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Happy Super Bowl: “Not for Profit” NFL Pays $100 Mil to Staff. Donates $1Mil to Charity

Roger Friedman
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Happy Super Bowl: “Not for Profit” NFL Pays $100 Mil to Staff. Donates $1Mil to Charity

Happy Super Bowl weekend!

It’s a good time to review the situation with the NFL, which operates still as a tax free not for profit foundation. How are they doing? Big press push in the last two days with commissioner Roger Goodell announcing that forthwith, women will have to be considered for all executive positions. Yes, it is 2016, about 40 years after this should have been mandated. Or womandated.

But Goodell has to do something. He’s paid $35 million a year. Indeed, on the 2014 (for 2013) Form 990 filing for the National Football League, salaries for staff came to $100 million. About $55 million was divided among just seven (7) executives. They’re all guys, ‘natch.

Apparently, that wasn’t enough money for one of those lucky seven because the NFL loaned two execs a total of $2.5 million. One guy still owes them $1.5 million.

The NFL Foundation did give some money away in 2013. They donated just over $1 million to a few charities.

Total net assets? $727.7 million. They keep $438.5 million on hand for litigation (i.e. lawsuit settlements, and there are more and since dead players are turning up with CTE).

So get out the hot dogs, chill the beers, and raise a glass. It’s good to be king.

Michael Moore Hospitalized in New York with Pneumonia: “Things Didn’t Look Good”

Roger Friedman
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Michael Moore Hospitalized in New York with Pneumonia: “Things Didn’t Look Good”

Here’s his message on Facebook…Keep refreshing:

I’m writing this to all of you today (Thurs) from the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in New York City. Unfortunately, I’ve come down with pneumonia. Between running all over the place lately promoting my new movie (WHERE TO INVADE NEXT), plus going to Flint to help the people of my hometown, plus jumping in to support Senator Sanders, plus doing a dozen other things — well, I read somewhere you can’t burn it at both ends, and if u do, it’s best not to do so in the winter nor anywhere near a place full of toxic water!

The truth is, I’ve actually been in the ICU since Sunday night. Let’s just say things didn’t look good Sunday night. But thanks to a combination of good doctors, decent hospital food and 2nd-term Obamacare, I’m doing much better the last couple of days — so much so that I’m being discharged later today. I’m to return home and rest for the coming days. All appearances for the rest of this week have been canceled.

Needless to say, in addition to being a bummer health-wise (and I’m trying out a new thing this week by putting that, my health, first), this is a huge loss to my efforts in leading up to the release of my new movie next Friday. I was supposed to be in LA tonight (Thurs) to be on Conan, and tomorrow night I was making my return after two years to the Bill Maher show on HBO (and thank you, Erin Brockovich, for going on in my place to talk about the situation in Flint!).

Since I mentioned my predicament earlier today on Twitter and Facebook (or perhaps you heard about it in the media
http://detne.ws/1T1Dtjs), many of you have sent me very nice well wishes (thank you!) and have asked if there’s anything you could do to help me. Actually, there is.

I have to be honest, with my absence this week (and probably into next), I’m now worried about my film’s release. I can’t fly, I have to recover, and in one week (February 12th) this great movie I’ve put so much of my life into is going to open in theaters — with little or no assistance from me. So, would it be OK to enlist your help in a sort of quickly cobbled-together “army” of grassroots foot soldiers, wherein you could pitch in where you live (and on socila media) to let people know about my movie? I could post some ideas tomorrow of things you and your friends could do. Things like:
— share the trailer with others (https://youtube.com/watch?v=r4JJvfrkH3M);
— send around the movie’s poster (see below);
— show or place the 30-second ad wherever you can (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7wbH9Bjbyww);
— forward reviews of the film to friends and family (http://www.salon.com/…/michael_moores_gutsy_new_film_our_m…/).

I know this seems a bit unorthodox, and I’ve never seen a request like this made before by a director (then again, I could just be on the wrong drugs), but this is the age of social media and we’re all trying lots of new ways to do things, aren’t we? So why not just appoint each of you as the local PR person for WHERE TO INVADE NEXT, seeing how I can’t make it there in person? This will take a HUGE burden off me and give the movie a chance to be seen by millions.

My other problem is that the distributor hired to release the film is a new start-up company still in formation (the company doesn’t even have a name yet). So their plan all along was essentially to have me do most of the work by running back and forth across the country doing interviews and screenings. Naturally, I loved this plan, but none of us stopped to think what would happen if… I got pneumonia! So, they’re doing their best now (these are the brave people who worked on the release of the Edward Snowden documentary, “Citizen Four”). If a few thousand of you suddenly became champions and spokespeople for the film, then maybe I/we can pull this off. I would be forever in your debt.

I do need to get some sleep, so I’ll sign off for now. Check back with me tomorrow (Friday) for further updates and ideas. Thanks for offering to help. Stay warm, drink plenty of fluids, and let’s get back to our nightly walks!

Best,
Michael

Exclusive: Aretha Franklin Is Going to Get on a Plane and Fly For the First Time in 33 Years

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Aretha Franklin Is Going to Get on a Plane and Fly For the First Time in 33 Years

Oh me, oh my. Aretha Franklin is going to fly.

Maybe, but at least the plan has been made.

The Queen of Soul tells me that she has made a definite date to fly from Detroit to Chicago at the end of this month. I know the date, but I don’t want to cause a stampede at the airport.

She won’t be alone on her short flight. The First Lady of Gospel, Shirley Caesar, has volunteered to be Miss Aretha’s companion. Of course, there will be a couple of other friends, maybe a bodyguard or two.

“How do you like that?” Aretha said, proudly, when I spoke to her tonight. “The First Lady of Gospel.”

Now the Queen has said on other occasions that she would try this. But this time she sounds like she means it. It’s a big deal. But if Franklin could get over her fear of flying, millions of dollars await her concert bookings around the world. She hasn’t appeared in Europe or Asia in eons.

Meantime, Aretha asked me to remind everyone that she is really giving shelter, water and food to residents of Flint, about 20 miles away from Detroit. The families are screened once they come to her father’s church. It’s the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. 8430 Linwood Street. 8430 C. L. Franklin Blvd. Detroit, MI 48206. t. (313) 894-5788. Once they qualify (proof of I.D., lease, etc) they get a free night in the Courtyard Marriott in nearby Southfield.

Aretha is also giving a one night only Valentine’s concert across the river in Windsor, Ontario on February 13th at the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace.

P.S. I asked her if she ever met Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, who passed away on Thursday. “I did not really know him,” she said. “But that music! He was an innovator. Everyone loves Earth, Wind and Fire.”

Maurice White, the Great Leader of Earth, Wind & Fire, Has Died at Age 74– He’s a Shining Star Now

Roger Friedman
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Maurice White, the Great Leader of Earth, Wind & Fire, Has Died at Age 74– He’s a Shining Star Now

This was coming for a while, but Maurice White– the great, and I do mean great– leader and songwriter of Earth, Wind & Fire has died at age 74. He suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for a long time, and had dropped out of touring and appearances a while ago.

All those great EW&F songs were written and arranged by Maurice, from “Shining Star” and “That’s the Way of the World” to “Reasons,” “September,” “Let’s Groove Tonight,” and so on. He wrote the Emotions’ monster hit, “Best of My Love,” too. When Mariah Carey appropriated that song for hers called, oddly, “Emotions,” Maurice gave me one of the best quotes of all time. He said, “I’ve heard of sampling, but she took the whole buffet.”

Born in Memphis, Maurice grew up with Isaac Hayes and David Porter. There must have been something in the water there!

Maurice’s brother, the equally great Verdine White, posted this to Facebook today:

“My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”

Earth, Wind & Fire will go on, but no one will forget Maurice White or his outsized contribution to our culture.

 

Grammys Add “Hamilton,” Johnny Depp-Alice Cooper Hollywood Vampires, Bonnie Raitt, Skrillex-Diplo with Justin Bieber

Roger Friedman
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Grammys Add “Hamilton,” Johnny Depp-Alice Cooper Hollywood Vampires, Bonnie Raitt, Skrillex-Diplo with Justin Bieber

The Grammy Awards line up of performers just keeps getting more and more interesting. The BB King tribute will feature Bonnie Raitt, Chris Stapleton, and Gary Clarke, Jr., which means it will be great. I just hope that it’s not at the end of the show.

The cast of “Hamilton” will appear live from Broadway as they start their show at 8pm Eastern. That’s one of producer Ken Ehrlich’s coups. “Hamilton” hasn’t yet done live TV but they’re certainly ready. For people around the country who haven’t seen this amazing show, it should blow their minds

They’ve also added the Hollywood Vampires, a group comprising Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Joe Perry. (I’m told Depp likes to be called Mortdecai when he’s playing.) The Vamps released an album last September of cover songs from the 70s by Cooper, Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Maybe this appearance will launch them officially.

Justin Bieber and the people who gave him his popularity back, Skrillex and Diplo, will present “Where Are U Now” with an umlat.

Robin Thicke and Pitbull will do something. I’m just leaving it at that, no snark. Well, actually, I’m not certain what attraction is left for Robin Thicke with the audience.

Plus, Adele. Adele, Adele.

 

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Steven Soderbergh Never Retired– I Told You That Almost Two Years Ago

Roger Friedman
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Steven Soderbergh Never Retired– I Told You That Almost Two Years Ago

There was a lot of Twitter movement and squabbling among the trade reporters on Wednesday night. Seems they all went crazy because Steven Soderbergh is going to make a movie. Apparently everyone thinks he retired.

I wrote in May 2013 that Soderbergh had not retired, was simply taking a break from films and getting into TV. We were in Cannes for the premiere of “Beyond the Candelabra,” which Soderbergh made for HBO.

After that, Soderbergh produced “The Knick” and directed it, and set up “Mosaic” at HBO.

Now he’s going to make a movie, maybe with Channing Tatum and Michael Shannon. Matt Damon may be involved.

It must have been a slow news night around the campfire…

George Clooney Mugs for “Hail, Caesar!” Premiere Audience in Hollywood

Leah Sydney
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George Clooney Mugs for “Hail, Caesar!” Premiere Audience in Hollywood

At the premiere of the Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Hail, Caesar!” in Westwood this past Monday night, the low key brothers were a bit more exuberant than usual. They worked the red carpet, which included stars George Clooney (who talked football with much of the press line), the always gracious Josh Brolin and Channing Tatum.

Before the packed screening got started, Joel profusely thanked Universal, making sure to have a shout out to Ron Meyer, Donna Langley and Jeff Shell, as well as Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. The noted cinematographer Roger Deakins also got a special mention.

There was no mention of the film’s editor, Roderick Jaynes. But he was there in spirit. (Jaynes is actually a pseudonym for the brothers, who edit their own films.)

Ethan thanked the actors, including Jonah Hill, who he asked to stand up. (Hill does a lot of sitting the movie.) Ethan said, “This is our fourth movie with George Clooney. All of our movies are autobiographical, so the main character is always a nitwit. Hey, George Clooney is here.” To which George gamely stood up in full nitwit character, and with his best grimaced face waved to the audience.

Ethan than told the audience, “I hope you find this entertaining and funny.”

I did find it so, albeit a bit rag tag. I loved the glamour and the lush technicolor homage– the ultimate Coen brothers fan boy worship– to the period of post-war Hollywood. The actors are uniformly standouts, especially Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes and the always divine Tilda Swinton. It’s not perfect, the parts could have been woven in a bit more cohesively, and some storylines were a tad unnecessary, but on the whole it’s another hit for the Coen devotees and movie fans in general. Always unique and out of the box. Gotta love the Coen Brothers

My Invitation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Show Has Arrived– And the Ticket is Only Three Thousand Dollars

Roger Friedman
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My Invitation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Show Has Arrived– And the Ticket is Only Three Thousand Dollars

Very excited!

My invitation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame show has arrived. Steve Miller, Deep Purple, Chicago and some other people are being inducted. The show takes place on Tuesday, April 8, 2016 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Only one problem: Gold Tickets, the least expensive offered, are $3,000. This includes on-site pre-concert cocktail reception and dinner, arena seating in prime locations, and…open bar! You will NOT Meet Bruce Springsteen or Paul McCartney. (I added that part in.)

I guess it’s a bargain. The top tickets go to people who want to be Chairman’s Sponsor. For One Hundred Thousand Dollars you get ten tickets and a table on the floor, access to rehearsals etc. o also get FOUR (Not ten) tickets to the exclusive private Chairman’s Club Dinner Thursday evening with the inductees. You CANNOT ask Chicago what “25 or 6 to 4” means.

The Platinum table is only $50,000. You still get the ten tickets, but only two for the Chairman’s thing. Someone from Deep Purple teaches your group the air guitar riff for “Smoke on the Water.”

A Gold table is just $30,000. Again, ten tickets. But the table is in Bed-Stuy. No Chairman’s party, but Peter Wolf will re-enact the “Centerfold” video for you at a girl’s college in Vermont.

Seriously.

Did you know that Tom Jones isn’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Neither is Chubby Checker, nor Carly Simon, the Moody Blues, Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music or…

I’ll tell you what. I’m keeping the three thousand dollars, staying home and watching “The Pompatus of Love.” Just don’t call me Maurice.

“Hail, Caesar!” Coen Brothers Screening Brings an A List Jury of Their Peers: Brian DePalma, Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach, Jake Paltrow

Roger Friedman
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“Hail, Caesar!” Coen Brothers Screening Brings an A List Jury of Their Peers: Brian DePalma, Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach, Jake Paltrow

There was no official star studded premiere in New York for Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Hail, Caesar!”

But the “all media” screening on Tuesday night yielded quite a powerful foursome in the row. This jury of the Coens’ peers included Brian DePalma, Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach, and Jake Paltrow sitting together. They went mostly unnoticed, but it’s hard to miss Wes’s hair. And Brian DePalma is not someone you see everyday at a press screening.

Reviews will be divided on “Hail, Caesar!” We’re going to hear tomorrow from our Leah Sydney about the more official premiere in Los Angeles on Monday night, which was unaccompanied by a party. Universal has not sent out positive signals on this one.

But I have to tell you that Coens fans, and fans of movies about old Hollywood, are going to love this movie. The screenplay is very funny. And the performances are excellent. Josh Brolin is outstanding as Mannix, the head of the movie studio. George Clooney is very funny as the movie star who’s been kidnapped off the set. There is a very deft performance from Scarlett Johansson and Ralph Fiennes, among others. Tilda Swinton plays twin gossip columnists, and she is sublime.

Indeed, there are several movies within movies and some eye popping set pieces, such as an Esther Williams-type water ballet and a spectacular musical sequence with Channing Tatum.

Most interesting was Alden Ehrenreich, who kind of steals the film as a movie cowboy-rodeo rider who’s being promoted to leading man status. Ehrenreich is the star of Warren Beatty’s untitled, and still unscheduled Howard Hughes movie. “Hail, Caesar!” shows that Beatty has a good eye for new talent. Now I’m really curious to see what Ehrenreich did for Beatty– considering he shot Beatty’s movie first.

Before a pile on is possible for “Hail, Caesar!” I really caution everyone to let it be digested. The Coens have never been well-subjected to snap judgements.

Feud Between Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson Outlined in Record Exec L.A. Reid’s New Book

Roger Friedman
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Feud Between Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson Outlined in Record Exec L.A. Reid’s New Book

Epic Records chief L.A. Reid’s memoir, “Sing to Me,” is out today and has a lot of great stories. At last we get the truth about a lot of artists including Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.

Reid’s chapter on trying to produce a record for Jermaine Jackson in the mid 1980s is hilarious and sad. He and Babyface (Kenny Edmonds) had signed Jermaine to LaFace Records and were about to record the tracks. Jermaine moved his family to Atlanta and though that, in the shadow of “Thriller” and “Bad,” he might get his own moment.

Not so fast. Out of the blue, Reid and Edmonds received a call from Michael, asking them to drop everything and come to Los Angeles to work with him. The pair flew out, telling Jermaine he’d have to wait until they returned from a business trip. Michael, Reid writes, tied them up for two weeks and not much came from it. When Jermaine discovered where they were, he was furious and demanded to be let out of his LaFace contract. Reid told Michael how upset Jermaine was. Michael’s answer: “He’ll get over it.”

Back in Atlanta, Reid and Edmonds calmed Jermaine down. They made their record including a single, “Word to the Badd,” in which Jermaine raked Michael over the coals for his shoddy treatment of his brother. The single was picked up instantly by all the top radio stations. Reid received a call from Michael.

“You have to stop this,” he said. “You’re the head of the label. You have to kill this. This isn’t good.”

Reid writes: It wasn’t my fight and I wasn’t going to referee a fight between the Jackson brothers. I told him that it didn’t matter if I agreed with him, the matter was between him and his brother and I couldn’t help. Jermaine was insistent that his record be released. Apparently Michael and Jermaine held a meeting at their mother’s home at Havenhurst. I wasn’t there and I don’t know what happened, but when they came out of the meeting Jermaine called me. “We resolved it,” he said. “The record stays out.” Then Michael called back. “Jermaine and I had our conversation,” he said, “but I’m telling you, you really need to stop this. This is not good.” Two days later, the record disappeared off the air, as if it had never been there in the first place. I don’t know what Michael did, I don’t know if Michael did anything, but it went away in a flash.”

Reid’s recollection, by the way, jibes with Michael’s late press agent, Bob Jones. He wrote in his book that Michael did everything he could to kill his siblings’ chances of success.

And that’s just the beginning. The book is full of good stuff. Well worth the $15 books I plunked down!

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