demonstrating his skill on the saxophone and masterfully encouraged the audience to join him in participation.

Act two, the tone of the piece changes to have a more, dark, satirical feel which highlights the impact of Fela’s political activism on himself and love ones. Sahr uses interactive mime effectively to demonstrate brutal aspects of the regime. As the show reaches a climax, Funmilayo, Fela’s mother, played by Melanie Marshall, brought the audience to a stunned silence with her powerful rendition of the song Rain, specially written for the show with music by Aaron Johnson and Jordan McLean, and lyrics by Bill T Jones and Jim Lewis. Melanie’s rich classic vocal tone permeating throughout added a unique contrast to the more contemporary sounds of the piece and her enormous range enabled her to ring out beautifully, the high notes of this demanding song. In this performance Fela’s love interest Sandra was played by Oneika Phillips, whose sweet gentle tone gave warmth to the role.

The dominance of the show’s choreography created by the show’s director and choreographer Bill T Jones, adds to the shows overall vibrancy. In general, Jones uses a contemporized mix of African styles as the basis for his choreographic creations. This is often fused with jazz and jive dance styles to compliment the pulsating rhythms of the “Afrobeat,” played by the energetic on stage band. The inclusion of specialist tap dancer Gelan Lambert also adds a little treat. In Act two, Jones compliments the drama by including a more poignant, exaggerated choreographic style noted in particularly during the song Zombie. Credit must be given to the ensemble cast, which does justice to the crisp choreography with slickness and vigor, dancing relentlessly throughout the evening, showing no signs of tiring at all.

The cast, in their beautifully colorful ethnic costumes designed by Marina Draghici and elaborate hairdos designed by Cookie Jordan made the show visually electric. The combination of a simple set, backdrop media projections and filmed footages on strategically positions screens, worked well.

Bill T Jones, as Director/Choreographer displayed his combined skill in bringing about this musical masterpiece. He eloquently manages to take the audience on an educational and emotional journey of Fela’s life through, laughter, joy, shock and horror using an exciting palette of theatrical devices. But it is the overall energy of the show that is so magical. It is truly refreshing to see the return of the Director/Choreographer taking the reigns again in contemporary musical theater. Fela! is a must see for all.

Box Office: 213 972 4400

Or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

Fela! Cast Members Jermaine Rowe (L) and Melanie Marshall (R) take a moment to chat with Scoop LA contributor Shelaagh Ferrell (C). Photo by Tania Anderson.

Shelaagh Ferrell is a talented writer, producer and screenwriter. Along with Yvonne Deutschman, she's produced a film called "One Love," due for DVD release in 2012. Look for more exciting things to come from this talented and lovely lady. Visit her website at www.shelaaghferrell.com.

Cover photo- DeAndre Jordan warms up before the game. Photo by John Yenokian. Inside Photo- Chauncey Billups-Photo by Kirby Lee-US Newswire.

They Establish Home Court Dominance With Defense 

January 22, 2012- The Los Angeles Clippers, in a show of home court dominance and defense at The Staples Center, crushed the Toronto Raptors 103-91.

The Clippers jumped on The Raptors early, starting with crowd pleasing dunks from Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Griffin started the festivities with a turnaround dunk in the lane, followed later in the quarter by a sensational rebound dunk by DeAndre Jordan that elicited oohs from the 19,000 plus in attendance, a sellout crowd. Chauncey Billups made a 3 pointer that gave The Clips an early 13-6 lead. Toronto seemed to be stuck on 6 for most of the 1st quarter as The Clipper defense was stifling, effectively keeping The Raptors from executing their offense. It wasn’t until Raptor Rasual Butler hit a 3 pointer with 2:20 left in the quarter that the Raptors were able to score more than 6 points in the quarter. The Clippers kept up their dominance throughout the game and The Raptors rarely got within single digits for the rest of the game and won going away 103-91.

Even though the season is getting off to a late start due to the NBA lockout, The Clippers players, in this condensed season, are playing with passion. Coach Vinny Del Negro deserves praise for the style of hustle and defensive effort that was on display against The Raptors. Griffin dived to the floor early in the game, which seemed to set the tone for the entire game. “It was a good win,” said veteran guard Chauncey Billups. “We were really worried about what we were trying to do.” However, as demonstrated in a Friday last minute loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team still is going through growing pains. “We had some slippage in the last few games and even though we won the Dallas game, we had a lot of slippage in that game,” said Billups. “We had a lot of slippage in the Jersey game and it finally caught up with us, of course, in that last game. But we got to work yesterday in a film session and really just passed out a lot of things that we wanted to come out today and try to work on those things and we did that.”

Blake Griffin, who, along with Jordan was able to rest the entire fourth quarter, stressed the defensive philosophy that seems to be a winning formula for The Clippers. “It’s a team defense, no one man is on an island.” said Griffin. “We’re over the place, scrambling around. We all have to be on a string, we’re all moving, we all have to help, we have to be on our rotations.”

Defense has been a staple of the team in 2012. ”Our defense is there,” said center DeAndre Jordan. “Sometimes we have lapses. But when we really lock in and everybody’s doing their job and like I said, there’s no lapses, we can compete with any team.”

Kim Somers Egelsee, with an effervescent smile, inspires audiences everywhere.

It is completely human to feel like this from time to time. The important part is that it shouldn’t last too long. There are things you can do to stimulate your mind and senses, and feel inspired and uplifted again. One of my favorite things to do is to get moving outdoors in nature. It might be walking on the beach, taking your dog for a stroll, or hiking in a pretty area. The fresh air will clear your mind, and the scenery around you will enhance your mood. Another tip is to talk to someone who will motivate you. I often call a friend and talk for ten minutes, to get different perspectives on life, and to feel joyful again.

I asked two others what works to inspire them in their lives. Jessica Arana, a fantastic graphic designer, artist and world traveler,www.jessicaarana.com,  said that travel has truly inspired Jessica along her path. When she needs creative energy and new inspiration, she plans a trip or retreat. Travel helps her to find her true self. She goes far away, to say, “there I am”, and feed off of new experiences, languages, colors and people. It creates huge amounts of passion and excitement in her life, and results in extreme creativity and wisdom. Travel has brought Ms. Arana many gifts, including her boyfriend whom she met in Peru, while traveling alone, her belief that she can do anything, which she earned by climbing Machu Picchu, and the realization that when you’re not looking for greatness, you will often bump into it and to allow herself to believe in herself.

Shajen Joy Aziz, producer and author of “Discover The Gift,” www.discoverthegift.com  explained to go towards what you love. Focus your attention on the things which inspire you and take attention away from those things which drain you. In order to sustain this energetic wave of creativity she has learned you must share it. 

When you share your Gifts and give back to your family, your community, your school, workplace, etc… your creative energy increases. A good way to get started is to pick a favorite way to spend your time and volunteer that service to someone or something in need. Then watch the universe respond to your requests…this is an important and crucial aspect of manifestation and what we call infinite feedback - the more you give the more you get! Every moment is a Gift. Being present to gratitude and forgiveness will create light in your being and open pathways and possibilities which had been previously closed. It is amazing how different ideas and perspectives can help every area of your life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, read, and do things that uplift and inspire you!

For more info on Kim Somers Egelsee’s upcoming events go  to:  www.kimlifecoach.com.  

Greetings and thank you for taking time to check in.

First, dear readers, we owe you our most profound apologies. Like many businesses in today’s fragile economy, we have been affected. Revenue is down, and advertisers are advertising less than ever. We haven’t posted much new content lately, as we were forced to take a brief hiatus to stable the ship.

In fact, I, the Publisher, of The Scoop LA, had to take a job, something that I haven’t done in years, just to make ends meet. Right now, I work for one of the biggest banks in the world- I’ve returned to Corporate America and it’s been a humbling experience. In Corporate America, you have the requisite jostling of power- people that sometimes will do almost anything to get promotions and power and those that are willing to step on others to get ahead. But there are those in Corporate America that are the antithesis of that credo, those that remember that people are not numbers or production, they are human beings.   

Vince Garcia-A Prince of a Man.

Speaking of incredible human beings, I have to mention another guy that I’m proud to know, and work with, Johnny Sherman. I’m going to embarrass him a bit. In today’s society, you often hear about men that don’t take care of their responsibilities. In fact, you hear a lot about deadbeat dads, who shirk the responsibilty of raising kids. Johnny is a single parent, a man who raised two boys virtually alone. Sure, he’s had a little help from some members of his family, but he worked tirelessly to take care of them, two boys, who are now 21 and 19. In the department I work, he is a real whiz kid, very quiet, focused and a hard worker.  But he’s more than that.You often hear about men of color, particularly, that don’t take care of their responsibilities. Johnny definitely isn’t one of them. Sure, some of you may say-well, he’s doing what he should be doing. But we, in the press often don’t take the time to acknowledge the small time heroes, the people that do the RIGHT thing and raise their children in the right way. It takes a lot to be a single parent- and raising two boys alone? I have a load of respect for the man. When you look up “man” in the dictionary, it’s a shame you don’t see Johnny’s picture in it. Because Mr. Sherman, 39, is the true definition of a man. And a father. There are many that can learn from him.

2011 and 2012 

Eugenia Wright- Resting with the Angels.

2011 was a tough year for us. We lost our dear, dear writer, columnist and friend Eugenia Wright in March. After losing our Associate Editor, Deidra Burtonelli to cancer in September 2010, it was positively devastating to us and we nearly closed our doors for good, but we are very optimistic about 2012. We plan on doing a Scoop LA relaunch this year and of course, you are invited. We will have bands, and I will perform. And we will interview more celebrities, attend more red carpet events and do more movie reviews. Writer Tania Anderson has become important to us and she does great work, but I’m incredibly lucky that she is a true friend as well.   

The Eternal and Lovely Deidra Burtonelli.

We need more writers and if any of you are local to Los Angeles and want to cover events and have a little writing experience, we’d love to hear from you. We are looking for writers to cover sports, beauty, movies and fashion. Freelance submissions are encouraged, but we do not accept anonymous submissions. Additionally, we need advertising sales people as well and we pay high commissions. Call us at (323) 919-2848.

Tania Anderson.

Lastly, I want to say to you, my dear readers, that we are in tough times, but keep your faith in God and everything will go well. We may have to tighten our belts a bit and we may go through transition phases, but always remember that God is always there for you. He will never let you down. Make sure you tell at least 3 people today you love them. Love is infectious, so do your best to show your love and try to help as many people as you can. And may you all have a healthy, prosperous and amazing 2012.

We love you here and God Bless you,

Buddy Sampson

Publisher

The Scoop LA

www.thescoopla.com

The Scoop LA's Buddy Sampson.