MIJAC GETS DEADLINE EXTENSTION
AT NEVERLAND: Singer now has until
5 p.m. today to make good on fines
and back pay.
*Michael Jackson has been granted
an extra day in his deadline to pay
a $100,000 fine and $306,000 in back
wages owed to employees of his
Neverland Ranch.
A previous deadline of 5 p.m.
Tuesday (March 14) was pushed back
to 5 p.m. today (March 15), reports The
Associated Press. If the King of Pop
still hasn't paid up by the time the clock
strikes 5:01 p.m., he could face
a lawsuit brought by the state.
The deadline extension was
granted after Jackson's financial team
contacted the Department of Industrial
Relations to say "they are trying to
come up with the money," according to
department spokeswoman Renee Bacchini.
"They're trying to work with us," she
said, adding that Jackson was "aware"
of the extension.
Meanwhile, Jackson's 2,600-acre
Santa Barbara County ranch remained
vacant Tuesday under an order issued
by the labor department last week.
Sixty-nine employees were ordered to
stop work after it was discovered that
their mandatory workers compensation
coverage for job-related injuries had
run out in January.
Jackson has been living in the
Persian Gulf nation of Bahrain since
being acquitted of child molestation
charges last year. But according to
a British newspaper, the singer is now
looking to purchase a country home in
the U.K.
For the past month, Jackson and
his three kids have been staying off
and on at Cliveden, described by the
Mail newspaper as "one of Britain's
grandest stately homes" located in
Berkshire, southern England. The Mail
reported Sunday that "it was understood"
that Jackson, 47, had asked whether
the mansion was up for sale, only to
be told it belonged to The National
Trust and was leased to a hotel group.
The paper also reports that Jackson
has been using the last name of his
friend, comedian Chris Tucker, as
an alias during hotel stays in the U.K.
CUBE BRINGING 'WELCOME BACK
KOTTER' TO BIG SCREEN: Rapper
will star in and produce adaptation of
70s sitcom.
*Ice Cube as Mister Kot-taire?
The rapper's company, Cube Vision
Productions, just inked a deal with
Dimension Films to bring "Welcome
Back, Kotter" to the big screen with
the "Barbershop" star in the title role.
"There was no bigger fan of the
original show than me, and I'm very
excited to be able to put a new twist
on it," said Cube, who will star in
the remake as high school teacher
Gabe Kotter, a slacker who returns
to his inner-city alma mater to light
a fire under the school's apathetic
students.
The original series ran from
1975-79 with John Travolta rising to
superstardom as the clueless cutie
Vinnie Barbarino, a member of a band
of students in Kotter's class nicknamed
The Sweathogs. Other 'hogs included
the smooth-talking Freddie "Boom-
Boom" Washington, played by Lawrence
Hilton-Jacobs; the proud "Puerto Rican
Jew" Juan Epstein (Robert Hegyes) and
bonafide nerd Arnold Horshack (Ron Palillo).
No word whether any of the stars
from the series will make cameos in
the film. Production is likely to begin
this fall following the completion
of Cube's next project, "Are We Done
Yet," a sequel to last year's hit "Are
We There Yet." The sequel, also a
remake loosely based on the Cary
Grant film "Mr. Blandings Builds His
Dreamhouse," begins filming this
June in Vancouver.
Cube's next rap album, "Laugh Now,
Cry Later," is also due in June.
DON CHEADLE IN TALKS TO STAR
IN MILES DAVIS BIOPIC: Family of
late jazz icon also looking at director
Antoine Fuqua.
*Don Cheadle has been in negotiations
to star in a new biographical film about
jazz legend Miles Davis. Members of
Davis' family announced the news backstage
at Monday's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
ceremony, where the late trumpeter
received a posthumous induction.
"It could touch on many things
[like] the way he changed music in
different decades," Davis' nephew,
Vince Wilburn, said of the project. "From
Bird to bebop to hip-hop and in between.
Wilburn added that filmmaker
Antoine Fuqua was in discussions to
direct the project, but noted, "First of
all we have to get a script."
In the meantime, Sony's Legacy
imprint will release several archival
CD and DVD projects from Davis,
including material from his various
performances at Switzerland's
Montreux Jazz Festival.
STUDENTS PLAN PROTEST OF
R. KELLY CONCERT: Longhorn
ladies of color not feeling gig from
alleged child pornographer.
*R. Kelly's scheduled concert
this weekend at the University of
Texas will be met with a protest from
UT ladies who object to his current
child pornography charges.
The student organization
Feminists of Color United says the main
purpose of their planned rally outside
Bass Concert Hall is to raise
awareness of sexual violence
against women of color.
"We're students on this campus
and we feel that we would like the
university to more carefully scrutinize
the people that they bring to campus,"
Jacqueline Smith of Feminists
of Color United said.
Kelly, currently awaiting
trial for 14 counts relating to child
pornography, is scheduled to hit the
stage at 8 p.m. Friday (March 17).
Explaining Kelly's booking,
Performing Arts Center Assistant Director
Tim Neece said: "The University of
Texas performing arts center is striving
to bring the best in art and music in
all genres and we're working hard to
broaden our audiences and diversify
our programming to do that."
YOUNG JEEZY FREE ON BAIL:
Rapper was arrested on concealed
weapon charge, but says gun wasn't
his.
*A lawyer for Atlanta rapper
Young Jeezy is speaking out about
the incident in Miami that landed his
client in handcuffs early Friday morning
(March 13).
Jeezy, born Jay Jenkins, is
currently free on $7,500 bond on
two charges of carrying a concealed
weapon without a permit. Scott Leemon,
Jeezy's lawyer, told the Miami Herald
that the rap star is innocent.
"Jeezy adamantly denies that any
of the weapons belonged to him and
I am confident that Jeezy will be
vindicated," he said.
The drama began around 5:30
a.m. Friday during an altercation
involving Jeezy and a crew of his
friends. A passerby, Marco Raez,
allegedly began filming the whole incident
when Jeezy's crew member, Tramiel De
Juan Golden, spotted Raez and
demanded the camera.
Raez refused, prompting another
Jeezy crew member, Raheem Karriem,
to begin shooting, according to Raez.
Once they snatched Raez's camera,
Jeezy and about nine other men took
off in two sport utility vehicles.
During the police pursuit, Karriem
reportedly hit three parked cars.
Authorities eventually stopped
both SUVs and found a semi-automatic
firearm under Jeezy's seat. He is due
to be arraigned on March 31 in
Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
Golden was charged with strong
armed robbery and Steven Lesly Savain,
another Jeezy crew member, was
arrested for trespassing based on
a previous warrant. Charges against
Karriem were pending at press time.
JAY-Z PLOTTING REAL ESTATE
MOVE IN HARLEM?: Def Jam
president also plugs new artist Rick
Ross; picks new anthem for New
Jersey Nets.
*Another week, another rumored
business move for Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.
According to the New York Post,
the Def Jam president was overheard
"finalizing the buying of a building in
Harlem" during a dinner with business
mogul and former NBA star Earvin
"Magic" Johnson.
A rep for Jay-Z denied that he's
planning a move into real estate,
but acknowledged that the former
rapper and Magic broke bread together.
Jigga tells MTV that his main
focus right now is to promote Def
Jam's newest artist, Rick Ross,
and his single, "Hustlin."
"We're shooting that video
right now, and that's an urgent project
for us," Jay tells MTV of the Miami MC's
underground hit. "We need that one.
We have a wide range of music [at
Island Def Jam], everything from Fall
Out Boy to the Killers to Rihanna. I just
want everybody to know that we are
still in the rap business."
Ross, a longtime presence in
Miami's underground circle, was signed
to Island Def Jam following an intense
bidding war. Jay said the rapper has
been on his radar for a number of years.
"[Memphis] Bleek actually
told me about him first," Jay recalled.
"Bleek went down to Miami, and he
told me that dude was nice. [Ross]
fell off the radar for a while, then he
popped back up with this record
'Hustlin'.' He had this record poppin'
in Miami, and I was like, 'Oh, that's
the kid!'"
Ross' debut album "Career
Criminal," due sometime this summer,
features tracks that delve into "the
other side of Miami," Jay says, adding,
"Everybody is talking about the cars
and the water. He's showing you the
[darker] side of Miami. That's his
whole approach to it."
In other Jay-Z news, Sir Paul
McCartney is behind the formal
announcement of his new nickname,
"Sir Hova of Brooklyn." Jay says the
former Beatle, who joined him on
stage during the Grammys, has knighted
him in a real sword ceremony just like
the official ritual done by the Queen.
DIDDY AVOIDS COPYRIGHT ISSUE
OVER COLOGNE: Unforgivable
scent could have faced legal battle
from Unforgiven perfume.
*Sean "Diddy" Combs was nearly
headed to a court room over copyright
issues involving his new fragrance
Unforgivable.
Sohh.com had reported that
the United States Patent & Trademark
Office denied Diddy's use of the Unforgivable
trademark because the name was
too similar to Unforgiven, a women's
fragrance launched by French perfumer
Jacques Evard.
However, a spokesperson for
Unforgivable told the Web site that the
trademark issue was never in question,
as reps for both fragrances made a
deal to peacefully co-exist.
"Christian Casey LLC owns rights
to the trademark Unforgivable for
use with the Sean John fragrance,"
an Unforgivable spokesperson told
sohh.com exclusively. "Christian
Casey negotiated a co-existence
agreement with Paris Bleu whereby
Paris Bleu has assigned its rights
to the trademark Unforgivable to
Christian Casey and the parties have
agreed to co-exist in the market using
their respective marks, Unforgivable
and Unforgiven."
The original document sent to
Diddy denying the Unforgivable
trademark stated: "The examining
attorney refuses registration under
Trademark Act Section 2, because
the [Unforgivable] applicant's mark,
when used on or in connection with
the identified goods, so resembles
the mark in [Unforgiven] U.S. Registration
No. 2,951,186 as to be likely to cause
confusion, to cause mistake, or to
According to the documents, the
application for Unforgiven was filed
on June 1, 2005, a little over a month
before Diddy's application arrived on
July 11, 2005.
As previously reported, Diddy is
hoping to generate a different kind
of scent from the kitchen of his new
NBC reality series "Cooking With
Celebrities," to air five consecutive
nights beginning April 17th.
The first three episodes will
each feature three famous chefs
(Wolfgang Puck, Cat Cora and
Govind Armstrong) training a celebrity
to prepare a three-course meal for
a timed competition. Judges will
choose one celebrity winner from
each night, with the three finalists
squaring off for a Thursday finale.
The winner, determined by a panel
of judges and viewer votes, will
be announced on Friday.
HALLE BERRY SIGNS WITH
TALENT AGENCY ICM: Actress
finally seeks representation after
leaving WMA last year.
*After operating nearly a year
without an agent, Halle Berry has
signed with International Creative
Management (ICM) for professional
representation, reports Daily Variety.
The actress left the William Morris
Agency (WMA) last year after the
president of the company, Dave
Wirtschafter, blurted her personal
information to New Yorker magazine
in a March 2005 interview.
In addition to bad-mouthing other
clients in the article, such as
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Wirtschafter
disclosed details of Berry's private
negotiating tactics on films, stating in
the interview: "She will be treated
as an investor in the film for the
difference, and for every dollar she
invests she would get $1.50 out of
the gross until she recoups 150 percent
of her investment." Wirtschafter added
that Berry would be willing to "give
up a little money to get a good director
or costar."
Berry, who won the 2002 best
actress Oscar for "Monster's Ball,"
continues to be represented by her
longtime manager, Vincent Cirrincione.
SHAKUR, EPHRIAM FOUNDATIONS
HONOR FATHERS: Judge Mablean
teams with late rapper's foundation
to recognize good daddies.
*The Tupac Amaru Shakur
Foundation (TASF) is partnering with
the Mablean Ephriam Foundation to host
Atlanta's First Annual H.U.F. Awards
(Honoring Unsung Fathers), to be held
on Thursday, June 15.
The annual Father's Day-themed
event was designed to identify and
recognize dads who continue to
play a vital role in their children's
everyday lives. Judge Mablean Ephriam,
founder of the H.U.F. Awards, has
hosted the event in Long Beach, CA.
for the past three years. The Fourth
Annual Long Beach H.U.F. Awards
will be held on Sunday, June 18 at
the Long Beach Westin.
Judge Ephriam deliberately
chose Atlanta as the first new locale for
the ceremony's preliminary expansion
into another city. Although known
predominantly for presiding over
acrimonious familial cases on FOX-TV's
syndicated "Divorce Court," Judge
Mablean is a strong proponent of the
sanctity of marriage and of family values.
The H.U.F. Awards were her
personal way of encouraging and
perpetuating the good qualities and
responsible attributes of African-
American and Latino fathers.
The Opening Reception commences
on June 15 at 7 p.m., while a special
Gala Dinner is slated to begin the next
night -- Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m.
Both events will take place at the
Atlanta City Hall Atrium and the Fox
Theatre.
Nominations for both the Atlanta
and Long Beach H.U.F. Awards
ceremonies are due no later than
Saturday, April 15, 2006.
'APPRENTICE' RANDALL PINKETT
TO HEADLINE CONFERENCE: Trump's
famous employee to speak about diversity
at TelecomNEXT summit.
*Donald Trump's latest "Apprentice,"
Dr. Randall Pinkett, will moderate
a diversity summit featuring top
executives from emerging and
independent television networks
at the TelecomNEXT convention
this weekend in Las Vegas.
The summit, dubbed DiversityNEXT,
will be held March 21-22 with panelists
Robert Townsend, CEO & President
of Production, Black Family Channel;
Jeff Valdez, Chairman, SiTV; Doron
Gorshein, Chairman & CEO & President,
The America Channel, LLC; and Ken
Solomon, CEO & Chairman of the
Board, The Tennis Channel.
Pinkett is expected to lead
discussion among CEOs from independent
and emerging networks on the ways in
which multiple platforms for delivering
programming promotes competition,
innovation and greater consumer choice.
TelecomNEXT, a conference billed
as "the only place where the
business and technology of
communications and entertainment
meet," will be held at the Mandalay Bay
Convention Center in Las Vegas, March
19-23. For more information on TelecomNEXT,
HURSTON/WRIGHT FOUNDATION
SEEKS SUBMISSIONS: Writers of African
descent wanted for summer workshop.
*The Zora Neale Hurston/Richard
Wright Foundation is accepting
applications for its annual Writers' Week
summer workshop for black writers,
billed as the nation's only multi-genre
workshop for writers of African
descent with a tuition-free component
for high school students.
The week brings together black
writers from the United States, the
Caribbean, Africa, and Europe who
create a nurturing, safe space to discuss
their work, its meaning, and unique
aesthetics. All courses during the week
are taught by published authors and
include workshops on fiction, memoirs,
"The Hurston/Wright Writers'
Week workshop allows black writers to
create a space where our unique story
is completely understood," said Marita
Golden, founder of the Hurston/Wright
Foundation. "Participants build
relationships with mentors and become
part of a supportive community that
sustains them long after the week has
ended."
The workshop will be held on
the campus of American University in
Washington, D.C. from July 16 to July
22. To participate, writers must
submit an application along with samples
of their work by April 21, 2006.
Participants may choose from a base
tuition of $650 or $800 for advanced
writers. Room and board is available
at an additional cost. Qualifying high
school students will receive a full
scholarship including room and board.
For more information about
the Hurston/Wright Foundation and its
annual Writer's Week or to download
or call 301-683-2134.
MUSIC BITS: Lupe's 'Liquor'; Dilla's
'Shining'; Turner to sing 'Royale?';
Braxton's drawers.
*Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco, 24,
will drop his debut album, "Lupe
Fiasco's Food & Liquor," on June 27
via Atlantic Records and his production
company, 1st & 15th. The practicing
Muslim says the album's title represents
the constant tug of war between good
(food) and evil (liquor). "My mixtapes
cover a lot of ground, and the album is
based on that, but it's a little
more in-depth and lyrical," the rapper
tells Billboard.com. "It's less of me
trying to showcase my skills as an
emcee and more about where I come from
and really touching on issues I feel are
valid." The set is co-executive
produced by Def Jam president Jay-Z
and features production by Mike Shinoda
of Linkin Park. Pharrell Williams and
Kanye West are also expected to
contribute.
*BBE Records will release
producer J Dilla's posthumous album,
"The Shining," on July 11, reports.
SOHH.com. Guest appearances on the disc
include Busta Rhymes, Common, Pharaoh
Monche and Madlib. Dilla's friend and
collaborator Karriem Riggins, who helped
to complete final portions of the
project, says: "This album is inspired
by and represents love. All the
artists that contributed to this project
Dilla considered family and when
the world hears it, they will see that
the love bleeds thru the music."
Dilla, born James Yancey, died in
February of complications related to
lupus. "Jay Love Japan," another Dilla
album, will be released later this
year via Operation Unknown with
guests Ghostface Killah, MF Doom,
Skillz, Madlib, Busta and more.
*Tina Turner has reportedly been
approached to sing the title track
for the new James Bond flick "Casino
Royale." If it pans out, the song would
be the second tune she has recorded
for 007, following 1995's "Goldeneye."
An insider tells British newspaper the
Daily Express: "To quote one of Tina
Turner's hits, she's 'Simply the Best.'
We want 'Casino Royale' to have a
huge impact so we want a big theme
tune. We know Tina would deliver just
that."
Toni Braxton had a near
wardrobe malfunction during her
concertFriday (March 10) in Atlantic City.
According to the Associated Press, the
singer was about to take the stage
wearing only her dress and pantyhose.
It seems the singer completely forgot
to put on her panties. Fortunately,
someone back stage took notice just
in time and was able to call her back.
Braxton is currently on tour in support
of her new album, "Libra."
FILM/TV BITS: Jenny does 'Dallas';
Freeman back as God; Torres on
Fox; 'Idol' pre-show; 'Yo Momma';
*Jennifer Lopez has been offered
the part of Sue Ellen Ewing in
Robert Luketic's upcoming feature film
adaptation of "Dallas," reports
Variety. J.Lo would fill the shoes of
actress Linda Gray, who originated the
role in CBS' long-running nighttime
soap. Luke Wilson is in negotiations to
play Bobby Ewing and John Travolta
has been offered the part of J.R. Ewing.
The role of Miss Ellie Ewing is nearly
confirmed for Shirley McLaine.
Production will begin in October
following Travolta's starring role opposite
Queen Latifah in New Line Cinema's
"Hairspray."
*Morgan Freeman will reprise his
role as God in the upcoming "Evan
Almighty," a sequel to the 2003 film
"Bruce Almighty" starring Jim Carrey.
Evan will be played by "The 40 Year
Old Virgin" star Steve Carell. Freeman
tells the Web site about.com: "I was
very surprised that we would do it
without Jim Carrey, that Jim Carrey
wouldn't want to do it. But it might
work out better actually. Capital
MIGHT. We'll see." In the film, God calls
upon Evan to build an ark for the
coming flood.
*Gina Torres has been cast in the
upcoming Fox series "Primary." The
show revolves around a hostage
negotiator and stars Michael Cudlitz as the
head of the SWAT team. Ron Livingston
is also in the cast.
*"American Idol" launched its
own official live pre-show yesterday on
the TV Guide Channel. "Idol Tonight,"
an hour long telecast featuring
appearances by booted contestants
and past "Idol" stars, will air before
each of this season's remaining
"American Idol" telecasts. The shows
willalso feature interviews with vocal
coaches, casting agents and industry
insiders, as well as exclusive footage
of auditions, outtakes and
post-performance confessions.
Kimberly Caldwell and one-time
"Popstars"contestant Rosanna
Tavarez will serve as hosts.
*"Yo Momma," the trash-talking
comedy competition created, executive
produced and hosted by Wilmer
Valderrama, will premiere on MTV
April 3 at 6p.m. (ET/PT) and air daily,
Monday through Friday. A "Best of
the Best"episode will premiere every
Thursday evening at 10 p.m. featuring
thewinners of each rivalry who will
put their money on the line to
claim the title of Champion of the
Week and repeat in the regularly
scheduled Friday slot. To raise the
stakes, celebrity guests Chingy,
Method Man, Mike Jones, Ne-Yo
and Donald Faison will help
decide the victor.
FILMMAKER PUSHES FOR
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN FRANCE
Director hopes documentary can
at least put the issue on the table.
*French film director Yamina
Benguigui is hoping her latest
documentary on racism in the
workplace will introduce the idea of
affirmative action in France, a policy
which does not exist in the country.
"Le Plafond de Verre" (Glass
Ceiling) documents first-hand accounts
of discrimination facing people from
immigrant communities, mostly black and
North African Arab, when searching
for employment.
Instead of releasing the film in
theaters, Benguigui has been holding
screenings every Thursday in a Paris
cinema in the Saint Michel district and
has distributed copies for special
showings and debates across the country.
"I knew that when young people
came together to see the film on a
specific night, especially the black and
Arab sons and daughters of
immigrants, the screening would turn
into a public forum," said Benguigui,
born in France of Arab Algerian parents.
"Young people ask questions about
the discrimination they have been
experiencing in the search for work."
In a move originally seen as a
way to prevent discrimination, French
law forbids the use of race or religion
to compile figures of any kind. For
example, it is difficult to count the
percentage of North African Arabs or
black Africans in major French
companies or top schools.
The current law makes it impossible
for France to implement an
American-style affirmative action
program with quotas for police forces and
other groups, unless the law is changed.
"Politicians in France are mostly
horrified to even think about such
policies because they go against what
are called the values of the
republic," said Benguigui. "I think that
unless there is pressure from the
ground up, politics in France will
never change."
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
-- by Jewel Diamond Taylor
"Let nothing or no one hinder you from
growing. Live this year with the
mindset of "no excuses." Make a decision
to follow your vision. Whatever it
takes --- make your goals, peace of mind,
health, family and faith a
priority. Enlarge your territory. Wake Up!
--- denial and procrastination
rob you of success, wealth, health and
happiness. Get up --- make each day
count. Bounce back up from setbacks.
Cheer up --- you are TOO blessed to be
stressed. Get fired up with enthusiasm
and commitment to be and do your
best. Keep up --- stay in the flow of
information and education. Boost up
your faith and self- esteem. Shape up
your body with exercise and healthy
foods. Think up -- the best is yet to
come. Look up to the Lord for your
strength, provision and guidance. Hook
up with new people-on-the-grow. Show
up to activities that can empower you.
Stay in the Light."
~ Jewel Diamond Taylor, The Self-
esteem Dr., Radio/TV Personality,
Conference Speaker, Author, Workplace
Workshop Trainer, Women's Ministry
Speaker and Retreat Facilitator
EAST COAST - WOMEN ON THE GROW
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 8777
Georgia Ave, N. W. Silver Spring, MD
20910 -(301) 589-0800 (same location
as last year's event - formerly named
the Holiday Inn)
Theme: "Walking By Faith"
Speaker: Jewel Diamond Taylor
$59 per person -- $99 for two (morning
refreshments and lunch included)
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
March 15: Singer-keyboardist Sly
Stone of Sly and the Family Stone is
63. Singer Terence Trent D'Arby is 44.
Singer Rockwell is 42. Actress Eva
Longoria ("Desperate Housewives") is
31. Rapper will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas
is 31. Rapper Young Buck is 25.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Got CDs you don't want anymore?
Want CDs you don't have? Then TRADE
for them at a new site called Lala.com
us along with a 15-20 word (or less)
description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Mar. 15, 1933: Los Angeles
=====================================
