Daily News Feed 8.16.08

Gerren Taylor’s Stunning New Career
GERREN TAYLOR was still playing with Barbie dolls when she walked the runway for the first time at Los Angeles Fashion Week in 2003. Just 12 at the time, she was the youngest person ever to be represented by the runway division of L.A. Models. Although most agencies require girls to be 14, it’s not unheard of for 12-year-olds to get work. Actress Milla Jovovich made the cover of Vogue at 12, and Brooke Shields, Gisele Bündchen and Kate Moss were all stars before they turned 16. With her long legs and confident walk, Taylor looked as though she would follow in their footsteps. Then, during Richard Tyler’s show, the last one of the week that April, she stepped onto the runway in a wedding gown and stumbled hard. She tripped once, then again on the train that was in front of her, because the dress was accidentally put on backward. When her eyes welled up with tears, even the most hardened fashionistas wanted to give her a hug. (Continue Reading…)

‘Office’ Actor Craig Robinson Faces Drug Charges
Prosecutors have filed felony drug charges against Craig Phillip Robinson, an actor best known for his role as Darryl Philbin on NBC’s “The Office.” According to documents released Friday, police in Culver City arrested Robinson on June 29 on suspicion of possessing MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and methamphetamine. He was released the same day after posting bail, jail records show. Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Robinson with two felony counts of drug possession and one count of being under the influence of illegal drugs. Robinson’s publicist declined comment Friday. The 36-year-old is scheduled to appear in court on August 21. (Continue Reading…)

Black Prison Population Growth Having Profound Effect
According to a study presented at the recent meeting of the American Sociological Association, the astounding increase in the nation’s prison population since the 1970s is having “profound demographic consequences that disproportionately affect black males.” The study found that the jump in incarceration rates represents “a massive intervention” in Black families and may be responsible for lowered rates of fertility, increased and involuntary migration to rural areas as well as greater exposure to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and AIDS. The study was compiled by University of Washington researchers Becky Pettit and Bryan Sykes. (Continue Reading…)