People: Simmons, Cool J visit Rikers inmates
A group of young people at a New York City jail complex got some words of encouragement Thursday from hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and actor LL Cool J.
The two visited Rikers Island to mark the launch of a national anti-violence program from Simmons’ RushCard, a prepaid debit card.
RushCard’s Keep the Peace initiative is giving grants to neighborhood organizations. One of those is LIFE Camp, a Queens organization that works with young people, including those at Rikers, to reduce violence.
Cool J told the audience that his rough upbringing could have had him where they are if things had worked out differently, and he encouraged them to believe in themselves.
“You can absolutely without a doubt do anything you put your mind to,” he said.
Simmons told them to focus on what’s inside them.
“It’s your spirit you’ve got to work on,” he said.
Bush 43 authors Bush 41 bio
It turns out that George W. Bush hasn’t been spending all of his post-White House time at his easel, painting portraits of foreign leaders and former pets.
The 43rd president has written a biography of his father, the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, that will be released Nov. 11 by Crown Publishers, with an initial printing of 1 million copies.
The book, which has not yet been titled, will focus on the elder Bush’s service as a bomber pilot in the Pacific during World War II, his years in the Texas oil business and his career in Washington, where he served as a congressman, U.S. representative to China, CIA director and vice president before ascending to the White House.
Keys announces child No. 2
Alicia Keys is getting ready for another big release: her second child.
A representative for the Grammy-winning performer confirmed Thursday that the singer is pregnant.
Keys posted a photo with her baby bump on Instagram early Thursday, which also marked her fourth wedding anniversary to producer-rapper Swizz Beatz, who also posed in the picture.
Keys wrote that their anniversary was sweeter because they’ve “been blessed with another angel on the way.” She didn’t offer any more details about the pregnancy.
She gave birth to her son, Egypt, in 2010.
The birthday bunch
Blues singer-musician Robert Cray is 61. Rock singer Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) is 55. Rapper Chuck D (Public Enemy) is 54. Actor Demian Bichir is 51. Rapper Coolio is 51. Actor John Carroll Lynch is 51. Actress Tempestt Bledsoe is 41. Actress Taylor Fry is 33. Actor James Francis Kelly is 25. Actress Ella Wahlestedt (Film: “Earth to Echo”) is 16.