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01-23-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
(January 23, 2006)
UPN DOING BIG THINGS: Network prez asked
about black demo; 'Chris' creator previews episodes;
more 'Model'; 'South Beach' tan fading?
*A white reporter at the Television Critics
Association Press Tour in Pasadena tried to get
about black demo; 'Chris' creator previews episodes;
more 'Model'; 'South Beach' tan fading?
*A white reporter at the Television Critics
Association Press Tour in Pasadena tried to get
UPN President Dawn Ostroff to admit that the
network was actively targeting African American
audiences with its programming.
In Thursday's Q&A session following her
overview of upcoming activity at the network, including
the renewal of "America's Next Top Model" for two
more "cycles" and an episode of "Everybody Hates
Chris" to be directed by its co-creator and narrator,
Chris Rock, Ostroff skated around a direct answer.
"We're very proud of the programming
obviously," she said. "Monday night is up for us and
obviously 'Everybody Hates Chris' is doing well for
us, so we will continue to do these programs, and
we feel proud of them creatively."
Not satisfied with the answer, the reporter
pressed on: "So it's just happenstance that most
In Thursday's Q&A session following her
overview of upcoming activity at the network, including
the renewal of "America's Next Top Model" for two
more "cycles" and an episode of "Everybody Hates
Chris" to be directed by its co-creator and narrator,
Chris Rock, Ostroff skated around a direct answer.
"We're very proud of the programming
obviously," she said. "Monday night is up for us and
obviously 'Everybody Hates Chris' is doing well for
us, so we will continue to do these programs, and
we feel proud of them creatively."
Not satisfied with the answer, the reporter
pressed on: "So it's just happenstance that most
of these shows have a strong African American
presence? I mean you're just putting on the best
shows possible and it just so happens that those
are the shows that get on, is that what you're saying?"
"Yes," Ostroff answered. "When you look at
a script like 'Everybody Hates Chris,' you look at the
quality of the writing and you say this is a great show.
I don't think we look at it for it being an African
American show primarily. We look at it because it's
a great show."
"Everybody Hates Chris" executive producer
and co-creator Ali LeRoi also faced the critics
Thursday, along with show stars Tyler James Williams,
Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews. Of future episodes
this season, LeRoi said storylines will delve more into
the family unit.
"We haven't really done a big family episode, so
we introduce Jimmie Walker as Tichina's father, and
then promptly kill him off and have his funeral" said
LeRoi, to bursts of laughter. "Death is hilarious on
'Everybody Hates Chris.' I mean, how do you deal
presence? I mean you're just putting on the best
shows possible and it just so happens that those
are the shows that get on, is that what you're saying?"
"Yes," Ostroff answered. "When you look at
a script like 'Everybody Hates Chris,' you look at the
quality of the writing and you say this is a great show.
I don't think we look at it for it being an African
American show primarily. We look at it because it's
a great show."
"Everybody Hates Chris" executive producer
and co-creator Ali LeRoi also faced the critics
Thursday, along with show stars Tyler James Williams,
Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews. Of future episodes
this season, LeRoi said storylines will delve more into
the family unit.
"We haven't really done a big family episode, so
we introduce Jimmie Walker as Tichina's father, and
then promptly kill him off and have his funeral" said
LeRoi, to bursts of laughter. "Death is hilarious on
'Everybody Hates Chris.' I mean, how do you deal
with death as a young teenager? What's that like?
So it was an opportunity to get a nice little guest
-starring role from somebody, but still get some
comedy out of it. We don't want to take
ourselves too seriously."
Loretta Devine and Ernest "What's
Happening!!" Thomas also guest-star on the
Jimmie Walker episode, LeRoi revealed.
"As far as black actors are concerned,
just over the years, there are a lot of faces that
you've seen, and you don't know their names," he
said. "They're very familiar. Antonio Fargas has
had a recurring role on our show. He used to
play Huggy Bear on 'Starsky and Hutch.' Jackee
Harry, who used to be on '227,' she did just a little
bit part on one of the shows. These are actors that
want to work, that enjoy what they do. So we've
been able to fold them into a couple of episodes.
Other upcoming shows deal with Chris' first
Valentine's Day, Chris trying to fool his mother with
a forged report card - a story based on LeRoi's own
11-year-old son - and a Chris Rock-directed episode
(entitled "Everybody Hates Corleone") that finds his
character so fed up with being abused at his school
that he decides he doesn't want to go anymore.
"So then it's a difficult choice of the parents -
will they take him out of this school that they sent him
to get a better education, or bring him into a school
that he's going to fit in better?" LeRoi said. "It's a
tricky issue, but we'll find the comedy out of it."
In other UPN news, Destiny's Child singer
Michelle Williams will play an HIV-positive record
exec on the sitcom "Half and Half." As Williams told
EUR previously, her character will pursue a fling
with Spencer, one of the show's lead characters.
Her episode is scheduled to air Monday, Feb. 13.
Also, Will Smith has directed an episode of "All
of Us," the UPN series he executive produces with
his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith. In the episode, Bobby
says the "N" word at a birthday party, and it forces
Robert to examine his own use of the term and
whether or not it's appropriate.
Ostroff also announced that the sixth cycle of
the Tyra Banks-produced and hosted reality show
"America's Next Top Model" will begin on March 8
with a two-hour premiere. Cycles 7 and 8 have also
been renewed for next season, "so our hit series will
be back for another year of high fashion and high
drama," Ostroff said.
In light of the passing of Vanessa Williams' father
last week, UPN cancelled its session for the critically-
thrashed "South Beach," the Jennifer Lopez-produced
drama starring Williams as the owner of a posh hotel in
Miami Beach.
When pressed to say a few words about the
show in the absence of Williams and her co-stars,
Ostroff said: "I'll just say that I think we feel that the
show has a very interesting balance between the
drama and the action of what goes on in South
Beach with the underworld and the aspiration young
characters who are trying to find their way. I lived
in South Florida for five years, so I always find that
show so intriguing because you've got the
underworld living side by side with regular normal
society .and it's just a very interesting, unique place,
not to mention it's hot and beautiful and a lot of the
country is freezing and cold right now."
B.I.G.'S FAMILY WINS $1.1 MILLION
FROM LOS ANGELES: Judge smacks city's
hand for withholding evidence during civil trial.
*A federal judge has ordered the city
of Los Angeles to pay $1.1 million in legal fees
and court costs to the family of the late Notorious
B.I.G. for intentionally withholding evidence
during the family's civil lawsuit trial.
According to the Los Angeles Times, U.S.
District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper made the
ruling Friday, stating the withheld information
could have helped the Wallace family in its
wrongful death suit against the city.
The rapper's March 9, 1997, murder after
attending a party in Los Angeles remains unsolved.
Cooper denied the family's initial request for $2
million, but left open the possibility of the family to
recoup an additional $300,000, the Times said.
"It's pretty clear from the ruling that the judge
understands this is a significant and difficult case,"
said the family's attorney, Perry Sanders.
The family's civil suit ended in a mistrial after it
was discovered that the Los Angeles Police
Department withheld statements linking rogue
LAPD officers David Mack and Rafael Perez to
the shooting of B.I.G. -- whose real name was
Christopher Wallace.
The plaintiffs alleged that Mack, a convicted
bank robber, orchestrated Wallace's killing with
the help of college friend on behalf of Death
Row Records chief Marion "Suge" Knight. All
three have denied involvement.
Jonathan Diamond, spokesman for City Atty.
Rocky Delgadillo, told the Associated Press of
the ruling: "We were disappointed with the order.
We believe the officer's conduct was inadvertent,
and we will prevail at trial on the merits of the case."
Loretta Devine and Ernest "What's
Happening!!" Thomas also guest-star on the
Jimmie Walker episode, LeRoi revealed.
"As far as black actors are concerned,
just over the years, there are a lot of faces that
you've seen, and you don't know their names," he
said. "They're very familiar. Antonio Fargas has
had a recurring role on our show. He used to
play Huggy Bear on 'Starsky and Hutch.' Jackee
Harry, who used to be on '227,' she did just a little
bit part on one of the shows. These are actors that
want to work, that enjoy what they do. So we've
been able to fold them into a couple of episodes.
Other upcoming shows deal with Chris' first
Valentine's Day, Chris trying to fool his mother with
a forged report card - a story based on LeRoi's own
11-year-old son - and a Chris Rock-directed episode
(entitled "Everybody Hates Corleone") that finds his
character so fed up with being abused at his school
that he decides he doesn't want to go anymore.
"So then it's a difficult choice of the parents -
will they take him out of this school that they sent him
to get a better education, or bring him into a school
that he's going to fit in better?" LeRoi said. "It's a
tricky issue, but we'll find the comedy out of it."
In other UPN news, Destiny's Child singer
Michelle Williams will play an HIV-positive record
exec on the sitcom "Half and Half." As Williams told
EUR previously, her character will pursue a fling
with Spencer, one of the show's lead characters.
Her episode is scheduled to air Monday, Feb. 13.
Also, Will Smith has directed an episode of "All
of Us," the UPN series he executive produces with
his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith. In the episode, Bobby
says the "N" word at a birthday party, and it forces
Robert to examine his own use of the term and
whether or not it's appropriate.
Ostroff also announced that the sixth cycle of
the Tyra Banks-produced and hosted reality show
"America's Next Top Model" will begin on March 8
with a two-hour premiere. Cycles 7 and 8 have also
been renewed for next season, "so our hit series will
be back for another year of high fashion and high
drama," Ostroff said.
In light of the passing of Vanessa Williams' father
last week, UPN cancelled its session for the critically-
thrashed "South Beach," the Jennifer Lopez-produced
drama starring Williams as the owner of a posh hotel in
Miami Beach.
When pressed to say a few words about the
show in the absence of Williams and her co-stars,
Ostroff said: "I'll just say that I think we feel that the
show has a very interesting balance between the
drama and the action of what goes on in South
Beach with the underworld and the aspiration young
characters who are trying to find their way. I lived
in South Florida for five years, so I always find that
show so intriguing because you've got the
underworld living side by side with regular normal
society .and it's just a very interesting, unique place,
not to mention it's hot and beautiful and a lot of the
country is freezing and cold right now."
B.I.G.'S FAMILY WINS $1.1 MILLION
FROM LOS ANGELES: Judge smacks city's
hand for withholding evidence during civil trial.
*A federal judge has ordered the city
of Los Angeles to pay $1.1 million in legal fees
and court costs to the family of the late Notorious
B.I.G. for intentionally withholding evidence
during the family's civil lawsuit trial.
According to the Los Angeles Times, U.S.
District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper made the
ruling Friday, stating the withheld information
could have helped the Wallace family in its
wrongful death suit against the city.
The rapper's March 9, 1997, murder after
attending a party in Los Angeles remains unsolved.
Cooper denied the family's initial request for $2
million, but left open the possibility of the family to
recoup an additional $300,000, the Times said.
"It's pretty clear from the ruling that the judge
understands this is a significant and difficult case,"
said the family's attorney, Perry Sanders.
The family's civil suit ended in a mistrial after it
was discovered that the Los Angeles Police
Department withheld statements linking rogue
LAPD officers David Mack and Rafael Perez to
the shooting of B.I.G. -- whose real name was
Christopher Wallace.
The plaintiffs alleged that Mack, a convicted
bank robber, orchestrated Wallace's killing with
the help of college friend on behalf of Death
Row Records chief Marion "Suge" Knight. All
three have denied involvement.
Jonathan Diamond, spokesman for City Atty.
Rocky Delgadillo, told the Associated Press of
the ruling: "We were disappointed with the order.
We believe the officer's conduct was inadvertent,
and we will prevail at trial on the merits of the case."
ATTORNEY FOR 'IDOL' TWINS SAYS THEY'RE
INNOCENT: Statement emphasizes brothers'
community work; gospel background.
*An attorney for Derrell and Terrell Brittenum,
the twin "American Idol" contestants charged with
forgery and theft by deception in their Memphis
hometown, has released a statement claiming that
her clients are innocent.
"At this point and time, Derrell and Terrell
Brittenum are innocent of all charges," said their
Atlanta-based lawyer, LaTisha Dear. "We are
investigating the case and anticipate a swift release."
Terrell has been locked up at the Shelby County
jail since Jan. 10, and was unable to watch his taped
audition on "Idol" when it aired last Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, he didn't have access to
the (jail) television at the time," Shelby County
Sheriff's spokesman Steve Shular told Reuters.
Meanwhile, the twins' mother called police to
say Derrell would turn himself in, but he had yet to
do so and was being sought by authorities, Shular
added.
The 28-year-olds are alleged to have used
another person's identity to purchase a truck in
Rockdale County, Georgia last June.
The press release containing Dear's
statements went on to sing the twins' praises, noting
the birth of their singing career in the church and their
eight-year stint with local gospel group Kevin Davis
& the Voices, a.k.a. The Voices of Binghampton in
Memphis, Tennessee.
"The Brittenums' first big break came in
1997 on MTV's The Cut, where they performed
original music," the release states. "As a result, they
landed multiple opportunities to travel nationally on
various tours with national recording artists such as
Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Clark Sisters, and
Kim Burrell, just to name a few."
The brothers moved to Atlanta for a brief
period to try out the music scene, but grew
homesick and returned to Memphis.
"Derrell and Terrell Brittenum are not hard core
criminals," the release states. "They are individuals
that give back to their community by mentoring to the
youth in their neighborhood, working with their Youth
Outreach Ministries, Senior Citizens and local
neighborhood cleanup efforts."
Derrell states: "All we really want to do is make
great music. We know that in the end we will be
exonerated of all charges and continue our mission to
make great music."
*In other "Idol" news, the series will run in
syndication thanks to a new agreement between
Tribune Entertainment, FremantleMedia North
America and 19 Entertainment.
The one-hour, weekend series titled, "American
Idol Rewind" will premiere with a rerun of the first
season in September 2006. "American Idol Rewind"
will be a streamlined program offering never-before-
seen footage and behind the scenes facts and details.
GO SHAWTY, IT'S YA LAWSUIT: Lawyer
claims 50 borrowed Uncle Luke's 'It's Your
Birthday' line without permission.
*A lawyer representing Lil' Joe Wein
Music has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit
against 50 Cent for using the line "Go shorty, it's
your birthday" at the beginning of the rapper's
2003 hit, "In Da Club."
In the lawsuit filed in Miami federal court
last week, Richard C. Wolfe claims the line was
lifted from Luther Campbell's 1994 anthem "It's
Your Birthday," of which Lil' Joe Wein Music
holds the copyright.
"It's the melody, it's the pace, the style -
everything about that one line is the same,"
Wolfe said, according to AP. "We're entitled
to a portion of the profits."
Wolfe's lawsuit also claims Campbell's
song "I Like It, I Love It" can also be heard
on 50's 2003 DVD "50 Cent - The New
Breed."
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages,
plus attorneys' fees and other legal costs. Wolfe
won a $2.3 million judgment against Campbell in
1994 for another rapper who claimed Campbell
withheld royalties.
Lil' Joe Wein Music is owned by Joseph
Weinberger, a lawyer who formerly represented
Campbell. Weinberger became owner of the 2
Live Crew and Campbell copyrights when
Campbell filed for bankruptcy protection.
Meanwhile, Campbell, who produced 2 Live
Crew and rapped as a solo artist, is distancing
himself from the lawsuit filed by Wolfe.
Campbell tells Allhiphop.com: "Let the record
reflect that Joe Weinberger and Richard Wolfe are
the individuals who are suing 50. They are not suing
on behalf of me or any member of the 2 Live Crew.
These guys, that's all they do is go around suing
people and use our names. When they do sue
people and make money on that catalogue, neither
me nor any of the 2 Live Crew members receive
any money from that."
"They stole that catalogue from the members
and me and we don't make money from it,"
Campbell added. "When you read my book,
'My Life and Freaky Times,' you'll get the full
entire story surrounding these two crooks and
that catalogue."
BELAFONTE CONTINUES RIPPING THE
PRESIDENT: Entertainer compares Homeland
Security to Nazi Gestapo.
*Tis the season to hate on the GOP.
Following Hilary Clinton's Martin Luther King
Day remarks about the House of Representatives
being run like a "plantation," singer and activist
Harry Belafonte has compared the Dept. of
Homeland Security to the Nazi Gestapo and
called the president a liar during a recent speech
in New York.
"We've come to this dark time in which
the new Gestapo of Homeland Security lurks
here, where citizens are having their rights
suspended," Belafonte said in a speech to the
annual meeting of the Arts Presenters Members
Conference. "You can be arrested and not
charged. You can be arrested and have no
right to counsel."
Belafonte acknowledged that the 9/11
terrorist attacks in 2001 demanded a response
by the United States, but said the policies of the
Bush administration were ill advised.
"Fascism is fascism. Terrorism is terrorism.
Oppression is oppression," said Belafonte, who
served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He added that Bush became President "somewhat
dubiously and ... then lies to the people of this
nation, misleads them, misinstructs, and then
sends off hundreds of thousands of our own boys
and girls to a foreign land that has not aggressed
against us."
Belafonte's words, part of a 45 minute speech
on the role of the arts in a politically changing world,
received roaring standing ovations, according to the
Associated Press.
The 78-year-old singer's criticism comes two
weeks following his remarks during a trip to
Venezuela, where he called Bush "the greatest
terrorist in the world."
DONALD LAWRENCE WINS SEVEN GOSPEL
AWARDS: 'I Speak Life' album captures most
bounty during Saturday ceremony in Nashville.
*Gospel vocalist Donald Lawrence received
seven trophies at the 21st Annual Stellar Gospel
Music Awards, held Saturday at the Grand Ole
Opry House in Nashville.
The singer took home Artist of the Year and
Producer of the Year awards, while his guest star-
packed album ""I Speak Life" drew statues for
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year and CD
The singer took home Artist of the Year and
Producer of the Year awards, while his guest star-
packed album ""I Speak Life" drew statues for
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year and CD
of the Year.
Aretha Franklin was on hand to present
Lawrence the Song of the Year award for his
recording of "Healed," written by Jonathan Nelson.
Newcomer J. Moss took the male vocalist,
new artist and contemporary male vocalist awards
during the show, hosted by Vickie Winans, Israel
Houghton and Donnie McClurkin.
During the ceremony, artists paid tribute to the
Winans Family, who were honored with the James
Cleveland lifetime achievement award.
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards honors the
achievements of blacks in gospel music.
ALICIA KEYS BITS: Keeps quiet on rumored
fling with longtime collaborator "Krucial," who
prepares solo rap project.
*Alicia Keys would not confirm to Jane
magazine whether or not she's dating her songwriter/
producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, but reveals she
has been in a committed relationship with a significant
other for a while now and can see herself starting a
family with that person.
Saying she's relived not to be single, Keys
tells the magazine: "I think about how uncomfortable
I would feel trying to find love among so much
falseness. So I feel very, very, very blessed to have
someone special to me."
Meanwhile, Krucial is busy at work on his
own solo rap project, but it's not "another R&B
producer-turned-rapper scenario," Brothers tells
Billboard. "It's the other way around."
After meeting Keys at open-mic sessions
around New York, their friendship blossomed into
a creative partnership as co-owners of Krucial Keys
Enterprises. Now Brothers feels its time to revert
back to his rap roots.
An eight-song introductory EP featuring
Brothers and 18-year-old protege Illz will be
released near the end of February by way of Krucial
Keys subsidiary Krucial Recordings. A full-length
album, "Take Da Hood Back," is scheduled to drop
in June. Billboard describes the set as a mixture of
"conscious tracks, party jams, boom beats and
smooth cuts for the ladies."
Currently weighing several distribution
options, the Queens, N.Y.-bred Brothers says he
wants to remain an indie act despite his major-
label connections.
"In the future, if [a major] understands my
vision and agrees -- even after we cut the deal --
that might be an option," Brothers says with a laugh.
"But with the knowledge I have and with today's
technology, being independent is the best way to
get my music out the way I need to."
Brothers is also working on a new album
from rap icon Rakim plus the debut set from
Brooklyn, N.Y., rapper Illz's album debut next
year.
Aretha Franklin was on hand to present
Lawrence the Song of the Year award for his
recording of "Healed," written by Jonathan Nelson.
Newcomer J. Moss took the male vocalist,
new artist and contemporary male vocalist awards
during the show, hosted by Vickie Winans, Israel
Houghton and Donnie McClurkin.
During the ceremony, artists paid tribute to the
Winans Family, who were honored with the James
Cleveland lifetime achievement award.
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards honors the
achievements of blacks in gospel music.
ALICIA KEYS BITS: Keeps quiet on rumored
fling with longtime collaborator "Krucial," who
prepares solo rap project.
*Alicia Keys would not confirm to Jane
magazine whether or not she's dating her songwriter/
producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, but reveals she
has been in a committed relationship with a significant
other for a while now and can see herself starting a
family with that person.
Saying she's relived not to be single, Keys
tells the magazine: "I think about how uncomfortable
I would feel trying to find love among so much
falseness. So I feel very, very, very blessed to have
someone special to me."
Meanwhile, Krucial is busy at work on his
own solo rap project, but it's not "another R&B
producer-turned-rapper scenario," Brothers tells
Billboard. "It's the other way around."
After meeting Keys at open-mic sessions
around New York, their friendship blossomed into
a creative partnership as co-owners of Krucial Keys
Enterprises. Now Brothers feels its time to revert
back to his rap roots.
An eight-song introductory EP featuring
Brothers and 18-year-old protege Illz will be
released near the end of February by way of Krucial
Keys subsidiary Krucial Recordings. A full-length
album, "Take Da Hood Back," is scheduled to drop
in June. Billboard describes the set as a mixture of
"conscious tracks, party jams, boom beats and
smooth cuts for the ladies."
Currently weighing several distribution
options, the Queens, N.Y.-bred Brothers says he
wants to remain an indie act despite his major-
label connections.
"In the future, if [a major] understands my
vision and agrees -- even after we cut the deal --
that might be an option," Brothers says with a laugh.
"But with the knowledge I have and with today's
technology, being independent is the best way to
get my music out the way I need to."
Brothers is also working on a new album
from rap icon Rakim plus the debut set from
Brooklyn, N.Y., rapper Illz's album debut next
year.
ESPN LOOKING TO SCORE BARRY BONDS:
Reality series would follow Giants star as he chases
home run records.
*ESPN is in talks with Tollin/Robbins
Productions to air a reality series that will follow
San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds as he
pursues the home run records of Babe Ruth and
Hank Aaron this season.
Under the deal, cameras would follow the
athlete from spring training in March through the
Major League Baseball season - both on and off
the field, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The show is reportedly looking at a 7 p.m.
Tuesday time slot, with several re-airings throughout
the week. Tollin/Robbins, which has a relationship
with Bonds, reportedly went to ESPN with the
idea, and discussions have reportedly been taking
place since mid-December.
Bonds has 708 career home runs, trailing Ruth
by 6 and Aaron by 47. The show will run as long as
it takes Bonds to pass Aaron. If Bonds were to get
injured and miss a large portion of time, the show
would be placed on hiatus, reports the trade. If he
fails to break the record this season, talks are being
held to assure that the show comes back next year.
WYCLEF JEAN PLAYS HOST TO BRANGELINA:
Fugee begs kidnappers to take it easy during couple's
visit.
*Wyclef Jean told TV's "Access Hollywood"
about his time spent with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
earlier this month in Haiti.
The couple, expecting their first child together,
visited Clef to learn more about his foundation,
"YeleHaiti," and to find ways in which to improve the
quality of life in his impoverished homeland.
The rapper said he pleaded with his countrymen to
behave while the actors were in town.
"The mandate on Haiti is don't go to Haiti," Wyclef
told "Access Hollywood's" Tim Vincent. "The kidnapping
is crazy. Thirty kidnappings per day that weekend. When
they came in I got on the TV. I said, 'Listen, I got Angelina
Jolie here, I got Brad Pitt here. Please do not embarrass
me this weekend.' The whole weekend went by, and
there was not one kidnapping."
During their stay, Brad and Angelina got their
boogie on with some of the children they met. When
asked who was the better dancer, Wyclef laughed:
"Angelina got Brad on the dancing. There was this one
kid, Emmanuelle. He was like 9 years old, this rapper
from the hood. They really loved him. I think if they
could have took Emmanuelle home, and they both
would agree on this, I think Emmanuelle would have
been on that chopper going back with them."
GRANT HILL TO UNVEIL ART COLLECTION AT
DUKE: Orlando Magic star to display famous paintings,
collages, sculptures through 7/16.
*Orlando Magic star Grant Hill and his wife
Tamia Hill will display their extensive art collection at
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University (2001
Campus Drive at Anderson St.).
"Something All Our Own: The Grant Hill Collection
of African American Art" will be on view at the athlete's
alma mater from March 4 through July 16. The collection,
nine years in the making, features 46 paintings, collages,
sculptures and works on paper by the most important
African-American artists of the 20th century.
Included in the collection are works by Romare
Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, John Biggers, Hughie Lee-
Smith and the late Arthello Beck Jr.
The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday,
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on
Thursday; and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The museum is
closed Mondays.
Suggested admission is $5 adults, $4 for seniors and
members of the Duke Alumni Association, $3 for non-
Duke students with I.D. and free for children 16 and
younger. Admission is free to Duke University students,
faculty and staff with Duke I.D. Admission is also free to
Durham residents who present a valid I.D. with proof of
residency, courtesy of the Herald-Sun.
Additional information is available
FILM/TV BITS: Prince on 'SNL'; Sam Jackson at
Grauman's; Berry's new beau?; new J.Lo flick; more
Narain drama.
*For the first time since 1981, Prince has
been tapped to perform as the musical guest on
NBC's "Saturday Night Live," the network announced.
Booked for the Feb. 4 telecast featuring Steve Martin
as host, Prince will promote the March 21 release of
his new Universal album, "3121," while Martin will
appear in advance of his new film "The Pink Panther,"
co-starring Beyonce Knowles. If Beyonce tags along
with Martin (or her boy Prince for that matter), could
it be possible that the recurring "SNL" skit featuring
Fred Armisen and Maya Rudolph as Prince and
Beyonce hosting a talk show will feature the real
things? Dig, if U will, the picture.
*Samuel L. Jackson will stick his hands and
feet into wet cement at Hollywood's famous Grauman's
Chinese Theater during a ceremony on Jan. 30 - an
honor that has been granted to only seven African
Americans since stars began immortalizing their
extremities and signatures at the venue in 1927. Jackson -
recognized for such films as "Pulp Fiction," "A Time to
Kill," "Coach Carter" and "Star Wars: Episodes I, II
and III - follows other black Grauman fixtures Sidney
Poitier, Whoopi Goldberg, Denzel Washington, Martin
Lawrence, Morgan Freeman and Nichelle Nichols (as
part of the "Star Trek" cast).
*The tabloids are abuzz over a recent Halle
Berry sighting with her fellow Versace model Gabriel
Aubry. The two were photographed leaving Los
Angeles eatery Café Angelino together, sparking talk
that she has dumped actor Michael Ealy for the
blonde Versace face. The news has been coupled
with talk that the 37-year-old Oscar winner plans to
have a baby by the time she's 40 with whomever she
happens to be dating at the time. "It looks like the
only option I have left is to head for the sperm bank,"
she was quoted as saying. "I've been so unlucky in
love and that has thwarted my desire for motherhood.
It's so frustrating."
*Jennifer Lopez has been cast in the Robert De
Niro-produced film "Bridge and Tunnel," reports
Moviehole.net. The New Line project will star
Lopez as a stock-trader who relies on a suburban
teenager's expert advice to maintain her successful
streak.
*Lawyers for actor Colin Farrell were in a Los
Angeles court Friday over attempts to prevent his
ex-girlfriend from selling their videotaped sexcapade
online. Despite a previous order to block Nicole
Narain from releasing the footage, the tape was leaked
to DirtyColin.com for several hours on Jan. 10, while
still photos of the tryst were posted on
IDontLikeYouInThatWay.com for a minute before
Farrell's camp could shut that down as well. In Los
Angeles Friday, a trial date was set for July 17.
MUSIC BITS: Carey's perfume; Tommy Lee aboard
'Love Train'; B.B.'s last overseas stand.
*According to the London Mirror, Mariah Carey's
first perfume will be available for purchase in December.
A source told the paper: "Mariah is so excited about the
scent and it will be based on white flowers."
*Tommy Lee has recorded a cover version of
the classic O'Jay's song "Love Train" to be featured in
the upcoming New Line Cinema film "Final Destination 3."
I've always loved the song 'Love Train,' and it was great
being able to put my own darker spin on it for the movie,"
Lee says. The song will serve as the end title song for the
movie, which centers on a high school senior who has a
premonition of a fatal roller coaster accident involving
herself and all her friends. When the premonition proves
true, those who have "cheated death" and survived the
accident must deal with the repercussions of escaping their
fate. The original version of "Love Train" was recorded by
the O'Jays and released on their 1972 album "Back
Stabbers."
*Road warrior B.B. King will mount his last
oversees tour in late March following his current
farewell tour in the U.S. The 80-year-old blues
pioneer will tour the UK one final time before limiting
future treks to North America, his publicist said in an
announcement Friday. "I think the clock is ticking, yes,"
King said in a statement. "In fact, I know it is. Frank
Sinatra sang about 'the September of [his] years'; I think
I'm in the November of my years." Despite slowing down
his international appearances, retirement is out of the
question for King. "I'm a diabetic, yes, but I'm pretty
healthy," he said. "I'm 80 years old, yes, but I get along
very well; I hardly remember I'm 80 unless I have to run
up a hill or stairs. As long as people buy my records and
come to my concerts, I don't see anything else I'd like
to do."
NAACP ATTEMPTS TO BOOST BLACK
GRADUATION RATES: Gates Foundation
donates $200,000 for the effort.
*The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has
given the National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People (NAACP) a $200,000 "Redesigning
the American High School Initiative" grant for its work
in high school reform initiatives and to promote efforts
to increase high school graduation rates for African
American youth.
The NAACP will be working with the foundation
and the National Governor's Association (NGA)
National Constituent Group to kick off a national
awareness campaign to include education and policy-
focused Capitol Hill briefings, a guest speaker series,
and "stay in school" events. The partnership will also
produce regional and national education symposiums
to develop strategies for increasing high school
graduation rates.
"The NAACP looks forward to this partnership
with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the
NGA and we are serious about increasing graduation
rates for African American students," said NAACP
Interim National Education Director Dr. Nicole
Francis-Williams. "Our Education department plans
to actively impact strategies designed to increase
teacher quality and improve school governance. Due
to our ability to expand partnerships and utilize
expertise in education, research and policy we will
play an even more integral role in positively shaping
the future for minority students and parents who
depend on the NAACP to be their advocates."
According to stats from the Manhattan Institute,
nearly one of every three public high school students
fails to graduate. Forty-four percent of African
American students will not graduate with their class.
Of those who do graduate, most leave school without
the skills they need to succeed in college, work, and
citizenship.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
Take A Break
- Jewel Diamond Taylor
Take a break before you have a breakdown. Get
off your merry-go-round. The world won't come to
an end just because you take some time off to reflect
and rejuvenate. Ask for help --- delegate duties. Say
"no" without guilt to unnecessary requests of your time
or money. Recharge your battery. Refuel your tank.
Take a power nap. Close the door. Close your eyes.
Open your heart.
Relax your mind. Open your hands and let go----
ahhhh
Sit, meditate, practice deep breathing, pray and
shake off the stress. Let God catch up with you to give
you fresh water (rest), new bread (ideas) and new fire
(energy).
Enjoy a guilt free short break or getaway. Stepping
away from the drama and demands in your life can do
amazing things to restore your mind, body and spirit.
You can't control everything and everybody but you can
learn better ways to take care of yourself before you
snap and stress out.
Your health is your first wealth. Protect it. Remember
that stress, worry and anger are damaging to your health.
Lighten up and let go. Lighten up and smile again. Lighten
up and enjoy your interests and hobbies. Lighten up and
go dancing. Lighten up and hang out with your friends and
loved ones. Lighten up and feel the stress and tightness
dissolving in your back and neck.
Have you read "You Are Too Blessed to Be Stressed?"
Jewel Diamond Taylor's January Speaking Schedule:
January 28 - Delta's Founders Day Luncheon, Detroit,
MI - Detroit Marriott Hotel
oversees tour in late March following his current
farewell tour in the U.S. The 80-year-old blues
pioneer will tour the UK one final time before limiting
future treks to North America, his publicist said in an
announcement Friday. "I think the clock is ticking, yes,"
King said in a statement. "In fact, I know it is. Frank
Sinatra sang about 'the September of [his] years'; I think
I'm in the November of my years." Despite slowing down
his international appearances, retirement is out of the
question for King. "I'm a diabetic, yes, but I'm pretty
healthy," he said. "I'm 80 years old, yes, but I get along
very well; I hardly remember I'm 80 unless I have to run
up a hill or stairs. As long as people buy my records and
come to my concerts, I don't see anything else I'd like
to do."
NAACP ATTEMPTS TO BOOST BLACK
GRADUATION RATES: Gates Foundation
donates $200,000 for the effort.
*The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has
given the National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People (NAACP) a $200,000 "Redesigning
the American High School Initiative" grant for its work
in high school reform initiatives and to promote efforts
to increase high school graduation rates for African
American youth.
The NAACP will be working with the foundation
and the National Governor's Association (NGA)
National Constituent Group to kick off a national
awareness campaign to include education and policy-
focused Capitol Hill briefings, a guest speaker series,
and "stay in school" events. The partnership will also
produce regional and national education symposiums
to develop strategies for increasing high school
graduation rates.
"The NAACP looks forward to this partnership
with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the
NGA and we are serious about increasing graduation
rates for African American students," said NAACP
Interim National Education Director Dr. Nicole
Francis-Williams. "Our Education department plans
to actively impact strategies designed to increase
teacher quality and improve school governance. Due
to our ability to expand partnerships and utilize
expertise in education, research and policy we will
play an even more integral role in positively shaping
the future for minority students and parents who
depend on the NAACP to be their advocates."
According to stats from the Manhattan Institute,
nearly one of every three public high school students
fails to graduate. Forty-four percent of African
American students will not graduate with their class.
Of those who do graduate, most leave school without
the skills they need to succeed in college, work, and
citizenship.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
Take A Break
- Jewel Diamond Taylor
Take a break before you have a breakdown. Get
off your merry-go-round. The world won't come to
an end just because you take some time off to reflect
and rejuvenate. Ask for help --- delegate duties. Say
"no" without guilt to unnecessary requests of your time
or money. Recharge your battery. Refuel your tank.
Take a power nap. Close the door. Close your eyes.
Open your heart.
Relax your mind. Open your hands and let go----
ahhhh
Sit, meditate, practice deep breathing, pray and
shake off the stress. Let God catch up with you to give
you fresh water (rest), new bread (ideas) and new fire
(energy).
Enjoy a guilt free short break or getaway. Stepping
away from the drama and demands in your life can do
amazing things to restore your mind, body and spirit.
You can't control everything and everybody but you can
learn better ways to take care of yourself before you
snap and stress out.
Your health is your first wealth. Protect it. Remember
that stress, worry and anger are damaging to your health.
Lighten up and let go. Lighten up and smile again. Lighten
up and enjoy your interests and hobbies. Lighten up and
go dancing. Lighten up and hang out with your friends and
loved ones. Lighten up and feel the stress and tightness
dissolving in your back and neck.
Have you read "You Are Too Blessed to Be Stressed?"
Jewel Diamond Taylor's January Speaking Schedule:
January 28 - Delta's Founders Day Luncheon, Detroit,
MI - Detroit Marriott Hotel
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Jan. 23: Singer Marc Nelson (Az Yet) is
Jan. 23: Singer Marc Nelson (Az Yet) is
35; Singer Anita Baker is 48; Singer Anita
Pointer of the Pointer Sisters is 58.
Pointer of the Pointer Sisters is 58.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
This is an online music and modeling directory,
central resource, and forum for aspiring and
established professionals in the music and
modeling industries. Check it out here:
www.musicandmodeling.com. (Fellas,
GREAT eye candy here!)
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a
15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Jan. 23, 1891: Pioneer in surgery, Dr Daniel Hale
Williams, founds Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL.
At the same time, he founded Provident Hospital
School of Nursing because Emma Reynolds, an
African American, had been denied admission to
every nursing school in Chicago.
(Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
===================================
EUR FEEDBACK (MYfeedback@eurweb.com)
*Angela, Columbus, OH:
"Response to Goddess, Los Angeles,CA
(01-20-05 EUR): I've discovered that those of
us who don't live in/near/around New Orleans
have many opinions of what's going on there.
Mayor Ray Nagin has one problem that
I can see - not getting the support from the
government that he needs to rebuild the city.
Yes, that would make you crazy, frustrated,
depressed, and yes, in this state, you get to
a point where you say whatever you want.
I ain't mad at him - I don't have his job,
I don't have the pressure, I don't have
to tell people I'm trying to protect
'my hands are tied.'
I don't have any of the problems he has.
Obviously, neither do you. In times like this
he needs people, in/near/around his city,
to support him. When it's all said and
done, all he has is us. Minus one - you."
*Sabra Richardson, Brooklyn, NY:
"I know that there are a number of comments
regarding Mayor Nagin however, we may need to
listen to this link
(http://www.wdsu.com/video/6155429/detail.html)
with the entire speech and then we all can make
our own conclusion. It may be the same
conclusion but we at least have the
entire story. Love your daily reports."
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