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(April 10, 2006)
MANDISA READY TO MOVE
FORWARD: Former ‘Idol’
contestant talks about her
fashion choices; love for Simon,
fashion choices; love for Simon,
future goals and angering gay
community.
*After her elimination from
*After her elimination from
“American Idol” Wednesday night,
judge Simon Cowell stepped to fan
favorite Mandisa Hundley with some
words of encouragement.
Following her performance
Tuesday of Shania Twain’s “Any Man
Following her performance
Tuesday of Shania Twain’s “Any Man
of Mine,” Paula and Randy weren’t
feeling the song choice, and Cowell
warned that it may lead to her early
exit from the competition. America
voted, and Mandisa soon found herself
doing interview after interview about how
it feels to be booted off prematurely,
and more importantly, what Simon
had to say to her after the show.
“He told me he really liked me,
“He told me he really liked me,
I had a great voice and that it's all
about the song,” the 29-year-old
about the song,” the 29-year-old
recounted.
Her special relationship with
Her special relationship with
the British judge goes back to his
infamous comment following her
infamous comment following her
audition in Chicago, when he made
a disparaging remark about her
weight. After Mandisa left the room,
Simon asked if “Idol” was “going to
have a bigger stage this year.” Later,
when Paula said that Mandisa reminded
her of former contestant Frenchie,
Cowell cracked that a better
comparison would be
to France itself.
During final auditions in Hollywood
During final auditions in Hollywood
months after the audition taping
- after Mandisa and everyone else in
- after Mandisa and everyone else in
America heard Simon’s dis - the singer
addressed him directly, stating that his
addressed him directly, stating that his
comments were hurtful, but that she
forgave him, adding, “you don’t need
forgave him, adding, “you don’t need
somebody to apologize to you to forgive
somebody.” Cowell told Mandisa he
somebody.” Cowell told Mandisa he
was “humbled” and apologized. She
recalls the moment as the biggest
highlight of her “American Idol” journey.
“That would have been worth it if
“That would have been worth it if
it were just me and him and nobody
else saw it but the fact that they
else saw it but the fact that they
showed it that meant a lot to me,”
she said.
Mandisa says viewers responded
favorably to her gesture of
forgiveness, which instantly gave her
Mandisa says viewers responded
favorably to her gesture of
forgiveness, which instantly gave her
a sizable fan base before the voting
even began.
“It’s not what I set out to do
even began.
“It’s not what I set out to do
originally but I think it worked in my
favor,” she said. “I just wanted to be
favor,” she said. “I just wanted to be
able to tell [Simon] how I felt and
was so glad that America responded
was so glad that America responded
that way.
Things were looking pretty good
Things were looking pretty good
for the contestant after making the
final 12. She breezed through early
final 12. She breezed through early
rounds singing songs by Stevie Wonder
(“Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”),
(“Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”),
Dinah Washington (“I Don’t Hurt Anymore”)
and gospel’s Mary Mary (“Shackles”) –
and gospel’s Mary Mary (“Shackles”) –
all genre-friendly offerings for the power-singer.
But last week’s country-themed show brought
problems, according to the judges and
fan bloggers, who, for the most part,
thought her song choice was a mistake.
“I love that song and, and I sing
“I love that song and, and I sing
background for Shania and just
fell in love with her,” she said of her
fell in love with her,” she said of her
decision to belt Twain’s “Any Man of
Mine.” “I just thought this is a fun song
Mine.” “I just thought this is a fun song
and what I wanted to do after the
week before was show my personality,
week before was show my personality,
be that joyful, bubbly [girl and] have
a good time on the stage. I thought
a good time on the stage. I thought
that song did that.”
When asked whether themed-weeks
When asked whether themed-weeks
are biased against contestants whose
voice favors a different music genre, she
voice favors a different music genre, she
says: “I recognize that ‘American
Idol’ is a TV show first, and in order to
Idol’ is a TV show first, and in order to
have an interesting TV show you’re
going to have to do different genres. In
going to have to do different genres. In
the end, I don’t think that it
plays a role into the kind of record that
plays a role into the kind of record that
the winner will make but it makes
for a good TV show.”
Meanwhile, fans of “Idol” have
for a good TV show.”
Meanwhile, fans of “Idol” have
certainly taken notice of Mandisa’s
sense of style since beginning her
sense of style since beginning her
run in Chicago. The singer says she’s
lost about 30 pounds over the course
lost about 30 pounds over the course
of the series, telling reporters: “I
exercise, eat healthy and try not
exercise, eat healthy and try not
to let food dictate my life."
“My style changed a lot,” adds
“My style changed a lot,” adds
the Sacramento, CA native. “I think
in the very beginning I was wearing
lots of loose fitting clothes thinking
I was hiding something. I wasn’t hiding
nothing and so I realized that I just have
to be more comfortable with who I was.
People knew I had curves and
I shouldn’t have been scared
I shouldn’t have been scared
to show them.”
In addition to “singing, acting
and modeling” as possible post-“Idol”
career options, Mandisa says she’d
career options, Mandisa says she’d
also like to launch a clothing line for
plus size women.
“I used to think that there was
plus size women.
“I used to think that there was
not a lot of clothing for plus size
women that really wanted to look
women that really wanted to look
hip and cool and also look very classy
at the same time, so I’m recognizing
now after being on the show that there
are,” she says. “I would just love to
are,” she says. “I would just love to
be able to pull a bunch of different
things together and show there is a line
things together and show there is a line
of clothes that can accentuate any
body form.”
While “American Idol” fame will
body form.”
While “American Idol” fame will
likely facilitate the accomplishment
of her goals, sudden notoriety is also
of her goals, sudden notoriety is also
bringing extra media attention to her
every move. Mandisa is “really upset”
every move. Mandisa is “really upset”
that an interview she did with
gay-themed magazine The Advocate
gay-themed magazine The Advocate
may have inadvertently suggested that
she would not participate in events in
support of the gay community.
"Based on what I believe, I'm
"Based on what I believe, I'm
not an advocate for (being gay), so
it's nothing I would take part in," she
it's nothing I would take part in," she
told the magazine’s Web site.
The question followed comments
The question followed comments
the outspoken Christian initially made
on "American Idol’s" Web site praising
on "American Idol’s" Web site praising
author and speaker Beth Moore of
Living Proof Ministries. Moore's
Living Proof Ministries. Moore's
Web site has links to groups such as
Exodus International that discourage
homosexuality.
"It broke my heart," Mandisa
"It broke my heart," Mandisa
tells the Associated Press of
speculation that her comments made
speculation that her comments made
her anti-gay. "I live my life by the
value system that you treat others the
value system that you treat others the
way you want to be treated. I let
love be my guide. I absolutely hate
love be my guide. I absolutely hate
no one."
Mandisa says her views "could
have contributed" to her elimination
last week. But the singer is instead
last week. But the singer is instead
choosing to look forward to the world
of possibilities suddenly at her feet.
“There’s, a lot of different
of possibilities suddenly at her feet.
“There’s, a lot of different
options,” she notes. “In fact, I can’t
wait to hear all about [them]. Ultimately,
wait to hear all about [them]. Ultimately,
though, I’m going to have to get with the
Lord and say okay which route should
I take? You’ve not seen the last of me.”
BOBBY’S SIS SAYS WHITNEY HAS
BOBBY’S SIS SAYS WHITNEY HAS
LESBIAN AFFAIRS: Tina Brown tells
‘Enquirer’ she’s walked in on her
encounters ‘several times.’
*Rumors of Whitney Houston being
*Rumors of Whitney Houston being
on the D.L. date back almost 20
years, when folks swore that she was
years, when folks swore that she was
creeping with her “best friend” Robyn
Crawford.
There was also that infamous
Crawford.
There was also that infamous
urban legend that Houston was involved
in a love triangle with actresses Jodie
in a love triangle with actresses Jodie
Foster and Kelly McGillis while the
latter two filmed the 1988 movie
latter two filmed the 1988 movie
“The Accused.”
The rumors were put on the back
The rumors were put on the back
burner once Bobby Brown placed a ring
on her finger in July 1992. But Brown’s
on her finger in July 1992. But Brown’s
sister Tina has just turned up the
heat on that burner, with new allegations
heat on that burner, with new allegations
that Whitney engages in lesbian
sex while she’s high on drugs.
Earlier this month, Tina told
sex while she’s high on drugs.
Earlier this month, Tina told
the National Enquirer of Whitney’s
dangerous crack addiction, and
dangerous crack addiction, and
provided pictures of the singer’s bathroom
filled with crack pipes, rolling papers,
filled with crack pipes, rolling papers,
cocaine-caked spoons and other
tools to support her addiction. This
tools to support her addiction. This
week, Tina tells the Enquirer that it’s
common knowledge among Whitney’s
common knowledge among Whitney’s
family members, and even her husband
Bobby, that she has engaged in
sexual affairs with women.
"It's no secret. I've seen her
"It's no secret. I've seen her
with a woman a couple of times,” Tina
tells the tabloid. “They were walking
tells the tabloid. “They were walking
around without shirts on when I came
in the house."
Whitney, 42, was also described
in the house."
Whitney, 42, was also described
by Tina as a sex fiend, who locks
herself away for days with sex toys,
herself away for days with sex toys,
in addition to her drug paraphernalia.
Tina fears that her sister-in-law is
Tina fears that her sister-in-law is
just “one fix away from killing
herself.”
herself.”
JUDGE MABLEAN EXIT DUE TO
MONEY, HAIR ISSUES: Fox
demanded that hairstyle and salary
stay the same.
*At a press conference last week
*At a press conference last week
to explain her reasons for leaving
the syndicated Fox Television series
the syndicated Fox Television series
“Divorce Court,” Judge Mablean Ephriam
said the syndicator was unwilling to
said the syndicator was unwilling to
pay her as much as the other TV judges,
and had the nerve to demand that her
and had the nerve to demand that her
hairdo not change for the entire
season.
“There will be no changes in the
season.
“There will be no changes in the
current hairstyle to avoid time
consuming issues regarding her hair,”
consuming issues regarding her hair,”
Fox was said to have stated during its
negotiations – a demand Ephriam
negotiations – a demand Ephriam
found to be very offensive and racially
insensitive.
Here were her words at the
insensitive.
Here were her words at the
press conference:
“The requirement also comes
“The requirement also comes
very close to a violation, if it does not
in fact violate, the Fair Employment
in fact violate, the Fair Employment
Practices Act. An employer cannot
demand one to wear a particular
demand one to wear a particular
hairstyle unless it directly affects or
impacts the employee’s ability to
impacts the employee’s ability to
perform his or her employment duties.
My hairstyle does not meet this criteria,
it is, however, a racial and ethnic issue.
“Suddenly, after seven years of a
“Suddenly, after seven years of a
show that has run neck- in- neck
with the other top rated court shows,
with the other top rated court shows,
why is my hair an issue. Why, I ask?
Because of my ethnicity – African
Because of my ethnicity – African
American, Black, Negro, whatever term
you prefer to use. Because of my genetics
(short, curly, hair) which requires
the use of chemicals and/or a hot
the use of chemicals and/or a hot
\pressing comb to straighten and curlers to
style. It cannot be styled by a wash,
style. It cannot be styled by a wash,
blow dry and set. Therefore, in
Fox’s opinion, it is a time
Fox’s opinion, it is a time
consuming issue.
“I wore a short hairstyle which
“I wore a short hairstyle which
was my own hair. Due to a
misapplication of a chemical process,
misapplication of a chemical process,
I lost a substantial amount of hair in
season six. Out of my desire to
season six. Out of my desire to
maintain continuity, and the image I had
created (for the last five years), I elected
created (for the last five years), I elected
to wear a wig last year. Had
Fox asked me to maintain a short
Fox asked me to maintain a short
hairstyle for continuity and for image, it
would have been a different issue. But
would have been a different issue. But
they are saying I must continue to
wear the wig because that would expedite
wear the wig because that would expedite
the hair styling process. However,
my hair has now grown. I had not yet
my hair has now grown. I had not yet
decided what hairstyle I would wear
for season eight. If I were to accept
for season eight. If I were to accept
their demands, I would have been
unable to make that decision.”
Ephriam also said the salary
unable to make that decision.”
Ephriam also said the salary
Fox offered her for season eight was
substantially less than all of the
substantially less than all of the
other court show judges.
“Though I made several offers
of reduction from my initial demand,
in an effort to reach a settlement,
in an effort to reach a settlement,
Fox remained firm in its ‘low-ball
offer’ and finally, its ‘take-or-
offer’ and finally, its ‘take-or-
leave it offer’ which contained a very
small increase from its initial
small increase from its initial
position, coupled with some other
unreasonable demands,” she said.
unreasonable demands,” she said.
“Fox took the position that in order to
receive this small increase (which
receive this small increase (which
was still unequal); there would be
‘significant production changes.’”
Among them:
• Tape seven shows per day (sometimes
‘significant production changes.’”
Among them:
• Tape seven shows per day (sometimes
eight), instead of six. “I indicated
I could not do this effectively and
I could not do this effectively and
produce quality shows,” she explains.
• No vacation time during tape schedule.
• No vacation time during tape schedule.
She notes: “My national church
convocation in November is the only
convocation in November is the only
vacation I take during tape season.
Will I now not be allowed to observe
Will I now not be allowed to observe
my religious practice? This was
non-negotiable for me. I believe
non-negotiable for me. I believe
this infringes on my freedom of religious
belief? The other times-off from
belief? The other times-off from
taping were promotional appearances
… at the request of civic groups, schools,
churches, women groups, and non-profit
organizations such as the Tom Joyner
organizations such as the Tom Joyner
Foundation Fantastic Voyage, which
benefits Historically Black Colleges
benefits Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCU’s).
Ephraim continued: “There were
Ephraim continued: “There were
several other issues related to the
tape schedule and taping itself which
tape schedule and taping itself which
were unfair to the staff and crew of
‘Divorce Court,’ as well as me. For
‘Divorce Court,’ as well as me. For
instance, ‘we no longer will be able to
pay for the holiday luncheon’ stated
pay for the holiday luncheon’ stated
Fox. ‘Divorce Court’ has one catered
meal the entire season, the Christmas
meal the entire season, the Christmas
holiday luncheon, before hiatus. This
would be cut out if I were to be paid
would be cut out if I were to be paid
the small increase. This would not be
fair to the staff and crew.
“Not only have I been impacted but
fair to the staff and crew.
“Not only have I been impacted but
my personal assistant Princess and
my daughter, Darlene Allen. Darlene
my daughter, Darlene Allen. Darlene
was head of the wardrobe department.
She too now has been terminated.”
In closing, Ephraim thanks Fox
In closing, Ephraim thanks Fox
“for the last seven years, for the
opportunity, for the exposure. I also
opportunity, for the exposure. I also
thank Fox for refusing to pay me what
I know I was worth. It set me free
I know I was worth. It set me free
to ascend to higher ground. To go
beyond before. I firmly believe that
beyond before. I firmly believe that
God has a better plan for my life.”
LIL’ KIM’S LATEST LETTER FROM
PRISON: Rapper shouts out her new
cellmates; one offers her stiletto heel
fashioned out of Jolly Ranchers.
*Lil’ Kim has written her third letter
*Lil’ Kim has written her third letter
to fans from a federal detention center
in Philadelphia, where she is currently
serving a 366-day sentence on perjury
charges.
“A lot of people have been asking
“A lot of people have been asking
how Philly has been treating me,”
she begins. “Well, I am good! It's
she begins. “Well, I am good! It's
been all love since I got here. Philly
has been holding me down, and
has been holding me down, and
representing real hard!”
The Brooklyn-born rapper, who
The Brooklyn-born rapper, who
began serving her sentence last Sept.
19, said the inmates – particularly her
19, said the inmates – particularly her
new homies Tee Tee, Brina, Shavee,
Sky, Shay, S.Dot, GiGi, Martinez,
Sky, Shay, S.Dot, GiGi, Martinez,
and Meagan – helped celebrate the
Sept. 27 arrival of her album “The
Naked Truth” by throwing her a
surprise album release party.
“They were sneaking around
“They were sneaking around
for weeks planning without me having a
clue,” she writes. “We were reading
clue,” she writes. “We were reading
the newspaper when we found out that I
would be nominated for a Vibe Award
would be nominated for a Vibe Award
and an American Music Award. The girls
were more excited than I was. They
were more excited than I was. They
celebrated by cooking me meals. It felt
like Thanksgiving! The food was good
like Thanksgiving! The food was good
as sh*t. They made me a cake out of
Oreo cookies, popcorn, caramel and
Oreo cookies, popcorn, caramel and
trail mix. Triple Layer!”
She adds: “The icing on the cake
She adds: “The icing on the cake
though was Martinez making me a
stiletto out of Watermelon Jolly Ranchers.
stiletto out of Watermelon Jolly Ranchers.
Unbelievable! It was sooo cute.
I've never seen anything like it in my life.
“Then, at the end of the party, they
I've never seen anything like it in my life.
“Then, at the end of the party, they
presented me with a Vibe Award
and an American Music Award because
and an American Music Award because
they said, ‘I was already the winner in
their books.’ That was definitely a Carl
their books.’ That was definitely a Carl
Thomas emotional moment, one of the
sweetest things anyone has done for me.
sweetest things anyone has done for me.
They are my dogs because that's some
real sh*t. The women here are
real sh*t. The women here are
amazingly creative. I would definitely say
some of the most creative people are
some of the most creative people are
in prison.”
On the night of her album release,
On the night of her album release,
the inmates banged on the windows
and yelled “Put Ya Lighters Up” to the
and yelled “Put Ya Lighters Up” to the
fans gathered outside in support of
the rapper.
“Hundreds of people came out to
the rapper.
“Hundreds of people came out to
the jailhouse and put their lighters
up for me,” writes Kim. “Philly is
up for me,” writes Kim. “Philly is
definitely the city of Brotherly Love.”
B.I.G. DEATH STILL MATTERS TO
B.I.G. DEATH STILL MATTERS TO
L.A. COUNCILMAN: Plus, NYPD’s
‘hip hop cop’ includes investigation in
new tell-all.
*A city councilman in Los Angeles
*A city councilman in Los Angeles
proposed Friday to put up a $50,000
public reward for any information leading
public reward for any information leading
to an arrest in the unsolved murder
of rapper Notorious B.I.G.
Councilman Dennis Zine wants the
Councilman Dennis Zine wants the
offer to stand for 60 days in hopes
that cold hard cash will inspire
that cold hard cash will inspire
witnesses to start talking.
"I am hopeful someone will come
"I am hopeful someone will come
forward with information which will
lead to the eventual apprehension of
lead to the eventual apprehension of
the murderers involved in this case,"
Zine said in a statement.
Zine's motion is currently under
Zine said in a statement.
Zine's motion is currently under
review by a council committee. A
1997 measure offering a $25,000
1997 measure offering a $25,000
reward expired after several months.
Biggie, born Christopher Wallace,
Biggie, born Christopher Wallace,
was shot and killed March 9, 1997,
after a party at the Petersen Automotive
after a party at the Petersen Automotive
Museum in Los Angeles. As previously
reported, a fresh team of police detectives
was recently assigned to the case.
Meanwhile, a former narcotics
Meanwhile, a former narcotics
detective for the New York Police
Department has written a new tell-all
Department has written a new tell-all
book about his 20 years on the force,
which has included investigations of
which has included investigations of
the murders of B.I.G.
"Notorious C.O.P.," due in July,
"Notorious C.O.P.," due in July,
was written with former New York
Post music critic Matt Diehl and also
Post music critic Matt Diehl and also
includes his look into the murders of
Tupac Shakur and Jam Master Jay,
Tupac Shakur and Jam Master Jay,
as well as the ongoing Busta Rhymes
and Lil' Kim matters.
In 2001, the force assigned Parker
In 2001, the force assigned Parker
to create "the Binder," a McCarthy
era-like database detailing criminal
era-like database detailing criminal
associations and arrests of hundreds
of rappers - including Sean Combs, 50
Cent and Jay-Z. When the Binder was
leaked, Parker writes, "To the
leaked, Parker writes, "To the
American Civil Liberties Union, I was
suddenly public enemy number one."
The author, who is African
suddenly public enemy number one."
The author, who is African
American, says rappers were
better off under his beat.
"The cultural ignorance of my
"The cultural ignorance of my
fellow officers made them assume that
all rappers were evil criminals," he
all rappers were evil criminals," he
said, adding that the Rudy Giuliani
administration made them a target
administration made them a target
because they tended to be "young,
black, rich and angry."
CHAPPELLE VISITS D.C. ALMA
MATER: Grammy Foundation adopts
Duke Ellington School of the Arts;
‘Chappelle Day’ declared in
Nation’s Capitol.
*The Duke Ellington School of the
*The Duke Ellington School of the
Arts alumnus and comedian Dave
Chappelle stopped by his alma mater last
Chappelle stopped by his alma mater last
Monday and offered encouragement to
students attending a school assembly.
Chappelle was in town to perform
students attending a school assembly.
Chappelle was in town to perform
for a sold-out benefit at the Kennedy
Center on April 3, which raised
approximately $300,000
to support school
operations.
"The experience of attending Duke
"The experience of attending Duke
Ellington had a profoundly positive
effect on my life and my work," said
effect on my life and my work," said
Chappelle. "I hope to help ensure that
they continue to have the resources
they continue to have the resources
needed to enrich the lives of young
people in Washington."
During the school assembly, the
people in Washington."
During the school assembly, the
Grammy Foundation announced the
selection of the Duke Ellington School
selection of the Duke Ellington School
of the Arts as a Grammy Signature
Schools Enterprise Award winner for
Schools Enterprise Award winner for
2006 -- one of only two schools to
receive the honor. David Sears, senior
receive the honor. David Sears, senior
director of education programs at the
Grammy Foundation, presented a
Grammy Foundation, presented a
$15,000 grant to the Ellington School.
Presented by 7 UP, the Grammy
Presented by 7 UP, the Grammy
Signature Schools program was created
in 1998 to recognize top U.S. public
in 1998 to recognize top U.S. public
high schools that are making an
outstanding commitment to music
outstanding commitment to music
education during an academic
school year.
In addition to Chappelle, the school
In addition to Chappelle, the school
boasts a number of famous alumni
who are supporters of the school,
who are supporters of the school,
including mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves,
gospel recording artist William Becton,
gospel recording artist William Becton,
singer-songwriter Me'shell
Ndegeocello, and actor Clifton Powell.
In recognition of Chappelle's talent
Ndegeocello, and actor Clifton Powell.
In recognition of Chappelle's talent
and contributions to the Ellington School,
D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams declared
April 3, 2006, "Dave Chappelle Day."
LIL WAYNE SUED BY FORMER
MANAGER: Woman claims she’s
owed over $500,000 in back
commissions.
*New Orleans rapper Lil’ Wayne
*New Orleans rapper Lil’ Wayne
was hit with a $500,000 lawsuit filed
in Miami Wednesday by his former
in Miami Wednesday by his former
manager.
According to the Miami Herald,
According to the Miami Herald,
White Tides Entertainment president
Melissa Philipian claims that the
Melissa Philipian claims that the
Cash Money Records artist fired her last
December because he was dissatisfied
December because he was dissatisfied
with the quality of a hotel room she
had booked for him.
As a result, the 23-year-old M.C.
had booked for him.
As a result, the 23-year-old M.C.
refused to pay $500,000 in back
commissions, according to Philipian's
commissions, according to Philipian's
lawyer Richard Wolfe, who added that
Lil Wayne also owes White Tides
Lil Wayne also owes White Tides
15 percent of his earnings over the next
two years under a three-year contract
signed in June 2005.
"We're probably looking at
"We're probably looking at
damages in excess of $1 million," Wolfe
told the Miami Herald. "Sometimes
told the Miami Herald. "Sometimes
artists make it big, and they want to
forget about the people who helped
forget about the people who helped
them get there."
According to the lawsuit, Lil
According to the lawsuit, Lil
Wayne's contract with White Tides only
allows him to terminate the agreement
allows him to terminate the agreement
in writing after one year of service
for specified contract breaches. Wolfe
for specified contract breaches. Wolfe
noted that the quality of a hotel
room does not qualify as a reason to
room does not qualify as a reason to
end the contract, so Lil Wayne is
liable to pay White Tides for the
liable to pay White Tides for the
next two years.
The company booked at least
The company booked at least
21 concerts for Wayne, arranged product
and publicity deals and organized
and publicity deals and organized
guest performances on other artists'
videos and albums, the Herald reports.
videos and albums, the Herald reports.
‘KIMINEM’ SEPARATION COMES
WITH DRAMA: Kim says rapper is
still on drugs; Eminem denies it, adds,
‘wedding doesn’t fix underlying problems.’
*It didn’t take long for things
*It didn’t take long for things
between Eminem and his
on-and-off-and-on again wife
on-and-off-and-on again wife
Kimberly Mathers to settle into
an old, familiar pattern.
After last week’s announcement
After last week’s announcement
that he has filed for divorce from his
childhood sweetheart for a second time,
childhood sweetheart for a second time,
Kim went on a radio station and said
their split occurred because the rapper
their split occurred because the rapper
is still hooked on drugs.
"He's having problems with, you
"He's having problems with, you
know, his problem that he had," she
told Detroit radio show Mojo in the
told Detroit radio show Mojo in the
Morning, likely referring to the
sleeping-pill addiction for which
sleeping-pill addiction for which
Eminem sought treatment last summer.
"Right after he came home from his
"Right after he came home from his
rehab, we started to have a few problems,
and I thought it was going to be in
and I thought it was going to be in
our best interest to delay the wedding.
But he really pushed it and I thought
But he really pushed it and I thought
it was really going to be something
that worked this time."
Kim said she hadn’t spoken
that worked this time."
Kim said she hadn’t spoken
to Eminem in six weeks, but was still
shocked to receive divorce papers
shocked to receive divorce papers
on Wednesday (April 6).
"I don't really necessarily want
"I don't really necessarily want
to get divorced,” she said. “I was
hoping he was going to come home
hoping he was going to come home
and say, 'I got us a counselor, let's go.’”
“It was really quite a shock to me. It's
“It was really quite a shock to me. It's
in his best interest that he does
return to rehab, but yeah that's one of
return to rehab, but yeah that's one of
the main problems. He's not been
honest and he left a month and a
honest and he left a month and a
half ago."
Kim, who has had her own
Kim, who has had her own
missteps with drug addictions, says
she has been clean for two years.
Hours after her radio interview, Eminem,
born Marshall Mathers, responded
with the following statement:
"The details surrounding both
"The details surrounding both
my marriage and subsequent filing for
divorce are private, and I had hoped to
divorce are private, and I had hoped to
keep them that way for the sake of
my family," it read. "A few of Kim's
my family," it read. "A few of Kim's
statements in a radio interview need to
be addressed. First, her allegations
be addressed. First, her allegations
regarding my status post-rehab are both
untrue and unfortunate. Second, she
untrue and unfortunate. Second, she
was aware that I was filing for divorce.
We both tried to give our marriage
We both tried to give our marriage
another chance and quickly realized that
a wedding doesn't fix the underlying
a wedding doesn't fix the underlying
problems."
Eminem’s grandmother even jumped
Eminem’s grandmother even jumped
into the situation. Commenting on
her grandson’s sudden second marriage
her grandson’s sudden second marriage
to Kim, Betty Kresin said during her
call to Detroit’s Drew & Mike radio
call to Detroit’s Drew & Mike radio
show: "I told him from the beginning it
would not work. I'm glad he came to his
would not work. I'm glad he came to his
senses early. Marshall I'm sure gave
it 200 percent, where Kim probably
it 200 percent, where Kim probably
gave it 1 percent."
Eminem and Kim remarried in
Eminem and Kim remarried in
January. Their first marriage lasted from
1999 to 2001 and produced a daughter,
1999 to 2001 and produced a daughter,
Hailie Jade, who is now 10. Kim says
Hailie found out about their divorce
Hailie found out about their divorce
while listening to the radio.
COSBY BOOKED TO SPEAK AT
XAVIER: Show follows two nixed gigs
in Cincinnati following 2002 race riots.
*Bill Cosby will speak at Xavier
*Bill Cosby will speak at Xavier
University in Cincinnati Thursday
on the topics of parenting, education
on the topics of parenting, education
and social responsibility following
the cancellation of two scheduled
the cancellation of two scheduled
appearances in 2002 following race riots.
The 68-year-old entertainer is in the
The 68-year-old entertainer is in the
midst of a nationwide tour,
titled “A Call Out With Cosby.” Xavier
titled “A Call Out With Cosby.” Xavier
will be the tour’s 19th stop, reports
the Associated Press.
"He seemed to have quite an insight
the Associated Press.
"He seemed to have quite an insight
on the challenges that we face in
Cincinnati," said former Mayor Dwight
Cincinnati," said former Mayor Dwight
Tillery, president of the Center for
Closing the Health Gap in Greater
Closing the Health Gap in Greater
Cincinnati, one of the program's sponsors.
In 2001, rioting broke out in the
In 2001, rioting broke out in the
city after an unarmed black man was
shot and killed by a white police officer
shot and killed by a white police officer
trying to make an arrest. Cosby
cancelled his appearance the following
cancelled his appearance the following
year after activists called for a
boycott of the city and sent letters to
boycott of the city and sent letters to
entertainers, asking them to stay
away until local politicians agreed to
away until local politicians agreed to
pay more attention to police, racial
and economic issues in the city.
Cosby's publicist, Joel Brokaw,
and economic issues in the city.
Cosby's publicist, Joel Brokaw,
said Cosby wasn't supporting the
boycott, but "felt it was both inappropriate
boycott, but "felt it was both inappropriate
and insensitive to come into Cincinnati
and do comedy when there
were so many serious issues."
MUSIC BITS: Bow Wow/Ciara breakup;
Jay-Z/Beyonce dress up; Prince rocks
Europe; B.G. on Atlantic; Bishop Morton
Europe; B.G. on Atlantic; Bishop Morton
album; D.Child’s DVD; Starr’s
Ariana.
*It’s over for Bow Wow and
Ariana.
*It’s over for Bow Wow and
Ciara. After nearly a year of dating, the
young lovers have announced a joint
young lovers have announced a joint
desire to move on. "Ciara and I have
parted ways," Bow Wow said in a
parted ways," Bow Wow said in a
statement. "I wish her all the best."
The news follows reports last week that
Bow Wow was hanging out with a stripper
in L.A. A rep for Ciara, 20, says "Ciara
in L.A. A rep for Ciara, 20, says "Ciara
and Bow Wow have been broken up for
a while, but their parting was amicable."
*Lovebirds Jay-Z and Beyonce
a while, but their parting was amicable."
*Lovebirds Jay-Z and Beyonce
Knowles ranked second on In Touch
magazine’s list of best dressed celebrity
magazine’s list of best dressed celebrity
couples. Ryan Phillippe and Reese
Witherspoon topped the list, while Eva
Witherspoon topped the list, while Eva
Longoria and Tony Parker placed 10th.
Here’s 3 through 9: Ryan Gosling &
Here’s 3 through 9: Ryan Gosling &
Rachel McAdams (3); Charlize Theron
and Stuart Townsend (4);Gwen Stefani and
Gavin Rossdale (5); David and Victoria
Beckham (6); Heath Ledger and Michelle
Beckham (6); Heath Ledger and Michelle
Williams (7); Hilary Duff and Joel Madden
(8) and Jennifer Connelly and Paul
Bettany (9).
*Prince’s first Universal Records
*Prince’s first Universal Records
release, “3121,” took over the No.
1 spot on Billboard's European Top
1 spot on Billboard's European Top
100 Albums chart last week, giving the
legendary artist his highest charting
legendary artist his highest charting
international album of the decade.
Prince's overseas accomplishment was
Prince's overseas accomplishment was
buoyed by“3121's” regional chart-surge
throughout Europe, including holding
throughout Europe, including holding
down the No. 1 slot in Switzerland, and
a No. 4 debut in Germany. All 12 songs
a No. 4 debut in Germany. All 12 songs
on “3121” have been put into A-List
rotation on the BBC's Radio 2 in the
rotation on the BBC's Radio 2 in the
UK. Prince's previous album, 2004's
Grammy nominated “Musicology,”
Grammy nominated “Musicology,”
peaked at No. 3 on the European
Top Albums chart.
*Rapper B.G. signed a multi-album
*Rapper B.G. signed a multi-album
deal Wednesday with Atlantic Records,
reports Allhiphop.com, ending months
of speculation over where he would
eventually end up. Under the
pact, Atlantic will distribute the
artist’s Chopper City record label.
artist’s Chopper City record label.
B.G. is currently in the studio working
on his next album, which will be executive
on his next album, which will be executive
produced by rapper T.I. and due
for release in the fall.
*Bishop Paul S. Morton, pastor
for release in the fall.
*Bishop Paul S. Morton, pastor
of New Orleans-based Greater St.
Stephens Full Gospel Church, will
Stephens Full Gospel Church, will
record his first post-Hurricane Katrina
album on May 26 at Mt. Zion Baptist
album on May 26 at Mt. Zion Baptist
Church in Nashville, TN, with Kurt Carr
tapped as a producer. The concert album,
tapped as a producer. The concert album,
from the Artemis Gospel label, will
pay tribute to the New Orleans and Gulf
pay tribute to the New Orleans and Gulf
Coast area and include many special
guest appearances. Under Bishop
guest appearances. Under Bishop
Morton's leadership, Greater St. Stephen
has recently become "One Church In
has recently become "One Church In
Two States," hosting four services weekly
in New Orleans and two services
in New Orleans and two services
weekly in Atlanta.
*Destiny's Child’s "Live
*Destiny's Child’s "Live
In Atlanta" DVD was the nation's
best-selling music DVD last week
best-selling music DVD last week
following its No. 1 debut. Filmed last
year during the group's farewell tour, the
disc captures group members Beyonce
Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle
Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle
Williams performing their hits "Say My
Name," "Bootylicious," "Soldier"
Name," "Bootylicious," "Soldier"
(featuring T.I. and Lil' Wayne) and much
more. Bonus features include: a video
more. Bonus features include: a video
scrapbook, "Destiny's Child - A Family
Affair"; fan testimonials including favorite
Affair"; fan testimonials including favorite
song and favorite costumes; a preview
teaser of Rowland's upcoming
sophomore album; and the
"Dreamgirls" movie and
soundtrack trailer.
*Maurice Starr, creator of New
*Maurice Starr, creator of New
Kids On The Block and New Edition,
has announced his newest prodigy,
has announced his newest prodigy,
16-year-old singer/songwriter Ariana
Stewart (a.k.a., “The One and Only
Stewart (a.k.a., “The One and Only
ARI.”) She is currently working on
collaborations with hip hop group Lords
collaborations with hip hop group Lords
of the Underground, and co-producing
additional tracks with Akon’s Konvict
additional tracks with Akon’s Konvict
Muzic.
FILM/TV BITS: Fishburne’s ‘Walls’;
MoJam’s ‘Laundry’; Mackie’s ‘Marshall’;
Trice on ‘CSI’; Spielberg’s ‘Lot’; Steffans
Trice on ‘CSI’; Spielberg’s ‘Lot’; Steffans
on ‘Oprah’; TV One grows; BET’s
‘Tiger’; Brangie’s Namibian
‘Tiger’; Brangie’s Namibian
newborn?; ‘Kietta’ on tap.
*Tony Award-winning actor
*Tony Award-winning actor
Laurence Fishburne will appear as an
inspirational teacher in the new drama
inspirational teacher in the new drama
"Without Walls" at the Center Theatre
Group's Mark Taper Forum (135 N.
Group's Mark Taper Forum (135 N.
Grand Ave., Los Angeles) from June 1
through July 16. Opening is set for June
through July 16. Opening is set for June
11. Fishburne will portray the role
of Morocco, an idealistic and popular
of Morocco, an idealistic and popular
drama teacher at a non-traditional
high school in Manhattan, circa 1977.
high school in Manhattan, circa 1977.
Morocco has great skill in bringing
out the best in his students, and he
out the best in his students, and he
cares deeply about them, perhaps too
deeply as eventually revealed in this
deeply as eventually revealed in this
sensitive drama about both the power
and the fragility of the student/mentor
and the fragility of the student/mentor
relationship. Tickets are available
by calling (213) 628-2772, online at
by calling (213) 628-2772, online at
www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or at the
Center Theatre Group box office at
Center Theatre Group box office at
the Music Center.
*Loretta Devine, Rockmond
*Loretta Devine, Rockmond
Dunbar, Sommore, Terri J. Vaughn
and Jenifer Lewis star in the MoJam
Entertainment film “Dirty Laundry,” which
began production in New York and
began production in New York and
Atlanta last month. The film, written and
directed by actor Maurice Jamal, follows
directed by actor Maurice Jamal, follows
Patrick, a black gay man who has
carved out the perfect life for himself
carved out the perfect life for himself
in San Francisco – until one day, a
boy knocks on his door claiming to
boy knocks on his door claiming to
be his son. As Patrick sets off to
discover the truth, the audience
discover the truth, the audience
discovers the many secrets that
make up his "perfect life."
*Actor Anthony Mackie has been
*Actor Anthony Mackie has been
cast in the upcoming Warner Bros.
drama "We Are Marshall," reports
drama "We Are Marshall," reports
Karu Daniels of Black Voices. Set in
Huntington, West Virginia, the film is
Huntington, West Virginia, the film is
based on the true story of a small
town's efforts to rebuild after the
town's efforts to rebuild after the
devastating effects of a tragic plane
crash. Matthew McConaughey, Matthew
crash. Matthew McConaughey, Matthew
Fox, David Strathairn and Kate Mara
co-star in the film, to be directed by
co-star in the film, to be directed by
McG (“Charlie's Angels”). Mackie,
a New Orleans native is a Julliard
graduate who was most recently seen
in “Freedomland.” Other credits include
“Million Dollar Baby,” “The Manchurian
Candidate,” “8 Mile” and “She Hate Me.”
*Rapper Obie Trice borrows clips
Candidate,” “8 Mile” and “She Hate Me.”
*Rapper Obie Trice borrows clips
from his appearance on Thursday’s
episode of “CSI: Crime Scene
episode of “CSI: Crime Scene
Investigation” for a music video
to his new single, “Snitch.” According
to Allhiphop.com, the April 13 episode,
titled “Poppin’ Tags,” follows three teens
who are murdered while promoting a
rapper’s new album. The investigation
rapper’s new album. The investigation
leads to rival rappers Jessie "Dollar"
Cleveland (Page Kennedy), Hi-Def
Cleveland (Page Kennedy), Hi-Def
(Travis Barker) and "Drops" (Method
Man). Trice’s video is slated to debut
exclusively on CBS.com starting
Friday, April 14.
*Steven Spielberg and Mark
*Steven Spielberg and Mark
Burnett have teamed for a new reality
show that searches for the next great
film director. “On the Lot,” to premiere
early next year on Fox, will feature
early next year on Fox, will feature
16 aspiring filmmakers competing for
the big prize: a development deal
the big prize: a development deal
with Spielberg’s DreamWorks.
*Author Karrine “Superhead”
*Author Karrine “Superhead”
Steffans will appear on today’s
“Oprah Winfrey Show” to talk about
her stories of abuse and sexcapades
with celebrities outlined in her tell-all
book, “Confessions of a Video Vixen.”
Singer Pink will also be interviewed
Singer Pink will also be interviewed
about her latest single “Stupid Girls,”
which questions the validity of such
which questions the validity of such
pop culture icons as Paris Hilton,
Jessica Simpson and the Olsen twins.
*TV One has added nearly four
Jessica Simpson and the Olsen twins.
*TV One has added nearly four
million new subscriber households so
far in 2006, growing from 24.6 million
far in 2006, growing from 24.6 million
in January 2006 to 28.4 million in
April 2006, according to Nielsen
April 2006, according to Nielsen
Media Research. "TV One is now
available to cable customers in 44
of the top 50 and 53 of the top 60 African
American markets," said TV One Executive
Vice President of Affiliate Sales and
Marketing Brad Samuels. "We so appreciate
Marketing Brad Samuels. "We so appreciate
the strong, broad-based support TV
One continues to receive from the
One continues to receive from the
affiliate community and their customers.
We've received tremendous response
We've received tremendous response
to TV One from viewers, and we're
enjoying great success with our local
enjoying great success with our local
ad sales and marketing efforts to help
our affiliates reach out to an underserved
our affiliates reach out to an underserved
audience and achieve their growth
goals."
*BET will premiere a new half-
goals."
*BET will premiere a new half-
hour series that follows the Grambling
State University football team and
State University football team and
marching band. “Season of the Tiger,”
premiering 9:30 p.m. April 27, chronicles
premiering 9:30 p.m. April 27, chronicles
some of the players and musicians
on the respective squads, and explores
on the respective squads, and explores
their challenges en route to game day
each week.
*Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
each week.
*Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
may have their baby in Namibia,
Africa. Jolie, due to pop in “late
Africa. Jolie, due to pop in “late
spring,” is laid up at a secluded
Namibian beach resort with beau Pitt
Namibian beach resort with beau Pitt
and their adopted kids, Maddox and
Zahara, prompting speculation their
Zahara, prompting speculation their
baby will be born in the African
country. They’ve rented all 14 rooms
country. They’ve rented all 14 rooms
and suites at the Burning Shores
resort, a luxury boutique hotel on
resort, a luxury boutique hotel on
Long Beach north of Walvis Bay and
near the famous dunes of the Namibian
desert. A private security firm and local
police officials have set up shop around
police officials have set up shop around
the area and threatened to snatch
any cameras within eyesight,
any cameras within eyesight,
Namibian media reported Friday.
*“Real Talk With Kietta,” an
*“Real Talk With Kietta,” an
issues based, adult-oriented program
discussing such topics as surviving
discussing such topics as surviving
cancer, teens at risk and men on the
"down low," earned rave reviews from
"down low," earned rave reviews from
audience members of NBC’s “The Tonight
Show With Jay Leno” during his “Sold/
Show With Jay Leno” during his “Sold/
Not Sold” segment. Well received at
the 2006 NATPE Convention, “Real
the 2006 NATPE Convention, “Real
Talk” has received multiple network bids.
An official network and show schedule
An official network and show schedule
announcement is forthcoming. Hostess
Kietta Mayweather-Gamble, a Florida
Kietta Mayweather-Gamble, a Florida
A&M graduate, has a Bachelor's Degree
in Business Economics and Master's
Degree in Business and Administration of
Educational Programs from Nova University.
Educational Programs from Nova University.
SPORTS BITS: Ali still punching; fight
disrupts Mayweather/Judah bout.
*Muhammad Ali is featured in an
*Muhammad Ali is featured in an
in-depth article for the March-April
issue of Neurology Now, an American
issue of Neurology Now, an American
Academy of Neurology magazine for
patients, their families and caregivers.
patients, their families and caregivers.
Although the former boxing champ
suffers from Parkinson’s disease, he
suffers from Parkinson’s disease, he
still exercises regularly at the gym in
his Berrien Springs, Mich home, punches
his Berrien Springs, Mich home, punches
a heavy bag and sometimes spars
playfully in a boxing ring. His daughter
playfully in a boxing ring. His daughter
Rasheda said that he loves magic
tricks and that he amuses his grandchildren
tricks and that he amuses his grandchildren
by drawing pictures for them.
His wife, Lonnie, recently took him to
His wife, Lonnie, recently took him to
see the latest "King Kong" film,
noting, he "just loved it. ... He ate all
noting, he "just loved it. ... He ate all
my popcorn and we just had a
wonderful time." She adds that he
wonderful time." She adds that he
hasn't driven a car in 15 years and "he's
no longer the type to pick up the phone
no longer the type to pick up the phone
and call friends the way he used to,
but we converse. Don't get me wrong,
but we converse. Don't get me wrong,
it's not like he's sitting there
espousing rhetoric, but his words still
espousing rhetoric, but his words still
carry impact, they're still very
important. You absolutely can understand
important. You absolutely can understand
what he wants, what he says, what
he's thinking."
*The fight in the ring between
he's thinking."
*The fight in the ring between
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Zab Judah on
Saturday turned out to be the undercard
Saturday turned out to be the undercard
for more dramatic fist-a-cuffs that
jumped off between the camps of the
jumped off between the camps of the
two boxers during the bout. It all
started in the 10th round, when Judah
started in the 10th round, when Judah
hit Mayweather with two illegal shots.
Mayweather’s uncle and trainer, Roger
Mayweather’s uncle and trainer, Roger
Mayweather, jumped into the ring to
protest and rushed Judah, as well as
protest and rushed Judah, as well as
his corner men. Soon, both corners were
fighting each other for about five minutes
fighting each other for about five minutes
before the melee was broken up by
police officers and security guards. The
police officers and security guards. The
fight resumed as Roger Mayweather
was tossed out of the Thomas and
was tossed out of the Thomas and
Mack Center. His nephew, meanwhile,
beat Judah and took his IBF welterweight
title in a unanimous 12-round decision.
Judah’s promoter, Don King, is now
Judah’s promoter, Don King, is now
calling for a disqualification of
Mayweather, stating: “The fighter had
Mayweather, stating: “The fighter had
a third man in the ring. No matter how
you look at it, the fighter is disqualified."
you look at it, the fighter is disqualified."
After the fight, the purses
were suspended by Skip Avensino,
were suspended by Skip Avensino,
the chairman of the Nevada State Athletic
Commission, until videotape of the
Commission, until videotape of the
skirmish could be reviewed.
EVENT CALENDAR: Black Book Expo
in D.C.; Morehouse wins ‘All-Star
Challenge’; ‘Entertainment Seminar’
Challenge’; ‘Entertainment Seminar’
in North Hollywood.
*The African American Pavilion
*The African American Pavilion
at Book Expo America will be featured
May 19-21 at the Washington Convention
May 19-21 at the Washington Convention
Center in Washington D.C. Special
guest speakers will include George C.
guest speakers will include George C.
Fraser, Pat Schroeder, W. Paul Coates,
Haki Madhubuti, Terrie Williams, Bill Cox,
Haki Madhubuti, Terrie Williams, Bill Cox,
Ken Smikle, Faye Childs and
others. A reception and awards program
others. A reception and awards program
will take place on May 20, 3 p.m. to
5 p.m. For further information on the
5 p.m. For further information on the
African American Pavilion and Book
Expo America please visit:
Expo America please visit:
won the 17th Annual Honda Campus
All-Star Challenge (HCASC), held in
All-Star Challenge (HCASC), held in
Orlando, Fla., March 30 through April 2.
More than 320 students from 64 Historically
More than 320 students from 64 Historically
Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs) across the country competed
(HBCUs) across the country competed
in the annual tournament, which boasts
competition among the best and brightest
competition among the best and brightest
students from the nation's HBCUs.
Morehouse received a $50,000 grant as
Morehouse received a $50,000 grant as
the winning team. The runner-up, North
Carolina Central University, took home
Carolina Central University, took home
a $25,000 grant. The remaining 62
teams earned grants ranging from $3,000
teams earned grants ranging from $3,000
to $15,000. Through the program,
more than $300,000 in institutional grants
more than $300,000 in institutional grants
are awarded annually to
participating schools.
*Another Bright Idea Entertainment
participating schools.
*Another Bright Idea Entertainment
presents “The Entertainment
Seminar,” a series that brings together
Seminar,” a series that brings together
seasoned television and film
industry professionals and creative talents
industry professionals and creative talents
on May 2 at The Leonard H.
Goldenson Theatre at The Academy of
Goldenson Theatre at The Academy of
Television Arts & Sciences in North
Hollywood (5220 Lankershim Blvd).
Hollywood (5220 Lankershim Blvd).
Confirmed panelists include Cedric "The
Entertainer," talent manager Marcus King,
Entertainer," talent manager Marcus King,
sitcom writer/producer Jill
Condon, moderator Chris Spencer; music
Condon, moderator Chris Spencer; music
director and producer Rickey Minor,
reality show writer and producer Greg
reality show writer and producer Greg
Shelton, producer and casting director
Russell Gray and executive producer Stu
Russell Gray and executive producer Stu
Schreiberg. Registration information
is available at www.entertainmentseminar.com,
is available at www.entertainmentseminar.com,
with the first 50 registrants
receiving discounted admission. Regular
receiving discounted admission. Regular
admission is $50 for students (with
Student ID), and $75 for general admission.
Student ID), and $75 for general admission.
VIP registration is $160.
DETROIT 911 OPERATORS UNDER
FIRE: Woman dies after 5-year-old son’s
call to 911 not taken seriously.
*A 911 dispatcher in Detroit is
*A 911 dispatcher in Detroit is
under investigation after refusing to
take a 5-year-old seriously when he
take a 5-year-old seriously when he
called about his dying mother. The
Detroit Police Department promised a
Detroit Police Department promised a
thorough investigation Friday after the
transcripts of the call made national
transcripts of the call made national
news last week.
Robert Turner, now 6, called 911
Robert Turner, now 6, called 911
twice on Feb. 20 after his mother
collapsed in her bedroom. The recording
collapsed in her bedroom. The recording
indicates his pleas were written off
by operators as a prank. Robert's
by operators as a prank. Robert's
mother, 46-year-old Sherrill Turner, died
of complications from an enlarged heart.
Relatives of Sherrill Turner, who
of complications from an enlarged heart.
Relatives of Sherrill Turner, who
had 10 children, called for the
immediate firing of the operator or
immediate firing of the operator or
operators involved and demanded that
dispatchers be trained to handle calls
dispatchers be trained to handle calls
from young children more effectively.
"From now on, when a child calls
"From now on, when a child calls
911, they need to follow up, no
questions asked," one of Robert's older
questions asked," one of Robert's older
sisters, Anitra Turner, told the
Detroit Free Press.
Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-
Detroit Free Press.
Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-
Cummings released a statement Friday
urging the public not to rush to judgment,
urging the public not to rush to judgment,
saying residents "can be assured
that our department is meticulously
that our department is meticulously
examining every aspect of what
occurred."
Robert, who was alone with his
occurred."
Robert, who was alone with his
mother, first called 911 about 5:59
p.m. An operator told him to bring
p.m. An operator told him to bring
an adult to the phone. Robert told the
operator he couldn't. The exchange,
operator he couldn't. The exchange,
according to the transcript, is as
follows:
Dispatcher: "Emergency 911, what's the problem?"
Robert: "My mom has passed out. ..."
Dispatcher: "Where's Mr. Turner at?..."
Robert: "Right here."
Dispatcher: "Let me talk to him."
Robert: "She's not gonna ... she's not gonna talk."
Dispatcher: "OK, well I'm going to send the
follows:
Dispatcher: "Emergency 911, what's the problem?"
Robert: "My mom has passed out. ..."
Dispatcher: "Where's Mr. Turner at?..."
Robert: "Right here."
Dispatcher: "Let me talk to him."
Robert: "She's not gonna ... she's not gonna talk."
Dispatcher: "OK, well I'm going to send the
police to your house and find
out what's going on with you. ..."
According to the Detroit Free Press,
out what's going on with you. ..."
According to the Detroit Free Press,
the police never arrived. At
9:02 p.m., Robert called back.
Robert: "My mom has passed out. ..."
Dispatcher: "Where's the grown-ups at?"
Robert: (Inaudible)
Dispatcher: "Let me speak to her before I
9:02 p.m., Robert called back.
Robert: "My mom has passed out. ..."
Dispatcher: "Where's the grown-ups at?"
Robert: (Inaudible)
Dispatcher: "Let me speak to her before I
send the police over there."
Robert: "She's not gonna talk. ..."
Dispatcher: "Now put her on the phone
Robert: "She's not gonna talk. ..."
Dispatcher: "Now put her on the phone
before I send the police out there to
knock on the door and you going to
knock on the door and you going to
be in trouble."
Robert: "Ugh." (Hangs up.)
Robert later told the Free Press
Robert: "Ugh." (Hangs up.)
Robert later told the Free Press
that he was scared and hung up the
phone. One of the boy's older sisters,
phone. One of the boy's older sisters,
Delaina Patterson, who lives in Novi,
said police arrived at the home after
said police arrived at the home after
9 p.m.
"From what I understand they
"From what I understand they
were dispatched to a call about a child
playing on the phone," Patterson
playing on the phone," Patterson
said. Robert's mother was found dead. It
was not clear at what point she died
was not clear at what point she died
or whether she was alive when Robert
made the first call.
Union local president Kimberly
made the first call.
Union local president Kimberly
Harris is supporting one of the
operators involved, and explains that
operators involved, and explains that
more than 25% of calls that 911
operators receive are pranks.
"Every call, you have somebody's
operators receive are pranks.
"Every call, you have somebody's
life in your hands," said Harris, a
911 operator who leads the American
911 operator who leads the American
Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees Local 1023. "If I
Municipal Employees Local 1023. "If I
had an emergency, I would want her to
be on the other end of the line. I will
be on the other end of the line. I will
swear to that."
Detroit City Councilwoman Barbara-
Detroit City Councilwoman Barbara-
Rose Collins told the Detroit Free
Press that the council has not had many
Press that the council has not had many
complaints about the city’s 911
system, but she described this incident
system, but she described this incident
as gross negligence, stating, "It's
not up to her to decide if it's a
not up to her to decide if it's a
prank or not."
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
-- by Jewel Diamond Taylor
"Sometimes you could find yourself
so structured, paralyzed and operating on
automatic pilot, that you realize you're
automatic pilot, that you realize you're
not living. Or you can find
yourself fantasizing wishing you were
yourself fantasizing wishing you were
somewhere else or dwelling too much
about past pain. Been there --- done that ---
about past pain. Been there --- done that ---
had to tell myself, "Snap out
of it and COME BACK."
The present moment is filled with joy
of it and COME BACK."
The present moment is filled with joy
and happiness. Wish for yourself and
everyone around you happiness and
everyone around you happiness and
health. Chose to be alive in this moment.
Take a deep breath. Talk to yourself
Take a deep breath. Talk to yourself
in a confident, reassuring and positive
way.
It's necessary to work with all the
way.
It's necessary to work with all the
messy and delightful parts of yourself.
It takes courage and faith to not run
It takes courage and faith to not run
away from your self. Place your feet
firmly in this present moment and yet
firmly in this present moment and yet
still have hope, dreams, goals and a
plan for the future you desire.
Whether you are suffering from past
plan for the future you desire.
Whether you are suffering from past
choices or circumstances out of your
control, know that you can make it
control, know that you can make it
through this. Learn to motivate yourself.
Have the courage to live, learn, laugh
Have the courage to live, learn, laugh
and let go of any thought, habit or
person that is harmful to your well
person that is harmful to your well
being.
The thoughts you think, the words you
The thoughts you think, the words you
speak , the prayers you pray and the
actions you take have power to create.
actions you take have power to create.
They shape your world and create your
destiny. Mind the gap between reality and
destiny. Mind the gap between reality and
illusion --- between faith and
fear --- between action and procrastination ---
fear --- between action and procrastination ---
between adventure and
stagnation --- between hate and love ---
stagnation --- between hate and love ---
between anger and peace --- between
forgiveness and bitterness --- between
forgiveness and bitterness --- between
despair and hope --- and the gap
between you and your next opportunity
between you and your next opportunity
to grow."
~ by Jewel Diamond Taylor
April 12 - Radio guest 102.3 FM KJLH
~ by Jewel Diamond Taylor
April 12 - Radio guest 102.3 FM KJLH
Frontpage 4:30 AM - 6 AM with Dominique
DiPrima April 14 - Atlanta School
DiPrima April 14 - Atlanta School
District Education Conference April 15 -
Wome n on the Grow - Los Angeles
Wome n on the Grow - Los Angeles
April 20 - L. A. Dept of Public Works -
Admin Professionals Day April 22 -
Admin Professionals Day April 22 -
Sacramento - St. Jude Christian
Tabernacle Prayer Breakfast April 29 -
Tabernacle Prayer Breakfast April 29 -
Maryland - Sisters4Sisters Ladies Tea
May 6 - Balitmore, MD - The Joy of
May 6 - Balitmore, MD - The Joy of
Living Women's Pavilion, for tickets go
to www.thejoyofliving.biz May 14 - Los
to www.thejoyofliving.biz May 14 - Los
Angeles - Hamilton Methodist Church -
Morning Service Guest Speaker May 20 -
Morning Service Guest Speaker May 20 -
Women-CEO Network's presents Sisters
Suite Retreat at the Wyndham Buttes
Suite Retreat at the Wyndham Buttes
Resort www.women-ceo.com May 27 -
New Philadelphia AME Church Women's
Conference Breakfast Keynote Read on...
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
April 10: Singer Bobbie Smith of
The Spinners is 70. Reggae artist
Bunny Wailer is 59. Singer-producer
Bunny Wailer is 59. Singer-producer
Babyface is 48. Rapper Afrika Bambaataa
is 46. Comedian Orlando Jones is 38.
is 46. Comedian Orlando Jones is 38.
Singer Kenny Lattimore is 36. Blues
singer Shemekia Copeland is 27.
singer Shemekia Copeland is 27.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Just 4 Jesus Music Ministries (J4J)
is dedicated to spreading
inspirational and positive music to the
inspirational and positive music to the
public. Music formats featured are:
Contemporary Gospel, R&B, Jazz
Contemporary Gospel, R&B, Jazz
and Hip-Hop. (http:// www.J4Jmusic.com)
Submit your favorite Web site to
Submit your favorite Web site to
us along with a 15-20 word (or less)
description to info@eurweb.com.
description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Apr. 10, 1968: U.S. Congress passes
Civil Rights Bill banning racial
discrimination in sale or rental of
discrimination in sale or rental of
approximately 80 percent of the nation's
housing. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
housing. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
=======================================
EUR FEEDBACK (MYfeedback@eurweb.com)
*Tramel Woodard, Concerned Citizen,
United States, Founder, Black Folk Network:
"It's bad enough that the original 'The Ten
Commandments' movie starring Charlton Heston
as Moses incorrectly depicted the Egyptians
as white, but now television conglomerate
ABC has allowed yet another movie to be
made, depicting Moses as white, as well
as the Egyptian Pharaoh as white.
Many people claim that skin color
does not matter. If this is true, then why
insist on representing people of color in
the North African region incorrectly?
In a time when the media has
misrepresented everything from 9/11 to
Hurricane Katrina to the Iraq war, the
release of this movie is very symbolic
of the United States media and its
imperialistic views. Egyptians are
of Afrikan descent, and continue
to be portrayed as European.
Please sign this petition if you are
tired of the media representing people
of all colors incorrectly and without
regard to the truth. The buck really
needs to stop here, but
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