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05-05-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
(May 5, 2006)
VING RHAMES ON A 'MISSION'
Actor talks about returning to the
lucrative franchise, and why the
third time is a charm.
*There's a new movie that arrives
*There's a new movie that arrives
in theaters today - you may have
heard of it. It's called "Mission:
heard of it. It's called "Mission:
Impossible III?"
Its star Tom Cruise has been
Its star Tom Cruise has been
in a few different countries promoting
it? Its premiere at the Tribeca Film
it? Its premiere at the Tribeca Film
Festival this week was the focus of a
half-hour TV special on NBC, and even
half-hour TV special on NBC, and even
MTV and BET devoted programming
to the opening.
Perhaps smothered by all of the
Perhaps smothered by all of the
attention surrounding Wednesday's
four premiere events in New York's
four premiere events in New York's
Times Square, Tribeca, Harlem and
Midtown Manhattan - not to mention
the rage surrounding TomKat and their
new baby - is the film's story. Is it
actually worth all of the garish promotion?
"The beauty of this one for me,
"The beauty of this one for me,
in coming back, is the script," notes
Ving Rhames, who returns to the
Ving Rhames, who returns to the
franchise for the third time as computer
expert Luther Strickell. In "M:iIII,"
expert Luther Strickell. In "M:iIII,"
Strickell is called to duty by his old
friend, super spy Ethan Hunt (Tom
friend, super spy Ethan Hunt (Tom
Cruise) to help handle a wicked
arms dealer played by Oscar
winner Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Rhames says this film
Rhames says this film
is superior to the first two "Mission:
Impossible" outings because "it's more
Impossible" outings because "it's more
similar to the television series, you
have the 'Mission: Impossible' team,
have the 'Mission: Impossible' team,
and the importance of each team
member." He adds: "I also think
member." He adds: "I also think
because you have Tom and you have
a love interest with his character - the
scenes where he's in danger also his
loved one is in danger, his family is
in danger - if something happens
to him,what happens to them? So
I think adding those elements with
all of the high octane action puts
this a level or two bove 'Mission'
I and II."
Writer-director J.J. Abrams, the
Writer-director J.J. Abrams, the
mastermind behind TV's "Alias" and
"Lost," sits in the director's chair this
"Lost," sits in the director's chair this
time around, while Cruise also
served as the film's executive producer.
served as the film's executive producer.
Both filmmakers have an acting
background and could have approached
background and could have approached
the set expecting actors to bow down
and obey their vision of the film. But that
and obey their vision of the film. But that
wasn't the case, says Rhames.
"What I love about Tom as an
"What I love about Tom as an
executive producer, and even with J.J.,
to me we work as actors in what I call
to me we work as actors in what I call
a structured freedom," Rhames
explains during interviews for the film.
explains during interviews for the film.
"We have freedom to do things and
move within certain parameters, and
move within certain parameters, and
I think part of that is because J.J. as
an actor, and Tom as an executive
an actor, and Tom as an executive
producer/actor understands that
sometimes actors do things
action/reaction. Having that
kind of freedom, I think, just
adds a fluidity to the piece."
Whether or not the film can
adds a fluidity to the piece."
Whether or not the film can
live up to its hype remains to be seen.
But one thing's for certain, notes Rhames:
But one thing's for certain, notes Rhames:
"It was a chance to have some fun
and make a good deal of money."
and make a good deal of money."
BRITISH AIRWAYS PUTS SNOOP
IN THE DOG HOUSE: Airline wants
no parts of rapper after incident at
Heathrow.
*British Airways has decided that
*British Airways has decided that
Snoop Dogg may never step foot on
one of its airplanes ever again following
one of its airplanes ever again following
his part in an alleged brawl at London’s
Heathrow Airport.
Authorities say that economy
Authorities say that economy
ticket holders in Snoop’s crew tried
to force their way into British Airways’
exclusive first class lounge. An
ensuring scuffle with police tumbled
ensuring scuffle with police tumbled
into a duty free shop, where items were
knocked down and bottles were thrown,
knocked down and bottles were thrown,
police say. Seven police officers were
reportedly injured in the incident.
The rapper and four members
reportedly injured in the incident.
The rapper and four members
of his entourage were arrested for
“violent disorder and affray.” They
“violent disorder and affray.” They
were released, but ordered to return
later this month for further questioning.
In the meantime, British Airways
later this month for further questioning.
In the meantime, British Airways
has hit the Long Beach star and his
crew with a lifetime ban.
"This kind of behavior is not tolerated,”
crew with a lifetime ban.
"This kind of behavior is not tolerated,”
said a spokesman for the airline. “We
are making sure none of this group will
be allowed to travel with BA ever again.
They are banned from now on."
WILL SMITH’S HOLLYWOOD
SHUFFLE: Studios scramble to
organize his production schedules;
plus ‘Fresh Prince Season 4’
coming to DVD.
*Will Smith has three movies
*Will Smith has three movies
due for release in the next few years,
the first being Sony’s “The Pursuit
the first being Sony’s “The Pursuit
of Happyness” in December. But trying
to schedule time to shoot the other
two for Warner Bros has been quite
a challenge.
According to Variety, the actor is
According to Variety, the actor is
looking to begin work this summer
on the Francis Lawrence-directed film
on the Francis Lawrence-directed film
“I Am Legend” for Warner Bros., a
project that was supposed to start
project that was supposed to start
production early next year. Meanwhile,
Smith’s superhero-in-crisis film, “Tonight
Smith’s superhero-in-crisis film, “Tonight
He Comes,” was originally slated
to begin production this summer,
to begin production this summer,
but will now switch places with
“I Am Legend” and begin filming
early next year.
Why the swap? Two words:
Why the swap? Two words:
Gabriele Muccino. He directed Smith
in Sony’s “The Pursuit of Happyness”
and just signed on last week to helm
“Tonight He Comes” for Warner
“Tonight He Comes” for Warner
Bros as well.
As previously reported, Muccino
As previously reported, Muccino
took over the project from director
Jonathan Mostow, who dropped out
Jonathan Mostow, who dropped out
earlier this year. Because Muccino will be
tied up in post-production on “Happyness”
tied up in post-production on “Happyness”
over the summer, Smith opted to
move their project to 2007 and begin
move their project to 2007 and begin
shooting “Legend” with Francis Lawrence
this summer.
"Legend" is a post-apocalyptic
this summer.
"Legend" is a post-apocalyptic
film starring Smith as the last
healthy man battling blood-sucking
healthy man battling blood-sucking
mutants in New York.
In less confusing Will Smith news,
In less confusing Will Smith news,
the fourth season of NBC’s “The
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” will be released
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” will be released
on Aug. 8 from Warner Home Video.
The four-disc set includes all 26 of
The four-disc set includes all 26 of
the season’s episodes, which
focus on Will and Carlton (Alfonso
focus on Will and Carlton (Alfonso
Ribeiro) as college students at the
University of Los Angeles. Season four
University of Los Angeles. Season four
includes guest stars Boys II Men,
Hugh Hefner, Ben Vereen, Pam Grier,
Hugh Hefner, Ben Vereen, Pam Grier,
Michael Rapaport, Robert Guillaume,
Donald Trump, Marla Maples, Dick
Donald Trump, Marla Maples, Dick
Clark, Tyra Banks and several others.
OPEN HOUSE FOR OPRAH, JAMIE
FOSTER BROWN: Women offer tours
of private residences in separate media
outlets.
*Next week offers two new chances
*Next week offers two new chances
to see how the other half lives.
Oprah Winfrey invites readers into her
Oprah Winfrey invites readers into her
brand new Hawaiian farmhouse in the
May 9 issue of O at Home, and Sister
May 9 issue of O at Home, and Sister
2 Sister magazine editor Jamie Foster
Brown shows off her Maryland farm in
Brown shows off her Maryland farm in
the Sunday, May 7th episode of HGTV’s
"If Walls Could Talk.”
Oprah’s white two-story
"If Walls Could Talk.”
Oprah’s white two-story
farmhouse features multiple French
doors, offers sweeping views of the Pacific
Ocean and has first and second floor
porches, one of the talk show host’s
porches, one of the talk show host’s
favorite features. Items from her other
homes fill the rooms, which are accented
homes fill the rooms, which are accented
by Beauvais carpets, 18th century
furniture, ornate curtains from India,
furniture, ornate curtains from India,
French pottery, and a painting of
"The Waterboy," the home’s centerpiece.
"The Waterboy," the home’s centerpiece.
In an unexpected turn, one of the
walls in the house is decorated with
walls in the house is decorated with
old board games.
"It's a window onto what's most
"It's a window onto what's most
comfortable and familiar to me,"
Oprah says of her digs, "a place
Oprah says of her digs, "a place
to gather myself, away from the
stresses of the world."
Winfrey says her Hawaii pad is
Winfrey says her Hawaii pad is
where she goes to relax and get away
from the grind of her talk show.
"I love summer. Few things bring
from the grind of her talk show.
"I love summer. Few things bring
me greater joy than gathering with
friends on my front porch, laughing till
friends on my front porch, laughing till
our sides ache, then watching the
blue skies above melt into a delicious
blue skies above melt into a delicious
golden peach sunset," she says.
Meanwhile, celebrity journalist
Meanwhile, celebrity journalist
Jamie Foster Brown gazes at sunsets
from her Maryland farm, which she
from her Maryland farm, which she
has named Roselawn. Brown and her
husband Lorenzo will detail the history
of the property in a segment of “If Walls
Could Talk” entitled "Pieces of the Past."
Could Talk” entitled "Pieces of the Past."
The show airs at 11 p.m. on
HGTV.
HGTV.
BLONDIE’S DEBBIE HARRY HAS
LOVE FOR LIL’ KIM: Rock star writes
and records ode to Queen Bee.
*Rock legend Debbie Harry of
*Rock legend Debbie Harry of
Blondie pays tribute to jailed rapper
Lil’ Kim in her new track “Dirty n
Lil’ Kim in her new track “Dirty n
Deep,” which can be heard on her
MySpace page
or www.blondie.net.
Harry describes her ode as a
Harry describes her ode as a
“love song for Kim” and a “political
comment on the injustice of justice.”
comment on the injustice of justice.”
Kim was sentenced to 366 days in
prison for lying to a grand jury about
prison for lying to a grand jury about
a 2001 shooting outside of New
York’s Hot 97 radio station.
“So many of us love
“So many of us love
Lil' Kim and can't wait for her rebirth,
re-entry, for her to get out of prison,”
re-entry, for her to get out of prison,”
Harry said. “She shouldn't have
been sent in, in the first place.”
Harry says in the song: "Throw
been sent in, in the first place.”
Harry says in the song: "Throw
down your Sweet Sixteen/Lil’ Kim can
do it she could phone it in/She wants
do it she could phone it in/She wants
love and affection not the house of
corrections/She stands where she
corrections/She stands where she
stands it’s all in her hands." Debbie
adds, "…we are all dying to hear
your dirty rap again."
BHERC SCREENS FILM DEALING
WITH GANG VIOLENCE: ‘Dilemma’
highlights group’s ‘Fighting Back With
Film Media Project.’
*The Black Hollywood Education
*The Black Hollywood Education
and Resource Center (BHERC) presents
the world premiere of “Dilemma,” a film
the world premiere of “Dilemma,” a film
about the effects of gang violence
on a young teen in Los Angeles.
The movie serves as the showcase
on a young teen in Los Angeles.
The movie serves as the showcase
presentation at BHERC’s Fighting
Back with Film Media Project, an event
Back with Film Media Project, an event
founded in 2003 by activist Sandra
Evers-Manly to address issues of gang
Evers-Manly to address issues of gang
violence and intervention in our
community.
In 2004, BHERC staged
community.
In 2004, BHERC staged
a competition where five filmmakers
were granted $20,000 each to film
projects dealing with the impact
of gang violence in the form of a short or
documentary. “Dilemma,” the winning film,
follows 16-year-old Jemal, who is about
follows 16-year-old Jemal, who is about
to be released from a youth probation
camp just as the killer of his
sister checks in.
Written and directed by Alex
Written and directed by Alex
Munoza, the film screens in Los Angeles
May 12 at Raleigh Studios’ Chaplin
May 12 at Raleigh Studios’ Chaplin
Theater (650 Bronson Ave.) at 7 p.m.
Additionally, BHERC will host its
Additionally, BHERC will host its
2nd Annual Mother's Day Brunch on
May 14th, feeding approximately100
May 14th, feeding approximately100
women who have lost children to gang
violence. The event will be held at
violence. The event will be held at
Consolidated Realty, 3725 Don Felipe
Drive, Los Angeles. For additional
Drive, Los Angeles. For additional
information, call the BHERC at
310.284.3170 or visit the Web site
310.284.3170 or visit the Web site
at www.bherc.org.
VH1 STEPS UP HIP HOP PROGRAMMING:
More details given on upcoming reality
shows starring Ice T and Paul Wall.
*This fall, VH1 will introduce two
shows starring Ice T and Paul Wall.
*This fall, VH1 will introduce two
new reality series built around
hip hop artists.
As previously reported, Ice T
hip hop artists.
As previously reported, Ice T
will try and teach rich private school
kids how to rap, and Houston rapper
kids how to rap, and Houston rapper
Paul Wall will get his own unscripted
series to be produced by Pink Sneakers,
series to be produced by Pink Sneakers,
the production company behind VH1's
ratings winner, "Hogan Knows Best."
VH1 has ordered a pilot for the Paul
ratings winner, "Hogan Knows Best."
VH1 has ordered a pilot for the Paul
Wall series, which is likely to
follow some aspect of his business
follow some aspect of his business
hawking high-end grills for celebrity
teeth. Ice T’s show, titled “Ice-T’s Rap
teeth. Ice T’s show, titled “Ice-T’s Rap
School,” will feature the West
Coast O.G. schooling 7th and 8th graders
Coast O.G. schooling 7th and 8th graders
from New York City's exclusive York
Prep on Manhattan's Upper West Side.
After tension-filled auditions and
Prep on Manhattan's Upper West Side.
After tension-filled auditions and
recording sessions, the kids' skills
are put to the ultimate test in a
final exam: opening up for rap
pioneers Public Enemy at the
pioneers Public Enemy at the
acclaimed B.B. King's Club
in New York City.
Throughout the series, the kids
Throughout the series, the kids
are supposed to learn the art of
rhyming, timing, scratching and
rhyming, timing, scratching and
breakdancing, while their parents come
to understand that hip hop culture can be
a positive outlet for children to
express themselves.
express themselves.
DEAD PREZ DOCUMENTARY
HONORED: Atlanta Hip Hop Festival
gives props to film promoting social
awareness.
*"Dead Prez: It's Bigger Than
*"Dead Prez: It's Bigger Than
Hip-Hop," the new feature-length
concert film from rap group dead prez,
concert film from rap group dead prez,
was honored with the "Revolutionary
Spirit" Award at this year's Atlanta
Spirit" Award at this year's Atlanta
HipHop Film Festival (AHHFF) Awards
event held Sunday at the Carter
event held Sunday at the Carter
Center in Atlanta.
The award, which recognizes
The award, which recognizes
a film or artist for using hip hop to
promote social change, was presented
promote social change, was presented
following the premiere of the movie, a
Starz InBlack Original Production due
Starz InBlack Original Production due
to premiere on the network Friday,
June 9 at 10 p.m. As previously
June 9 at 10 p.m. As previously
reported, the film brings attention to the
inadequacies of the public education
inadequacies of the public education
system, minority entrepreneurship,
and social revolution.
"So many of our biggest stars
"So many of our biggest stars
seem to care more about materialism
than about the needs of our community,"
than about the needs of our community,"
said Kamel Jacot-Bell, owner of the
Bay Area-based Ankh Marketing who
Bay Area-based Ankh Marketing who
accepted the award on the group’s
behalf. "dead prez' music is a refreshing
alternative to what's on the airwaves
today in hip hop. They have more
today in hip hop. They have more
important items on their agenda.
They believe that 'music is a vehicle
for freedom.' It is their mission, they
have said, to provide 'a voice for
have said, to provide 'a voice for
the voiceless.' In fact, their agenda
perfectly reflects the name of their
perfectly reflects the name of their
film: 'Dead Prez: It's Bigger Than
Hip-Hop.'"
Now in its second year, the
Hip-Hop.'"
Now in its second year, the
Atlanta HipHop Film Festival showcased
35 independent films over three days.
The festival also featured informative
panels and workshops for established
panels and workshops for established
and aspiring members of the recording
arts and film industries.
Other AHHFF honorees this year
arts and film industries.
Other AHHFF honorees this year
included Lauryn Hill, LL Cool J,
Ice-T, and F. Gary Gray.
Ice-T, and F. Gary Gray.
MUSIC BITS: Bambino on La Familia;
Daz’s ‘Gangsta’; Starbucks sells Diana;
Janet’s ‘Weekend’; Rihanna rules; Diddy
Janet’s ‘Weekend’; Rihanna rules; Diddy
gushes.
*Def Jam’s new world music
*Def Jam’s new world music
imprint Roc La Familia has set June
20th for its first release, reggaeton
artist Hector “El Father” Bambino. The
album, entitled "Roc La Familia & Hector
album, entitled "Roc La Familia & Hector
Bambino 'El Father' Present Los
Rompe Discotekas," features guest
Rompe Discotekas," features guest
appearances from reggaeton artists
Don Omar, Wisin Y Yandel and Alexis
Y Fido, as well as rappers Fat Joe, Memphis
Bleek and Freeway, among others. The
Bleek and Freeway, among others. The
first single from the set will be "Here
We Go Yo." Def Jam launched the Roc
We Go Yo." Def Jam launched the Roc
La Familia imprint in July 2005 for
reggae, reggaeton, calypso and
reggae, reggaeton, calypso and
West Indian artists.
*Daz Dillinger’s first So So
*Daz Dillinger’s first So So
Def/Virgin album, “So So Gangsta,”
is due Aug. 1 with appearances from
Jagged Edge, Johnta Austin, his Dogg
Pound partner Kurupt and Rick Ross, as
well as production by Jermaine Dupri,
Scott Storch and No ID. The first single
is "On Some Real S***" featuring Rick
Ross. Daz’s next album with Tha Dogg
Ross. Daz’s next album with Tha Dogg
Pound and Snoop Dogg, "Cali Iz Active,"
is due June 27 via Doggy Style label/Koch.
is due June 27 via Doggy Style label/Koch.
The duo is currently touring with
Ice Cube through June. Meanwhile, the
Ice Cube through June. Meanwhile, the
Daz-directed documentary “My Summer
Vacation,” about street life in St. Louis,
Vacation,” about street life in St. Louis,
is due for release in 2007.
*“Blue,” a new album of standards
*“Blue,” a new album of standards
recorded by Diana Ross in 1971 and
1972, will be available exclusively at
1972, will be available exclusively at
Starbucks for five weeks before its
release to traditional outlets on June
release to traditional outlets on June
20. The Motown/UME set was originally
intended as a companion to the 1972
intended as a companion to the 1972
"Lady Sings the Blues" soundtrack, in
which Ross portrayed jazz legend Billie
which Ross portrayed jazz legend Billie
Holiday. However, Ross decided to
shelve the project and record the pop
shelve the project and record the pop
album "Touch Me in the Morning," which
reached No. 1 on the Billboard album
reached No. 1 on the Billboard album
chart. The master tapes from "Blue"
were only recently discovered in
were only recently discovered in
Motown's vault, according to
the label.
*Janet Jackson has folks
*Janet Jackson has folks
confused over a track playing on her
JanetJackson.com Web site entitled,
JanetJackson.com Web site entitled,
“Weekend.” The song, she tells visitors,
will not appear on her upcoming album
will not appear on her upcoming album
“20 Years Old.” In a written message,
she says the song is rather “my gift to
she says the song is rather “my gift to
you. I can’t wait for you to hear my
new single, ‘Call On Me,’ which goes
new single, ‘Call On Me,’ which goes
to radio June 19.” Janet also said she
will go on tour to promote the album.
*Rihanna takes over the top
will go on tour to promote the album.
*Rihanna takes over the top
spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with
“SOS,” which made a 33-slot leap to
“SOS,” which made a 33-slot leap to
No. 1 this week. Daniel Powter’s “Bad
Day,” the unofficial “American Idol” swan
Day,” the unofficial “American Idol” swan
song for ousted contestants, drops
to No. 2 after five weeks at the top.
to No. 2 after five weeks at the top.
Sean Paul’s "Temperature" drops 2-3,
Chamillionaire's "Ridin'" featuring Krayzie
Chamillionaire's "Ridin'" featuring Krayzie
Bone holds at No. 4 and T.I.'s
"What You Know" drops 3-5.
*Sean “Diddy” Combs is gushing
"What You Know" drops 3-5.
*Sean “Diddy” Combs is gushing
over his place on Time magazine’s 100
Most Influential People list. Honored
Most Influential People list. Honored
in the Builders & Titans section of
the tally, Diddy said in a statement:
the tally, Diddy said in a statement:
"I ain't going to lie. I feel like a kid that
just came home with a good report card.
I'm truly blessed." Time estimates Diddy’s
worth at $315 million.
FILM/TV BITS: ‘Rush Hour 3’; Whitaker
goes ‘Wild’; TV One’s 30 million; Oprah
on ‘The View’; Dog Whisperer sued;
Tracy Morgan DVD.
*“Rush Hour 3” will begin
*“Rush Hour 3” will begin
production this fall with returning
stars Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan,
announced New Line Films Thursday.
Brett Ratner will direct the latest installment
featuring Tucker and Chan as LAPD
detective James Carter and Chinese
detective James Carter and Chinese
Chief Inspector Lee. The storyline puts
them in Paris this time to battle a wing
them in Paris this time to battle a wing
of the Chinese organized crime
family, the Triads. With a screenplay
family, the Triads. With a screenplay
by Jeff Nathanson ("Catch Me If You
Can," "The Terminal"), the film is due
Can," "The Terminal"), the film is due
for release next year.
*Forest Whitaker and Benicio
*Forest Whitaker and Benicio
Del Toro are among the actors who
will lend voices to writer-director Spike
Jonze's film adaptation of the classic
children's book "Where the Wild Things
children's book "Where the Wild Things
Are." The Warner Bros. movie will mix
voice performances, live-action puppetry
voice performances, live-action puppetry
and computer animation to dramatize
the adventures of Max, a rebellious young
the adventures of Max, a rebellious young
boy who runs away from home after
a fight with his mother and finds
a fight with his mother and finds
himself in a forest where the
wild things roam.
*TV One has just surpassed the
*TV One has just surpassed the
30 million household subscriber mark,
according to the May Nielsen Media
according to the May Nielsen Media
Research universe estimates. The
entertainment and lifestyle network
entertainment and lifestyle network
for African American adults is now
available in more than 30.1 million
available in more than 30.1 million
U.S. households, making it one of the
fastest-growing new networks this
fastest-growing new networks this
decade. "With all of the focus on VOD,
broadband and other non-traditional
broadband and other non-traditional
services, it's rare for a linear network
to grow so quickly these days, but
to grow so quickly these days, but
our distributors have seen what we've
seen, that the adult African American
seen, that the adult African American
audience is one that has been
tremendously underserved,” said
tremendously underserved,” said
TV One Executive Vice President
of Affiliate Sales and Marketing
Brad Samuels.
*Oprah Winfrey is scheduled to
*Oprah Winfrey is scheduled to
visit the ladies of “The View” on May
12 to promote her ABC primetime
12 to promote her ABC primetime
special "Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball,"
due to air May 15 at 8 p.m. As previously
reported, the Legends Ball was held
as a tribute to African American women
as a tribute to African American women
and featured such invited guests as
Diana Ross, the late Coretta Scott King,
Diana Ross, the late Coretta Scott King,
Cicely Tyson, Alicia Keys and Tina Turner.
*Cesar Millan, better known as
*Cesar Millan, better known as
the Dog Whisperer, is being sued for
five million dollars by his former publicist
five million dollars by his former publicist
Makeda Smith of Jazzmyne Public
Relations and her partner, Foster Corder,
Relations and her partner, Foster Corder,
of Daughters 2 Feed Films. Both
black-owned operations say they
black-owned operations say they
conceived, produced and directed the
original pilot for his current National
original pilot for his current National
Geographic Channel series “The
Dog Whisperer” in 2001 with Tichina
Arnold and her pooch as the guest. The
lawsuit claims Millan abandoned Smith
lawsuit claims Millan abandoned Smith
and Corder, and went behind their back
to negotiate the terms of the show,
to negotiate the terms of the show,
“which is substantially similar to and
in violation of the copyright owned
in violation of the copyright owned
by Corder and Smith in the pilot,”
said a statement. The plaintiffs are
claiming copyright infringement,
breach of contract and breach
of confidential relationship.
*Tracy Morgan's debut comedy
*Tracy Morgan's debut comedy
DVD, “Life, Love & Lust,” will be
released on Tuesday (May 9) via
released on Tuesday (May 9) via
UrbanWorks Entertainment. The “Saturday
Night Live” vet’s standup act discusses
Night Live” vet’s standup act discusses
his views on sex as it relates to
dating, marriage and public displays
dating, marriage and public displays
of affection. The DVD includes a 100
minute bonus CD soundtrack featuring
minute bonus CD soundtrack featuring
every line from the performance.
EVENT CALENDAR: Teddy honored;
HSAN in Miami; Black Cowboy exhibit
in Memphis; Downing bowls in L.A.
*Legendary singer/songwriter
*Legendary singer/songwriter
Teddy Pendergrass will be honored by
the Urban League of Philadelphia at its
the Urban League of Philadelphia at its
4th Annual Song of Equality Gala for
using music to heal social ills, promote
using music to heal social ills, promote
unity and economically empower
individuals within the African-American
individuals within the African-American
community. The event will take place
Saturday, June 17 at 8:30 p.m. at the
Saturday, June 17 at 8:30 p.m. at the
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
(260 South Broad Street). Oscar and
(260 South Broad Street). Oscar and
Grammy Award-winner Peabo Bryson
will perform. Concert tickets are $36
each and will go on sale at the Kimmel
Center's Box Office (215.893.1999 or
Center's Box Office (215.893.1999 or
on May 15.
*The Hip Hop Summit Action
*The Hip Hop Summit Action
network (HSAN) brings its message
of financial empowerment to Florida
Memorial University’s A. Chester Robinson
Athletic Center, (15800 NW 42nd
Athletic Center, (15800 NW 42nd
Avenue, Miami Gardens) on Saturday,
May 20 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. This stop
of the "Get Your Money Right" National
Tour will feature Pitbull, Remy Ma, MC Lyte,
Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone and Wish.
HSAN Chairman Russell Simmons
HSAN Chairman Russell Simmons
and President/CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis
will also be on hand to discuss such
topics as the basics of banking, home
ownership, repairing bad credit and
ownership, repairing bad credit and
understanding credit scores,
entrepreneurship, vehicle financing and
entrepreneurship, vehicle financing and
more. The "Get Your Money Right"
tour includes stops in three additional
tour includes stops in three additional
cities: Sept. 16 in Atlanta, Sept.
30 in Los Angeles and Oct. 14
30 in Los Angeles and Oct. 14
in Dallas.
*The Children's Museum of
*The Children's Museum of
Memphis will feature the exhibit Joshua's
Journey: A Black Cowboy Rides the
Journey: A Black Cowboy Rides the
Chisholm Trail from May 27 through Sept.
24. The display focuses on a small slice
24. The display focuses on a small slice
of American history known as the
trail drive era, and introduces life on the
trail drive era, and introduces life on the
Chisholm Trail through the eyes
of Joshua Loper, a 16-year-old black
of Joshua Loper, a 16-year-old black
cowboy. Located at 2525 Central Avenue
in Memphis, Tennessee, the museum is
in Memphis, Tennessee, the museum is
open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.,
and Sunday, 12-5 .pm. Admission is $6
and Sunday, 12-5 .pm. Admission is $6
for children (1-12) and seniors (62+)
and $7 for adults. For more information,
and $7 for adults. For more information,
call 901-458-2678 or 901-320- 3170.
Visit us online at www.cmom.com for
Visit us online at www.cmom.com for
coupons and information.
*Grammy-nominated singer Will
*Grammy-nominated singer Will
Downing kicks off the "Strike Against
Stroke" charity fund-raiser in Los Angeles
Stroke" charity fund-raiser in Los Angeles
tomorrow (May 6) from 4 to 7 p.m.
at AMF Midtown Lanes (4645 Venice
at AMF Midtown Lanes (4645 Venice
Blvd., Los Angeles). The event, sponsored
by PacifiCare's African American
by PacifiCare's African American
Health Solutions, is designed to raise
much-needed funds for stroke research
much-needed funds for stroke research
and education among African Americans.
May is "American Stroke Month, and
May is "American Stroke Month, and
the American Stroke Association recently
launched its "The Power To End Stroke"
launched its "The Power To End Stroke"
campaign, which was created to
educate African Americans about
educate African Americans about
controlling their risk for stroke. Tickets
are $20/person and will be sold at the
are $20/person and will be sold at the
door. Admission includes unlimited
bowling, a bowling challenge with Will
bowling, a bowling challenge with Will
Downing, health information about
stroke prevention, autograph signings
stroke prevention, autograph signings
and free giveaways.
FAMILY OF ROSA PARKS OBJECT
TO WILL: Nieces and nephews attempt
to take over affairs of late civil rights figure.
*Relatives of civil rights pioneer
*Relatives of civil rights pioneer
Rosa Parks are upset over what
they believe is the misuse of her name
they believe is the misuse of her name
and image authorized by the people
Parks appointed to handle her affairs.
A dozen nieces and nephews
Parks appointed to handle her affairs.
A dozen nieces and nephews
of Parks filed an objection to her
will last Friday in hopes of gaining
control of her affairs.
"We still are very open to talk
"We still are very open to talk
settlement in this case, if for no
other reason than both sides have a
other reason than both sides have a
deep respect for Ms. Parks," Frederick
Toca Jr., an attorney for the family
Toca Jr., an attorney for the family
members, said Monday.
In the complaint filed Friday,
In the complaint filed Friday,
the family members allege that Parks'
longtime friend Elaine Steele, who
longtime friend Elaine Steele, who
handled her affairs, exerted undue
influence over Parks.
Parks was subjected to threats,
influence over Parks.
Parks was subjected to threats,
misrepresentations and coercion, the family
members allege in the complaint. Parks
members allege in the complaint. Parks
was suffering from a mental condition
that caused her to not understand her
that caused her to not understand her
estate and assets at the time the will
was dated in 1998, they say.
Parks' relatives, all sons
was dated in 1998, they say.
Parks' relatives, all sons
and daughters of Parks' brother,
Sylvester, have also complained that
Sylvester, have also complained that
the sale of extra copies of the
obituary programs from her funeral
obituary programs from her funeral
cheapened her name. But a former
attorney for Parks has said the proceeds
only covered costs, plus a small profit
that went to the Rosa & Raymond
Parks Institute for Self Development,
a Detroit-based organization founded
by Parks to teach young people
leadership and character development.
Parks' family members have
Parks' family members have
said they started legal proceedings
in December to protect her legacy.
They are fighting for control of the rights
to Parks' name, photos and other yet-
to Parks' name, photos and other yet-
to-be-determined intellectual property.
A pretrial conference is set for
A pretrial conference is set for
Monday before a probate judge.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
- by Jewel Diamond Taylor
Some days are easy and some days are hard.
Today you may feel like you have it all together.
Or you may feel like things are falling apart.
Life brings both unspeakable pain and
- by Jewel Diamond Taylor
Some days are easy and some days are hard.
Today you may feel like you have it all together.
Or you may feel like things are falling apart.
Life brings both unspeakable pain and
unspeakable joy. Life is full of
surprises, struggle, success and sadness.
surprises, struggle, success and sadness.
Some things you can't change. Some
things you can't control. Some things you
things you can't control. Some things you
can't avoid. Some things you can't
understand.
You may feel like your life is unraveling.
understand.
You may feel like your life is unraveling.
There will be things you have to
endure. Some things you can change. Some
endure. Some things you can change. Some
things you can avoid. Some things
you can start. Do the best you can with
you can start. Do the best you can with
what you have right where you are.
Learn ways to strengthen yourself mentally,
Learn ways to strengthen yourself mentally,
spiritually, physically, financially and emotionally.
Your breakthrough and change will happen. Don't
give up.
Stay in the Light
Jewel Diamond Taylor
Conference Keynote Speaker, Author, Radio/
give up.
Stay in the Light
Jewel Diamond Taylor
Conference Keynote Speaker, Author, Radio/
TV personality, Founder of Women
on the Grow
on the Grow
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
May 5: Singer Craig David is 25. Singer
May 5: Singer Craig David is 25. Singer
Chris Brown is 17.
May 6: Rapper MC Serch (Third Bass)
May 6: Rapper MC Serch (Third Bass)
is 38.
May 7: Singer Jimmy Ruffin is 67.
May 7: Singer Jimmy Ruffin is 67.
Singer Thelma Houston is 60. Singer
Eagle-Eye Cherry is 34.
Eagle-Eye Cherry is 34.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Entrepreneur/Motivator James
Thomas seeks to teach 1,000 men,
womenand youth how to start their own
business. For more info on the "Get
Motivated" Entrepreneurial Tour call
Motivated" Entrepreneurial Tour call
310-357-5462 or click on the
"Empowerment Radio" tab at
"Empowerment Radio" tab at
www.streamingfaith.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
May 5, 1969: Moneta Sleet
becomes the first African American
to wina Pulitzer Prize for his photograph
of Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. and her
daughter at her husband's funeral.
May 6, 1886: On May 6, 1886,
daughter at her husband's funeral.
May 6, 1886: On May 6, 1886,
inventor M.A. Cherry patented the
tricycle.
May 7, 1976: William H. Hastie
tricycle.
May 7, 1976: William H. Hastie
inaugurated as the first Black
governor of the Virgin Islands.
governor of the Virgin Islands.
(Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
=================================
EUR FEEDBACK (MYfeedback@eurweb.com)
*Nandi Wagner (no city given):
"Good Morning! I am writing in response
to MsWay's comment posted Wednesday,
May 3rd regarding Rosie O'Donnell joining
The View ... I personally think that Ms.
O'Donnell will be wonderful addition
to The View panel!
Rosie is passionate about the issues
she believes in and is not at all scared to
state her opinions or advocate for her
causes. It's no secret she's gay, but
I doubt very seriously she will use the
show to support the 'Gay Agenda'
everyone seems so worried about.
Ms. O'Donnell is a mother first and
an advocate for equality & family rights and
I think that makes her a needed asset on
the panel. I don't hear Mrs. Jones Reynolds
advocating anything else but plastic surgery,
her marriage of convenience, and lying to
the world about her gastric bypass procedure.
Star is vapid, superficial, and doesn't want
Rosie on the show because now Joy Behar
will have someone to help tell Mrs. Reynolds
about herself. I mean give me a break... Star's
intimidated and hopefully will be put in
her place and gain a little perspective!"
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