WILL SMITH, 'BEES' EARN PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS: Plus, Latifah-hosted show kicks off with 'yes we can' reference to Obama.
*Will Smith was named both the top male action star and best male movie star at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards, held Wednesday night in Beverly Hills.
Also, "The Secret Life of Bees" picked up favorite drama and favorite independent movie awards. Queen Latifah accepted the honor alongside her co-star in the film, Dakota Fanning.
The Dark Knight" won all five awards it was nominated for, including favorite cast, superhero, action movie and on-screen matchup for Christian Bale's Batman and the late Heath Ledger's Joker.
"On behalf of all of the cast from the movie, thank you very much to the fans," said Bale. "Here's to Heath."
Latifah, who also served as host of the CBS ceremony, opened the evening by wading through the audience and asking celebrities if they could keep the masses entertained in 2009.
All mimicked President-elect Barack Obama by answering: "Yes we can."
JERMAINE DUPRI EXITS ISLAND DEF JAM: Exec reportedly leaving president post after two years.
*AllHipHop.com reported late Wednesday that Jermaine Dupri's tenure as President of Island Records Urban Music is over.
The Web site quoted a source close to the situation who said he has in fact been terminated effective immediately.
A formal announcement of his departure from the position, which he has held for nearly two years, was expected later Thursday.
During his tenure, Dupri oversaw the success of Mariah Carey's "The Emancipation of Mimi," and provided production for the Music Group’s entire roster.
BIGGIE'S MOM WANTS A SIT DOWN WITH LIL KIM: Voletta Wallace says she didn't realize true nature of their relationship until film.
*Essence.com sat down recently with Voletta Wallace, the mother of late rapper Christopher "Notorious B.I.G," to promote the upcoming film about her famous son, "Notorious."
During the discussion, posted in its entirety at Essence.com (http://www.essence.com/news_entertainment/entertainment/articles/volettawallacenotorious), Ms. Wallace said that even she discovered some things about her son that she hadn't previously known – including the nature of his relationship with rapper Lil Kim.
"I saw a side of my son that I heard of but I haven’t accepted. I’m angered by certain things, disappointed and shocked," she told Essence. "So this film taught me tolerance and to be less critical.
"I would love to speak to Lil’ Kim, because I need to ask more about this love relationship because I really didn’t like the way he treated her and I’m praying that that’s not it. Only she can answer those questions. She’s a sweet girl and I didn’t think she deserved to be treated the way he treated her, if that’s the case."
OBAMA TO APPEAR IN SPIDER-MAN COMIC: Marvel appreciated President-elect's love for superhero as a kid.
*To reward Barack Obama's childhood love for Spider-Man comics, Marvel Comics has announced it will give the president-elect a "shout-out back" by featuring him in a bonus story, said Joe Quesada, Marvel's editor-in-chief.
"How great is that? The commander in chief to be is actually a nerd in chief," Quesada said. "It was really, really cool to see that we had a geek in the White House. We're all thrilled with that."
The comic starts with Spider-Man's alter-ego Peter Parker taking photographs at the inauguration, before spotting two identical Obamas, according to the Associated Press.
Parker decides "the future president's gonna need Spider-Man," and springs into action, using basketball to determine the real Obama and punching out the impostor. Obama thanks him with a fist-bump.
Obama has said that as a child, he collected Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian comic books. His Senate Web site used to have a photo of him posing in front of a Superman statue.
The Obama story is a bonus in Marvel Comic's Amazing Spider-Man #583, available in comic book shops nationwide on Jan. 14 for $3.99 and is expected to sell out, with half the covers devoted to Obama.
T-BOZ, MCKNIGHT, WALKER IN FOR 'CELEB APPRENTICE': Full cast finally revealed, 'Deal's' Claudia Jordan also a contestant.
*NBC has finally given the green light for media outlets to announce the new 16-member cast of "Celebrity Apprentice," which returns for its eighth season on March 1.
While Dennis Rodman and Brian McKnight had been leaked previously as part of the crew, Thursday's official announcement also revealed Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins of the R&B group TLC, "Deal or No Deal" model Claudia Jordan and former football great Herschel Walker as contestants for the new run.
"I have a competitive nature," Walker told the Associated Press, "but this (show) is really different, where some people are conniving and cheating. I say, I'm gonna stay true to my morals."
Then he grinned disarmingly and drawled, "I tell 'em, I'm just a little country boy from Georgia."
New cast members Joan and Melissa Rivers, Andrew Dice Clay and Khloe Kardashian were also leaked shortly after NBC revealed the cast to advertisers in New York early last October.
Country music's Clint Black, former "Baywatch" star Brande Roderick, Olympic figure skating gold medalist Scott Hamilton, comedian Tom Green, poker champ Annie Duke, pro golfer Natalie Gulbis, and former "Monster Garage" host Jesse James round out the cast.
The 16 celebrities will not be vying for a job with Donald Trump, as in past civilian "Apprentice" seasons, but instead will compete in business-oriented tasks around Manhattan to raise money for their favorite charities.
(McKnight's chosen charity is Youthville USA, while Watkins will be playing for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and Kardashian has chosen the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Awareness.)
CHAKA KHAN, GEORGE CLINTON BOOK INAUGURAL GIGS: Alicia Keys also said to be performing on eve of historic day.
*Jay-Z won't be the only concert taking place the night before Barack Obama's inauguration.
The Washington Post reports that another huge Obama backer, Bruce Springsteen, is going to perform Jan. 19 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The concert will be free and open to the public.
On the unofficial tip, word has it that Dionne Warwick is throwing an inauguration party at the Marriott Wardman featuring George Clinton and Chaka Khan.
There is also talk of a Jan. 18 concert headlining Alicia Keys; and as previously reported, a free show being put on by Aretha Franklin at the Kennedy Center, and a glitzy ball organized by the Creative Coalition being attended by dozens of celebrities and featuring musical performances by Sam Moore, Sting and Elvis Costello.
As reported yesterday, Jay-Z will perform a special gig in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 19. "In Concert on the Eve of Change" will feature the rap superstar and his live band at the intimate 1,847-capacity Warner Theater.
TNT ADDS JADA PINKETT SMITH'S MEDICAL DRAMA: Network gives 'Time Heals' 10-episode order.
*TNT has just picked up two pilots to series, among them a medical drama starring Jada Pinkett Smith.
"Time Heals" will feature the actress as a strong but caring director of nursing at a Charlotte, N.C. hospital. The cable channel has ordered 10 episodes of the drama to premiere later this year, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Also added for late 2009 is the cop drama "The Line," starring Dylan McDermott as the head of a squad of undercover LAPD officers who walk the line between doing their job and being seduced by easy money.
Still in contention for a series pickup at TNT is Ray Romano's drama pilot "Men of a Certain Age," which might be retooled.
PACMAN JONES RELEASED FROM COWBOYS: Cornerback out of work again following suspension-filled season.
*It's game over for Pacman Jones. The troubled Dallas Cowboys cornerback, who was suspended six games for an off-field scuffle and made little impact on the field, was released from the team on Wednesday.
His release will become official Feb. 9, the first day NFL teams can make waiver requests, reports the Associated Press.
The Cowboys traded for Jones despite the cornerback's suspension for the 2007 season after multiple off-field incidents while with the Tennessee Titans. He was given another chance and cleared to play in 2008 by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
But on Oct. 7, Jones got into a scuffle with a bodyguard who was part of a team-employed security detail. A week later, Goodell suspended the cornerback indefinitely, which eventually turned into a six-week suspension.
Jones missed a seventh game later in the season with an injury.
Jones' attorney said he expects the cornerback will be back with some team in 2009.
"He is young. He has a lot of ability and he is eager to get back on the field," Robinson said.
LISA BONET GIVES BIRTH TO A SON: Actress and Jason Momoa give their boy a unique name.
*Lisa Bonet and her actor boyfriend Jason Momoa welcomed a new baby boy during the first half of December.
The couple has named him Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa, which means “the stormiest, rainiest night,” Jason’s mother explains in a post on his official forum.
Nakoa means “warrior,” while Mana refers to “strength/spirit.” Kaua means “rain” and po means “dark.” The two later terms refer to the conditions at the time of his birth, according to Jason's mom. The second middle name, Namakaeha, is also Jason’s.
Nakoa-Wolf joins big sister Lola Iolani, 17 months, as well as Zoë Isabella, 20, Lisa’s daughter with Lenny Kravitz.
FANTASIA M.I.A. FROM LOAN DEBT: Authorities in North Carolina say she's nowhere to be found.
*Fantasia Barrino appears to be in hot water over a loan she has yet to pay back in North Carolina.
Local sheriff's deputies tell the New York Post they've been trying "at least a dozen times" to reach the artist regarding $65,000 she owes on a loan, without success.
According to the paper, a lawyer was not present to represent her in court about the bill, and her reps have yet to offer any explanation.
Her multi-million dollar Charlotte home is going on the auction block Monday.
SNOOP DOGG HEADPHONES ON THE HORIZON: Rapper teams with music accessory company for new line coming this year.
*Snoop Dogg follows in the footsteps of his one-time mentor Dr. Dre in launching his own line of headphones.
The rapper’s particular brand, a joint venture with Park City, Utah-based music accessory company Skullcandy, will feature amplified bass for consumers and is slated to hit stores later this year for $350.
“At Skullcandy, we’re always looking for events that bring a unique energy to the action sports and music industry,” stated Rick Alden, CEO and founder of Skullcandy, a company that has also signed Mix Master Mike to create his own line of headphones for DJs.
Dr. Dre teamed last year with Interscope Geffen A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine and audio accessory maker Monster Cable to create his Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.
BORDERS CELEBRATES MOTOWN'S 50TH B'DAY: Bookstore to offer in-store display and other related items; Boyz II Men tapped for in-store.
*Beginning this month and throughout the entire year, Borders will celebrate Motown's 50th anniversary with a prominent in-store display of Motown music selections along with related items, such as anniversary T-shirts.
In addition, the retailer is devoting a special page on Borders.com dedicated to Motown's anniversary, and will host both past and present Motown artists including Boyz II Men, Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Duke Fakir of The Four Tops for in-store appearances and signings in Los Angeles and Detroit.
Boyz II Men, who were recently nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award for their Decca debut album "Motown: A Journey through Hitsville USA," will sign CDs and answer questions at the Westwood Borders store in Los Angeles Jan.
13 at 7 p.m. In addition, Duke Fakir of The Four Tops and Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas will greet fans, answer questions and sign CDs at the Borders store in Dearborn Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
Customers can also visit Borders' special Motown Web page at www.borders.com/motown to read about their favorite Motown artists, view vintage photos in the Motown image gallery and purchase CDs online.
Throughout the year, Borders will also prominently display in its stores nationwide a large selection of Motown CDs from artists such as Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, including the anticipated "NOW That's What I Call Motown," a 50th anniversary compilation of 25 Motown classics, available in stores and online beginning Jan. 13.
An exclusive Motown 50th anniversary Borders gift card will be offered to mark the label's historic 50th anniversary. Further, with any purchase of a Motown item, customers will receive (while supplies last) a complimentary 17-inch-by-27.5-inch poster featuring a colorful display of vintage images of various Motown artists.
"We feel a special connection to Motown because our company was founded and remains headquartered in Ann Arbor, just miles from Motown's Detroit birthplace. We have a tremendous affinity for the artists that this legendary label has produced over the past five decades," said Anne Kubek, executive vice president of Merchandising and Marketing for Borders Group.
OPRAH STILL DENYING SECRET OBAMA BALL: But new report claims she's throwing a bash at a D.C. restaurant.
*Oprah Winfrey continues to deny reports that she is throwing an unofficial inaugural ball for Barack Obama while in Washington, but the New York Post swears that she's definitely moving forward with plans for a party.
"An insider told us, 'Oprah is planning a lavish bash at TenPenh,' a swanky Asian-fusion restaurant in DC. 'She's being extremely secretive about it. But there will definitely be a ton of A-listers there,'" Page Six reported Thursday.
A rep for Oprah continues to insist, "She is not having a party."
ATL HOUSEWIFE APPEALS DIVORCE SETTLEMENT: Sheree Whitfield says $1.1 million isn't enough.
*Sheree Whitfield, one of the cast members on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," has filed an appeal with the Georgia Supreme Court regarding her divorce settlement from ex-husband Bob Whitfield.
In a "Housewives" episode, Whitfield made it known that she wanted a seven figure settlement in her divorce from the former Atlanta Falcons player.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sheree was originally awarded $2,142.87 a month in child support for the couple's two kids, who were 8 and 11 when the Whitfields divorced after seven years in 2007.
She was also given more than $1.1 million in a marital property division, a lump sum payment of $775,000 and portions of three NFL retirement programs totaling somewhere in the neighborhood of $113,422 annually, but no alimony was awarded, the Fulton County public information officer revealed.
She also has been ordered to move out of a $2.6 million home in Sandy Springs, which she is fighting, saying she can't afford to buy a home in the neighborhood her kids are accustomed to.
Sheree's lawyers argue that her lack of education (she has only a high school diploma) and inability to earn income (her Bella Azul clothing boutique failed soon after opening) are in stark contrast to NFL retiree Bob, who received an $8 million signing bonus with the Falcons as part of a $30 million six-year contract.
He's invested that money into real estate ventures in Costa Rica, California and Atlanta, and draws $50,000 a year from his Patchwerks recording studio.
Bob's lawyers believe Sheree should be fined $2,500 for bringing a frivolous appeal.
ITTY BITTY BITS: New Prince; Keyshia goes gold; Voletta & Lil Kim; Obama backs digital TV delay; Globes tap Diddy.
*Fox411 columnist Roger Friedman reports: "You can hear Prince’s new [Lotus Flower] album — I guess that’s what it is — here (http://www.lotusflow3r.com/). It’s a stream of romantic R&B songs, with no audio controls, so you just have to listen to it. No individual tracks, no fast forwarding. Prince covers Tommy James and the Shondells’ 'Crimson and Clover' persuasively, with a blistering, memorable guitar solo."
* Keyshia Cole's new album "A Different Me" has gone gold with over 500,000 units sold. The disc remains No. 1 on Billboard's "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" for a third consecutive week. She just shot the video for her second single, "You Complete Me," with Benny Boom in Big Bear, Calif.
*Bravo's "Make Me a Supermodel" has chosen Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio to join Tyson Beckford as a mentor for the show's upcoming season. New faces on the judging panel also include designer Catherine Malandrino, model Jenny Shimizu, photographer Perou and model scout Marlon. On the first season of "Supermodel," Niki Taylor acted as a co-host and the mentor to the female competitors alongside Beckford, who mentored the male competitors. A premiere date for the new season has yet to be announced.
*Voletta Wallace, the mother of late rapper Notorious B.I.G., was due to ring the opening bell of the Stock Market on Thursday along with Biggie's ex-wife, Faith Evans, and their son, CJ Wallace. Their appearance was to promote the new Biggie biopic "Notorious," which opens nationwide on Jan.
16.
*President-elect Barack Obama backs a move to delay a mandatory switch to digital television signals on fears viewers are unprepared and as the government has run out of $40 coupons to help pay for converter boxes.
Congress mandated the Feb. 17 switch to digital television, which will affect some 20 million consumers who do not already use the technology.
*Sean "Diddy" Combs has been added to the list of presenters for this year's 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards, which will air Sunday on NBC at 8 p.m. Other new presenters added include Sandra Bullock, Zac Efron, Gerard Butler and Pierce Brosnan, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Thursday. The new group joins stars like Jake Gyllenhaal, the Jonas Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, Glen Close, Seth Rogen and Hayden Panettiere.
VIOLENT PROTESTS ERUPT OVER BART SHOOTING: Storefronts smashed, cars blazed during night of protests in Oakland.
*A protest over the fatal shooting by a BART police officer of an unarmed man exploded into a violent uprising Wednesday night as demonstrators destroyed storefronts, set several cars on fire and clogged streets in downtown Oakland.
The roving mob expressed fury at police and frustration over society's racial injustice. Yet the demonstrators were often indiscriminate, frequently targeting the businesses and prized possessions of people of color, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.
They smashed a hair salon, a pharmacy and several restaurants. Police in riot gear were called in, but some people retreated along 14th Street and bashed cars along the way.
Earlier in the evening, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums met the mob on 14th Street, urging calm and leading them on a walk to City Hall, where he gave a speech.
"I sense your frustration," he told the crowd. "I understand that you've lost confidence in a process because you've seen what you believe is a homicide ... But listen to me, we are a community of people. We are civilized people. We are a nation of laws. "I'm asking people to disperse," the mayor said to the couple hundred people in the crowd. "Let's leave in a spirit of peace."
But soon after, a man shouted "that's the modern day lynching" and the mob quickly continued its rampage, smashing at least seven storefronts on 17th street between Franklin and Webster streets. They also smashed eight cars, including four belonging to the City of Oakland.
Shortly after nightfall, a group of roughly 200 protesters split off and headed toward downtown Oakland, prompting the transit agency to close the Lake Merritt and 12th Street stations. The group wreaked havoc through much of downtown, drawing hundreds of police in riot gear. It wasn't until roughly 10:40 p.m that police clamped down on the mob, arresting dozens who were cornered near the Paramount Theatre, and bringing an end to the mayhem.
Wednesday night's vandalism was sparked by the New Year's Day shooting death of 22-year-old Oscar Grant by BART police officer Johannes Mehserle. According to several reports, Mehserle meant to shoot Grant with his taser, but pulled out his gun by mistake.
CECE, TWINKIE, LAWRENCE TO BE HONORED IN NASHVILLE: Trio to be saluted by peers at BMI's Trailblazers of Gospel luncheon.
*Gospel stars CeCe Winans, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark and Donald Lawrence will be honorees at BMI's Trailblazers of Gospel luncheon on Jan. 16 in Nashville, Tenn.
Kirk Franklin, Faith Evans, Karen Clark-Sheard and Donnie McClurkin will perform musical tributes to the artists.
Winans helped expand the boundaries of gospel music with hits such as "Say a Prayer" and "Addictive Love."
Clark is a singer, musician and songwriter whose songs have been recorded by the Rev. James Cleveland, Al Green, Mary J. Blige and others.
Lawrence is an influential singer and producer who is known for his work with the Tri-City Singers, Stephanie Mills, Peabo Bryson and The Clark Sisters.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bobby Jones and the Dixie Hummingbirds will be inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame on Feb. 2 in Nashville, along with Dolly Parton, Michael W. Smith and producer Lari Goss.
Jones is a singer and host and executive producer of the long-running "Bobby Jones Gospel" program on the BET cable network. He has a new series, "Bobby Jones Next Generation," on the Gospel Music Channel.
The Dixie Hummingbirds formed in 1928 and have influenced musical acts in several genres, including early soul singers such as Jackie Wilson and James Brown. They provided the distinct harmony vocals for Paul Simon's hit "Loves Me Like a Rock."
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"The only limits are, as always, those of vision." — James Broughton
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Jan. 9: Magazine publisher Earl G. Graves (Black Enterprise) is 74.
Jan. 10: Rapper Chris Smith of Kris Kross is 30.
Jan. 11: Saxophonist Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is 67. Actress Kim Coles ("Living Single") is 47. Singer Maxee Maxwell of Brownstone is 40. Singer Mary J. Blige is 38.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Afromine.com was founded for those interested in collectible original drawings, fine art and spiritual poetry (www.afromine.com).
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Jan. 9, 1906: Poet and novelist, Paul Laurence Dunbar, dies.
Jan. 10, 1888: A.B. Blackburn patents rail signal.
Jan. 11, 1865: Robert E. Lee, with his armies at low tide, recommended the employment of blacks in the Confederate forces because it was "not only expedient but necessary." (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)