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(May 25, 2006)
JANET AND HER NEW WASHBORD
ABS GRACE ‘US WEEKLY’:
Singer affirms the weight
gain was for a role.
*Appearing next to the bold print
gain was for a role.
*Appearing next to the bold print
“How I Got Thin,” Janet Jackson
poses on the cover of next week’s
poses on the cover of next week’s
“Us Weekly” in a pink half-shirt that
exposes her fresh, new six-pack abs.
The famous Jackson sibling says
exposes her fresh, new six-pack abs.
The famous Jackson sibling says
she lost the 60 pounds she was asked
to pack on for a role in the upcoming
to pack on for a role in the upcoming
movie "Tennessee." Mariah Carey
eventually snagged the lead in that
eventually snagged the lead in that
film, but Janet was left holding the
excess pounds.
"They (the producers) wanted
excess pounds.
"They (the producers) wanted
to see me in a different light, as a
heavier woman," the 5-foot-4, 40-year-
heavier woman," the 5-foot-4, 40-year-
old singer, who weighed about 180
pounds at her heaviest, tells the
pounds at her heaviest, tells the
magazine in an issue on
newsstands Friday.
"The timing didn't quite work
"The timing didn't quite work
with trying to finish my album, and
unfortunately I wasn't able to do the
unfortunately I wasn't able to do the
film," she is quoted as saying. "So I
found myself having to take this weight
found myself having to take this weight
off a lot quicker than I had planned."
Jackson said she had a ball
Jackson said she had a ball
stuffing herself with whatever food
she wanted. She says her thought
process went a bit like: "'Ooh, that looks
good, give me that whole slice of cake!'
good, give me that whole slice of cake!'
That was the fun part," she says.
"(Eventually) I would look in the mirror
"(Eventually) I would look in the mirror
and I wouldn't recognize myself."
To get back in shape, Jackson
To get back in shape, Jackson
said she spent the last four months
eating "nice, balanced meals" and
eating "nice, balanced meals" and
working out with a trainer. Her longtime
boyfriend, music producer Jermaine
boyfriend, music producer Jermaine
Dupri, was a motivation.
"I've never had someone love me
"I've never had someone love me
for me, so unconditionally, the way
he does, regardless of my size," she
he does, regardless of my size," she
says. "He was never any different
toward me."
When asked about reaction to her
toward me."
When asked about reaction to her
plus-size body, Jackson says:
"People didn't treat me differently to
"People didn't treat me differently to
my face, but I'm sure they had their
whispers behind my back. But I didn't
whispers behind my back. But I didn't
feel bad about myself at all. It was
part of my job."
"I feel good," she adds. "It wasn't
part of my job."
"I feel good," she adds. "It wasn't
until I saw a picture of myself, just
recently, actually, that I thought,
'Wow, you really did lose a lot of
weight!' For now, it's just nice for me
weight!' For now, it's just nice for me
to get back down to where I feel
more comfortable with me."
Her upcoming album, "20 Years
more comfortable with me."
Her upcoming album, "20 Years
Old," is slated for release Sept. 26.
QUINCY JONES TO PEN THEME
SONG FOR BEIJING GAMES:
Music legend inspired creatively by
recent visit to the country.
*Super producer Quincy Jones
*Super producer Quincy Jones
was so moved during his first visit to
China recently that he has offered to
China recently that he has offered to
write a theme song for the 2008
Beijing Olympic Games.
"The inspiration of the strong
Beijing Olympic Games.
"The inspiration of the strong
leadership in preparing the 2008
Olympic Games and the theme 'One
Olympic Games and the theme 'One
world, One dream' has led me to offer
everything I can possibly bring ... to
everything I can possibly bring ... to
this fantastic event," Jones told a
news conference at Beijing's Olympic
news conference at Beijing's Olympic
Tower on Wednesday.
Organizers have welcomed his offer,
Organizers have welcomed his offer,
but said they would continue with
their official Olympic song competition.
"I really appreciate what Quincy
their official Olympic song competition.
"I really appreciate what Quincy
Jones said about wanting to write
the theme tune," said Jiang Xiaoyu,
the theme tune," said Jiang Xiaoyu,
vice president of the Beijing Organizing
Committee for the Olympic Games
Committee for the Olympic Games
(BOCOG). "I think his participation will
really inspire people from around the
really inspire people from around the
world to ... contribute to the 2008
Olympic Games. We have already had
Olympic Games. We have already had
500 songs and 5,000 lyrics submitted to
the competition."
Jones, meanwhile, was awed by
the competition."
Jones, meanwhile, was awed by
his visit to the country and thought a
musical contribution to the Olympic
musical contribution to the Olympic
Games would express his passion.
"I really love this country, the
"I really love this country, the
food, the culture, the beautiful
women -- some of the most beautiful
women -- some of the most beautiful
women I've ever seen, whoah!" he said.
"I would like to be one of the people
"I would like to be one of the people
who send out the message to the world
about what a country this is."
The 73-year-old musician, composer,
about what a country this is."
The 73-year-old musician, composer,
conductor and producer has worked
with such music luminaries as Frank
with such music luminaries as Frank
Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles,
Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and Ella
Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and Ella
Fitzgerald. But, writing a song for
the Olympics, Q noted, would be in
the Olympics, Q noted, would be in
a class by itself.
"Everything in the 60 years of my
"Everything in the 60 years of my
career has led up to this event ...
I would be very proud to write and
I would be very proud to write and
orchestrate the theme to the 2008 Olympic
Games” he said. "We hope our music
Games” he said. "We hope our music
will help to bring everybody's dreams
together."
together."
LUDACRIS, KANYE TAKE A
‘STAND’ IN COURT: Originality
of their 2003 hit, “Stand Up” is in
question.
*Rapper Ludacris appeared in a
*Rapper Ludacris appeared in a
Manhattan courtroom Tuesday to defend
his Kanye West-produced 2003 hit
his Kanye West-produced 2003 hit
“Stand Up,” which currently sits in the
center of a copyright infringement lawsuit.
An East Orange, N.J. group called
center of a copyright infringement lawsuit.
An East Orange, N.J. group called
I.O.F. claims their song “Straight
Like That,” released in September 2001,
Like That,” released in September 2001,
is too close to the chorus of “Stand
Up,” which features the similarly-spoken
Up,” which features the similarly-spoken
phrase “just like that.”
The plaintiffs, under the company
The plaintiffs, under the company
BMS Entertainment/Heat Music LLC,
were trying to claim rights to the words
were trying to claim rights to the words
"like that," said Christine Lepera,
attorney for the rappers and EMI April
attorney for the rappers and EMI April
Music Inc. She told the jury: "None
of you can monopolize certain
of you can monopolize certain
expressions."
The plaintiffs’ attorney, Mel
The plaintiffs’ attorney, Mel
Sachs, who asked the jurors not to be
"blinded by celebrity," said he will
"blinded by celebrity," said he will
prove Ludacris heard the song before he
recorded “Stand Up.” According to
recorded “Stand Up.” According to
Sachs, the New Jersey company that
produced “Straight Like That” was
produced “Straight Like That” was
contacted by one of Ludacris' record
companies following the distribution
companies following the distribution
of hundreds of promotional copies of
the song.
Lepera argues that Ludacris and
the song.
Lepera argues that Ludacris and
West first heard "Straight Like That"
when the lawsuit was filed.
Both rappers are due to testify
when the lawsuit was filed.
Both rappers are due to testify
during the trial, which is being held
to determine liability. If liability is
to determine liability. If liability is
found, a second phase will assess
damages. West did not appear in the
damages. West did not appear in the
courtroom Wednesday, and Ludacris
declined to comment. The trial is
declined to comment. The trial is
expected to last one week.
JUDGE SAYS LAWYERS FOR
BIGGIE’S FAM ‘DECEIVED’
COURT: Statement centers
around documents regarding
around documents regarding
jailhouse informant.
*A federal judge is now saying
*A federal judge is now saying
that her court had been "absolutely
deceived" by lawyers for the family
deceived" by lawyers for the family
of slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. in
their wrongful death lawsuit against
their wrongful death lawsuit against
the city of Los Angeles.
U.S. District Judge Florence-Marie
U.S. District Judge Florence-Marie
Cooper's statement Tuesday came
after an attorney for the city alleged
after an attorney for the city alleged
the plaintiffs' lawyers lied to the
judge when they claimed the city
judge when they claimed the city
withheld documents that could have
bolstered their contention that corrupt
bolstered their contention that corrupt
Los Angeles police officers were
involved in Biggie’s killing.
Cooper declared a mistrial last
involved in Biggie’s killing.
Cooper declared a mistrial last
summer after finding that a police
detective intentionally hid statements
detective intentionally hid statements
by a jailhouse informant linking the
killing to two former officers, David
killing to two former officers, David
Mack and Rafael Perez. The judge also
ordered the city to pay $1.1 million
ordered the city to pay $1.1 million
in legal fees and other expenses to the
rapper's family.
The 24-year-old Brooklyn rapper,
rapper's family.
The 24-year-old Brooklyn rapper,
whose real name was Christopher
Wallace, was shot and killed March 9,
Wallace, was shot and killed March 9,
1997 following a party at the Petersen
Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
The suspects still remain at large.
The wrongful death trial began in
The wrongful death trial began in
June, with the rapper’s family
arguing that Mack, a convicted bank
arguing that Mack, a convicted bank
robber, organized Biggie’s killing with
the help of a college friend on behalf
the help of a college friend on behalf
of Death Row Records chief Marion
"Suge" Knight. But the proceedings
"Suge" Knight. But the proceedings
ended suddenly when the plaintiffs'
attorneys said they had received an
attorneys said they had received an
anonymous tip from a former officer who
said a police informant had tied Perez
said a police informant had tied Perez
and Mack to the killing.
The tip led to an investigation of
The tip led to an investigation of
the police department's
Robbery-Homicide Division that
Robbery-Homicide Division that
uncovered statements by a former Perez
cellmate, who had told the department
cellmate, who had told the department
that the disgraced officer had
confessed to participating with Mack
confessed to participating with Mack
in B.I.G.’s killing.
In a status conference held Tuesday
In a status conference held Tuesday
in preparation for a retrial,
defense attorney Vincent Marella showed
defense attorney Vincent Marella showed
the judge a report prepared by a
private investigator for the plaintiffs
private investigator for the plaintiffs
indicating knowledge of the
informant's remarks as early as 2002.
After looking at the report, Cooper
informant's remarks as early as 2002.
After looking at the report, Cooper
said she was "outraged" and
admonished Perry Sanders, the attorney
admonished Perry Sanders, the attorney
for Wallace's family, over the
telephone.
"I believe you have absolutely
telephone.
"I believe you have absolutely
deceived this court into believing
that you knew nothing about this,"
that you knew nothing about this,"
Cooper said.
Sanders replied that after telling
Sanders replied that after telling
the court last year that he knew
nothing about the informant, he realized
nothing about the informant, he realized
that his defense team had been
"previously contacted" by the informant.
"previously contacted" by the informant.
Sanders said he then "made it
clear" to the court about the matter.
In an interview, Sanders told
clear" to the court about the matter.
In an interview, Sanders told
The Associated Press he believed the
city's attorneys took a document that his
city's attorneys took a document that his
defense team provided to them and
"used it against us."
"It's inappropriate and we plan
"used it against us."
"It's inappropriate and we plan
to thoroughly address these
allegations in the course of the next
allegations in the course of the next
seven days," he said.
Cooper halted the sharing of
Cooper halted the sharing of
information between both parties and
said she was not inclined to allow
said she was not inclined to allow
Wallace's family to file a revised
version of their lawsuit, as they
version of their lawsuit, as they
have sought.
The judge also noted that both
The judge also noted that both
parties were having a hard time trying
to settle the case out of court. One
to settle the case out of court. One
month after the mistrial was declared,
the Los Angeles City Council rejected
the Los Angeles City Council rejected
the family's offer to settle the case
for $18 million.
"This might be the time to settle
for $18 million.
"This might be the time to settle
this case," Cooper said.
BRASS KNUCKLES NOT A GAME
TO POLICE: Compton rapper arrested
after cops discover weapons in his vehicle.
*The Game, born Jayceon Taylor,
*The Game, born Jayceon Taylor,
was arrested for possession of a
deadly weapon – brass knuckles – while
deadly weapon – brass knuckles – while
driving through Burbank, California
on Saturday.
According to a Burbank Police
on Saturday.
According to a Burbank Police
Department spokesperson, the Compton
rapper was pulled over for a traffic
rapper was pulled over for a traffic
violation around 9 p.m. Officers
stumbled upon the brass knuckles
stumbled upon the brass knuckles
during a search of his car.
He was released on $20,000
He was released on $20,000
bail and is due in court in approximately
30 days.
The incident is The Game’s
30 days.
The incident is The Game’s
latest in a string of run-ins with the
law. In April, an arrest warrant was
law. In April, an arrest warrant was
issued for the rapper in Greensboro,
North Carolina, after he missed a
North Carolina, after he missed a
court date relating to disorderly conduct
and resisting-arrest charges from
and resisting-arrest charges from
October.
He was also hit last month with
He was also hit last month with
a lawsuit, along with Snoop Dogg, by
a fan who claims he was beaten up
a fan who claims he was beaten up
by the rappers' crew after jumping on
stage during a concert.
stage during a concert.
KNOWLES’ ‘HOUSE OF DEREON’
ADDS JUNIOR LINE: Collection of
denim, knits, fur jackets and vests to
launch in December.
*Beyonce and Tina Knowles have
*Beyonce and Tina Knowles have
announced the addition of a new junior
collection to their fashion line “House
collection to their fashion line “House
of Dereon.”
Simply called Dereon, the line
Simply called Dereon, the line
will target young women in their
teens and early twenties with an
teens and early twenties with an
initial collection of denim, knits, fur
jackets and vests. Beyonce's sister and
jackets and vests. Beyonce's sister and
Tina's daughter, Solange Knowles,
will star in an ad campaign for the line.
"I am often approached by
will star in an ad campaign for the line.
"I am often approached by
Beyonce's young fans asking when
a juniorline would be launched, so I felt
now was the time for Dereon, which has
always been included in our business
always been included in our business
plan,” says Tina Knowles in a statement.
Beyond Productions LLC, the
Beyond Productions LLC, the
parent company to the House of Dereon
contemporary women's collection, has
contemporary women's collection, has
signed a licensing agreement with Check
Group LLC to handle the manufacturing
Group LLC to handle the manufacturing
and distribution of Dereon, which is
due to arrive in select specialty stores
due to arrive in select specialty stores
nationwide around Christmas.
OPRAH FANS STILL TRYING TO
GET HER A NOBEL PRIZE: Plus,
talk show host is chosen to present
at the Tonys.
*Some fans of talk show host
*Some fans of talk show host
Oprah Winfrey are stepping up their
annual effort to get her nominated
annual effort to get her nominated
for a Nobel Peace Prize, the annual
distinction that recognizes individuals
distinction that recognizes individuals
and organizations for their humanitarian
work, peace movements, human rights
efforts, mediation of international conflicts,
arms control and disarmament.
A message on the Oprah4PeacePrize
A message on the Oprah4PeacePrize
Web site reads: "She truly deserves the
Nobel Peace Prize. We intend to be
celebrating an Oprah victory next
December 2006 in Oslo, Norway."
Winfrey’s humanitarian efforts
Winfrey’s humanitarian efforts
have included building homes for
victims of Hurricane Katrina, as
victims of Hurricane Katrina, as
well as fighting AIDS, poverty and
supporting the plight of women in
supporting the plight of women in
Africa and other parts of the world.
She promotes her causes by going
on international philanthropic trips and
distributing assistance through her
distributing assistance through her
charity, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation.
Rocky Twyman, founder of the
Rocky Twyman, founder of the
Oprah for Nobel Peace Prize movement,
said his Web site is seeking to garner
said his Web site is seeking to garner
100,000 signatures to draw attention
to the committee judging the nominees.
to the committee judging the nominees.
The site calls Winfrey a "human angel
of light who has revolutionized the
of light who has revolutionized the
entire world."
Twyman’s effort will face several
Twyman’s effort will face several
challenges, the biggest being the
rule requiring a Nobel laureate or other
rule requiring a Nobel laureate or other
appropriate source to nominate
Winfrey for consideration of the prize.
Winfrey for consideration of the prize.
Supporters have sought to enlist
former President Jimmy Carter, who
former President Jimmy Carter, who
was awarded the peace prize in 2002.
Winfrey and Carter have previously
Winfrey and Carter have previously
bonded over Mattie Stepanek, a young
poet and Muscular Dystrophy Association
goodwill ambassador who died in 2004
and was eulogized by both.
“We’re going to present some of
“We’re going to present some of
our petitions to him about the effort
and why we think it is significant,” said
and why we think it is significant,” said
Lillian Huff, a former delegate to
Democratic National Convention for
Democratic National Convention for
Washington, D.C., who was among the
delegation lobbying Carter.
The five secret members of Norwegian
delegation lobbying Carter.
The five secret members of Norwegian
Nobel Committee, all selected by
the Norwegian Parliament, are solely
the Norwegian Parliament, are solely
responsible for previewing the
nominations and selecting the winners.
nominations and selecting the winners.
The committee announces its decision
each October and posts the winners
each October and posts the winners
on the prize's Web site. Laureates then
receive their awards on Dec. 10, the
receive their awards on Dec. 10, the
anniversary of inventor Alfred Nobel's
death.
Meanwhile, failed attempts to secure
death.
Meanwhile, failed attempts to secure
Winfrey as the host of the 2006
Tony Awards may have led organizers
Tony Awards may have led organizers
to establish their recently-announced
host-by-committee system, in which more
host-by-committee system, in which more
than 60 stars will take a turn
heading the June 11th ceremony at New
heading the June 11th ceremony at New
York’s Radio City Music Hall.
Winfrey was announced Wednesday
Winfrey was announced Wednesday
as one of the 60, which also
includes Alfre Woodard, Glenn Close,
includes Alfre Woodard, Glenn Close,
Hank Azaria, Bernadette Peters, Liev
Schreiber, Kyra Sedgwick, Mark Ruffalo,
Schreiber, Kyra Sedgwick, Mark Ruffalo,
Julia Roberts, Eric McCormack, Ralph
Fiennes, Cynthia Nixon, Martin Short
Fiennes, Cynthia Nixon, Martin Short
and Anna Paquin.
In a statement, the executive
In a statement, the executive
producers of the Tony telecast, Glenn
Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, said: "The
Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, said: "The
60th Anniversary show is bigger than
just one host. So we've put together a
just one host. So we've put together a
line-up of 60 stars from the stage to
lead our celebration."
As previously reported, Winfrey’s
lead our celebration."
As previously reported, Winfrey’s
production of “The Color Purple”
scored 11 Tony nominations.
scored 11 Tony nominations.
2 LIVE CREW SETTLES CONCERT
LAWSUIT: Group sought $15 million
for drama surrounding 2000 show in
Mississippi
*The members of 2 Live Crew
*The members of 2 Live Crew
settled a lawsuit in Jackson, Mississippi
Tuesday over a planned concert in 2000
Tuesday over a planned concert in 2000
that ended up cancelled amidst a
flurry of fan arrests.
Members of the band, concert
flurry of fan arrests.
Members of the band, concert
promoters and local residents sued
Copiah County seeking $15 million for
Copiah County seeking $15 million for
what they call unwarranted arrests,
searches and roadblocks in 2000 to
searches and roadblocks in 2000 to
prevent the group's outdoor concert.
Ninety-two people were arrested near
Ninety-two people were arrested near
Collins Field, mostly on misdemeanor
charges.
The lawsuit was filed in 2001 against
charges.
The lawsuit was filed in 2001 against
sheriff's departments in
Copiah, Hinds, Rankin and Simpson
Copiah, Hinds, Rankin and Simpson
counties, however, only former Copiah
County Sheriff Frank Ainsworth and
County Sheriff Frank Ainsworth and
Copiah County remained as defendants
in the case that went to trial.
Plaintiffs claimed the band never
Plaintiffs claimed the band never
performed at their scheduled June 4
concert because roadblocks and
concert because roadblocks and
checkpoints kept concert goers from
arriving. The plaintiffs said officers harassed
those planning to attend the event by
randomly stopping and searching vehicles
randomly stopping and searching vehicles
without probable cause, the suit
claimed.
The settlement was reached
claimed.
The settlement was reached
Tuesday, avoiding Wednesday's scheduled
closing arguments in the lawsuit in U.S.
closing arguments in the lawsuit in U.S.
District Court in Jackson. Details of the
settlement were not disclosed.
ESSENCE LINES UP SPEAKERS FOR
YOUTH INITIATIVE: ‘ESSENCE Cares!’
to feature Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx
and more.
*Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx and
*Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx and
rapper Common are among the speakers
and performers lined up for a new youth
and performers lined up for a new youth
initiative to be introduced at the Coca-Cola
Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival
Empowerment Seminar Series.
Titled “ESSENCE Cares! A Call
to Action to Secure Our Youth,” the
event was created to help rescue
event was created to help rescue
vulnerable youth and restore the lives
of Hurricane Katrina survivors, while
addressing critical issues facing black
America, including poverty, unemployment,
America, including poverty, unemployment,
unequal educational systems and
gang violence.
This initiative will be launched at
gang violence.
This initiative will be launched at
the festival’s daytime Empowerment
Seminars, July 1, 2, and 3 at Houston’s
Reliant Park—making this year’s Festival
a “bigger party with a deeper purpose.”
Other speakers and performers
Other speakers and performers
confirmed to participate include
Yolanda Adams, John Hope Bryant,
Yolanda Adams, John Hope Bryant,
Angela Davis, Michael Eric Dyson, Thomas
W. Dortch, Jr., Marian Wright Edelman,
Danny Glover, Bruce Gordon, Congressman
Alexander Green, The Honorable Minister
Alexander Green, The Honorable Minister
Louis Farrakhan, Reverend Jesse
Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Earvin
Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Earvin
“Magic” Johnson, Mathew Knowles,
Queen Latifah, Congresswomen Barbara
Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters,
Donnie McClurkin, Mo’Nique, Marc Morial,
Donnie McClurkin, Mo’Nique, Marc Morial,
Shemar Moore, Nas, Kevin Powell,
Jill Scott, Reverend Al Sharpton, Iyanla
Jill Scott, Reverend Al Sharpton, Iyanla
Vanzant, Reverend Dr. Renita Weems,
Terrie Williams and many others.
As previously reported, here is the
Terrie Williams and many others.
As previously reported, here is the
night-by-night concert schedule
of performances for the Essence
of performances for the Essence
Music Festival:
SATURDAY, JULY 1
Mary J. Blige
Earth, Wind & Fire
Mo’Nique
LL Cool J
Yolanda Adams
Goapele
Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick
C.O.C.O Brown & The Phat Cat Players
Captain Charles
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Diddy and Friends
New Edition
Bobby Brown
Steve Harvey
Jaheim
Chris Brown
Kindred The Family Soul
Brand New Heavies
Myra Washington
DJ Raj Smoove
MONDAY, JULY 3
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Toni Braxton
Cedric the Entertainer
Charlie Wilson
Keyshia Cole
Musiq
Loose Ends
Rebirth Brass Band
Michael Ward
SATURDAY, JULY 1
Mary J. Blige
Earth, Wind & Fire
Mo’Nique
LL Cool J
Yolanda Adams
Goapele
Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick
C.O.C.O Brown & The Phat Cat Players
Captain Charles
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Diddy and Friends
New Edition
Bobby Brown
Steve Harvey
Jaheim
Chris Brown
Kindred The Family Soul
Brand New Heavies
Myra Washington
DJ Raj Smoove
MONDAY, JULY 3
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Toni Braxton
Cedric the Entertainer
Charlie Wilson
Keyshia Cole
Musiq
Loose Ends
Rebirth Brass Band
Michael Ward
ASHFORD & SIMPSON, OTHERS
TO PRESENT PIONEER AWARDS:
Singing/songwriting duo among several
presenters announced Wednesday.
*Ashford & Simpson, Jerry Butler
*Ashford & Simpson, Jerry Butler
and Gamble & Huff are among the list
of presenters announced for the 2006
of presenters announced for the 2006
R&B Foundation Pioneer Awards, to be
held June 29at the Park Hyatt Bellevue
held June 29at the Park Hyatt Bellevue
in Philadelphia, PA.
Other newly-confirmed presenters
Other newly-confirmed presenters
include COO of Electric Factory
Concerts Larry Magid; guitarist/singer
Concerts Larry Magid; guitarist/singer
Bonnie Raitt and renowned keyboardist
Paul Shaffer. Smokey Robinson and
Paul Shaffer. Smokey Robinson and
Patti LaBelle were previously announced
as hosts.
Previously announced individual
Previously announced individual
honorees for the 2006 Pioneer Awards
are Chubby Checker, Bettye LaVette,
are Chubby Checker, Bettye LaVette,
Barbara Mason and producer Thom Bell.
Groups who will be receiving the
Groups who will be receiving the
awards are the DelFonics and Maze,
featuring Frankie Beverly. Lifetime
featuring Frankie Beverly. Lifetime
Achievement honoree is Motown Founder
Berry Gordy and the late Otis Redding
Berry Gordy and the late Otis Redding
will be recognized with the Legacy
Tribute. Each individual honoree receives
Tribute. Each individual honoree receives
a $10,000 honorarium while groups
share a $15,000 stipend.
share a $15,000 stipend.
MUSIC/DANCE BITS: Juelz buys
HipHopSodaShop; Ying Yang to get
‘2 Live’; M.I.A. banned from the USA:
Diddy auctions himself; Dance Theater
of Harlem given grant.
*Rapper Juelz Santana and
*Rapper Juelz Santana and
Chicago Bulls’ guard Ben Gordon are
joining forces to run a HipHopSodaShop
joining forces to run a HipHopSodaShop
flagship store on 125th Street in
Harlem. The pair is teaming with
Harlem. The pair is teaming with
partners H3Enterprises, Inc. for the
spot located at the ESPN Zone in
Manhattan "It's time for every one of
us tostart giving back," said Gordon in
a statement. "HTRE is all about investing
in our own culture and in our own
in our own culture and in our own
communities, keeping everything healthy
and affordable. The store on 125th
and affordable. The store on 125th
alone will create about one hundred
new jobs where people can feel good
about going to work each day.”
*The Ying-Yang Twins are
*The Ying-Yang Twins are
looking forward to recording their third
album, to be called "2 Live Crew." The
album, to be called "2 Live Crew." The
set is tapped to pay homage to the
infamous Miami group of the same name.
infamous Miami group of the same name.
"We're gonna take 'em back [to] 'As
Nasty As They Wanna Be,'" D-Roc
Nasty As They Wanna Be,'" D-Roc
tells Billboard.com, referring to 2 Live
Crew's controversial 1989 album. "We
Crew's controversial 1989 album. "We
ain't actually working on the album
[yet] but outside of just working with
[yet] but outside of just working with
[producer] Mr. Collipark, we're
getting together and doing
getting together and doing
songs on our own."
*Sri Lankan artist M.I.A.,
*Sri Lankan artist M.I.A.,
whose international hit “Galang” is
featured in a Honda Civic commercial,
featured in a Honda Civic commercial,
was reportedly banned from entering
the United States by American immigration
the United States by American immigration
officials after her bid to secure
a U.S. visa was turned down. The U.K.
a U.S. visa was turned down. The U.K.
-born urban artist wrote on her MySpace
Web site: "I was mennu work with timber
Web site: "I was mennu work with timber
startin' this week...I'm locked out!
They won’t let me in! Now I'm strictly
They won’t let me in! Now I'm strictly
making my album outside the borders".
M.I.A's debut album, “Arular,” is
M.I.A's debut album, “Arular,” is
believed to have been titled after her
father's code name. He is a member
father's code name. He is a member
of the Tamil Tigers, who continue to
fight for independence in Sri Lanka.
*Sean “Diddy” Combs auctioned
fight for independence in Sri Lanka.
*Sean “Diddy” Combs auctioned
off his company for a weekend at his
New York home during a charity event
New York home during a charity event
hosted by soccer star David Beckham and
his wife, Victoria. With a bid of $152,000,
his wife, Victoria. With a bid of $152,000,
English soccer player Wayne
Rooney edged out Sharon Osbourne to
Rooney edged out Sharon Osbourne to
win Diddy for his fiancee Colleen
McLoughlin. The auction collected more
McLoughlin. The auction collected more
than $3.6 million for charity. Other
items auctioned included meals cooked
items auctioned included meals cooked
by Ozzy Osbourne and chef Gordon
Ramsay.
*The Dance Theatre of Harlem
Ramsay.
*The Dance Theatre of Harlem
(DTH) has received a $1 million grant
from The Ford Foundation through
from The Ford Foundation through
its education and community outreach
program. Over the next four years, the
program. Over the next four years, the
DTH School will develop and implement
a strategic recruitment plan, augment
a strategic recruitment plan, augment
its curriculum to offer more robust
training and artistic experiences including
training and artistic experiences including
guest faculty and choreographers
for its students. It will also formulate a
for its students. It will also formulate a
comprehensive K-12 curriculum for
use in rendering its education activities
use in rendering its education activities
and residencies in New York City
and around the world.
and around the world.
FILM/TV BITS: Latifah’s ‘Life’;
Lee’s ‘Time’; TV recastings; Beasties’
‘Awesome’; return of the ‘Pimp’;
‘Awesome’; return of the ‘Pimp’;
Wal Mart’s ‘Voices.’
*Queen Latifah has signed on to
*Queen Latifah has signed on to
star in HBO Films' "Life Support," a
telefilm that centers on the HIV crisis
telefilm that centers on the HIV crisis
in the black community. Latifah will
also executive produce the HBO
also executive produce the HBO
project along with Jamie Foxx, Jaime
King, Marcus King, Shakim Compere
and Shelby Stone (HBO's "Lackawanna
Blues")."Support," based on the life
Blues")."Support," based on the life
of writer-director Nelson George's
sister and their family, is a depiction
sister and their family, is a depiction
of the black community's HIV crisis
as told through the true story of one
as told through the true story of one
survivor – a mother, former crack
addict and current AIDS activist
addict and current AIDS activist
(Latifah). George will direct the film
from his own script. Shooting begins
next month in New York.
*Spike Lee is set to rewrite and
*Spike Lee is set to rewrite and
possibly direct "Selling Time," a
supernatural thriller for 20th Century
supernatural thriller for 20th Century
Fox. The story is about a man who
sells chunks of his life in an attempt to
sells chunks of his life in an attempt to
relive and change the worst day of
his life. The project had been
his life. The project had been
collecting dust in several previous
incarnations, with Forest Whitaker and
incarnations, with Forest Whitaker and
Will Smith each attached to star at
various points along its journey
*Now that the networks have
various points along its journey
*Now that the networks have
secured and announced their fall
programming, many are going about
programming, many are going about
making changes to the casts of their
shows. On the new CW series “The
shows. On the new CW series “The
Game,” a “Girlfriends” spinoff about the
women in the lives of professional
women in the lives of professional
football players, the role of one of the
wives, Kelly Parker, will be recast.
wives, Kelly Parker, will be recast.
Jennifer Baxter played the role in
theshow's pilot, which aired as
a "Girlfriends"episode this past season.
Meanwhile, CBS’ “Ghost Whisperer” is
Meanwhile, CBS’ “Ghost Whisperer” is
looking for an actress to replace Aisha
Tyler, whose character died in the
Tyler, whose character died in the
season finale; and Fox’s “Prison Break”
is searching for a nemesis to star opposite
is searching for a nemesis to star opposite
Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller).
*The first-ever Beastie Boys concert
*The first-ever Beastie Boys concert
music film, “Awesome; I F*ckin'
Shot That!” will arrive on DVD July 25
Shot That!” will arrive on DVD July 25
from THINKFilm. Directed by band
member Adam Yauch, the groundbreaking
member Adam Yauch, the groundbreaking
project is a feature-length film shot
entirely by fans in the audience. On
entirely by fans in the audience. On
October 9, 2004, in New York’s Madison
Square Garden, The Beastie Boys handed
Square Garden, The Beastie Boys handed
out 50 cameras to audience members at
their sold-out performance to capture
their sold-out performance to capture
different perspectives. "The DVD has
given us a great opportunity to present
given us a great opportunity to present
the footage that didn't make it into
the final cut of the film," said Yauch.
the final cut of the film," said Yauch.
"It's been interesting to build
grids of outtake footage, and watch
grids of outtake footage, and watch
the way the different perspectives play
out simultaneously."
*MTV revs up a new season of
out simultaneously."
*MTV revs up a new season of
“Pimp My Ride” on June 15 at 10 p.m.
Host Xzibit will return with car customization
Host Xzibit will return with car customization
specialist Mad Mike and new
detailing company GAS (Galpin Auto
detailing company GAS (Galpin Auto
Sports) to tackle a whole new crop of
broken-down hoopties. During the
broken-down hoopties. During the
season, viewers will watch a 1988 Cadillac
limo hooked up with a 50" plasma
limo hooked up with a 50" plasma
screen movie theater, a 1995 Mitsubishi
Galant with its own white fur chaise
Galant with its own white fur chaise
lounge, and a 1976 ice cream truck that
is destined to go out of business
is destined to go out of business
remodeled with some 2006 technology.
Full episodes will be available on MTV
On Demand starting July 7.
*Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has introduced
*Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has introduced
the Voices of Color (VOC) Film
Series on Tour, an expansion of the
Series on Tour, an expansion of the
retailer's sponsorship of TV programming
and events that celebrate African-
and events that celebrate African-
American life in film. As a part of the
venture, Wal-Mart will sponsor and
venture, Wal-Mart will sponsor and
participate in the American Black Film
Festival (ABFF), which will be held in
Festival (ABFF), which will be held in
Miami July 19th-23rd; the Urbanworld
Vibe Film Festival, to be held in New
Vibe Film Festival, to be held in New
York City June 21st -25th; and the
African-American Women in Cinema
African-American Women in Cinema
International Film Festival (AAWIC), which
will take place October 26th-28th in
will take place October 26th-28th in
New York. The VOC documentary film,
“The Will to Survive - The Story of the
“The Will to Survive - The Story of the
Gullah/Geechee Nation,” was
underwritten by Wal-Mart earlier this
underwritten by Wal-Mart earlier this
year. The film explores the past,
present, and future of the Gullah/Geechee
present, and future of the Gullah/Geechee
Nation and allows viewers a rare
glimpse into the soul of Sapelo Island
glimpse into the soul of Sapelo Island
and the proud and mysterious
Gullah/Geechee people.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
I am not the athletic physical type.
Gullah/Geechee people.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
I am not the athletic physical type.
The thought of exercising is not
something I get excited about. However,
something I get excited about. However,
I don't like gaining weight,
breathing with difficulty and getting
breathing with difficulty and getting
depressed when I shop for new clothes
either.
Subsequently, I have to motivate
either.
Subsequently, I have to motivate
myself to go the gym, put down the cookies
and walk away from the chips, candy
and walk away from the chips, candy
and cake.
I have to psyche myself up to go to
I have to psyche myself up to go to
the gym. But let me tell you something
--- after I go for a workout, I feel so
--- after I go for a workout, I feel so
good about myself. I feel like I'm
doing the smart adult thing by taking
doing the smart adult thing by taking
care of myself. My self-esteem goes up
a notch. I find myself meditating and
a notch. I find myself meditating and
even releasing stored up stress,
depression and anger while on the
depression and anger while on the
treadmill. I feel younger as I attend the
dance and kickboxing class. I may not
dance and kickboxing class. I may not
be able to keep up but at least I'm
not sitting on the couch eating ice cream
not sitting on the couch eating ice cream
because I depressed. I notice when
I exercise I sleep better at night and I
I exercise I sleep better at night and I
know my body is rejoicing because
it is getting stronger.
I created this acronym for myself to
it is getting stronger.
I created this acronym for myself to
keep me motivated. Maybe it will
inspire you too.
E - exercise and strengthen your body
X - get rid of the fat
E - experience more energy
R - release anger and stress
C - calories will burn up
I - image will be enhanced
S - self-esteem will improve
E - eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains
If you struggle with weight issues ---
inspire you too.
E - exercise and strengthen your body
X - get rid of the fat
E - experience more energy
R - release anger and stress
C - calories will burn up
I - image will be enhanced
S - self-esteem will improve
E - eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains
If you struggle with weight issues ---
you are not alone. If you can't get
to a gym, start exercising in your home.
to a gym, start exercising in your home.
Begin to clean out your
refrigerator of all the soda, sugar, junk
refrigerator of all the soda, sugar, junk
food and fatty dairy products.
When you order any products from
When you order any products from
my web site, I will send you my e-booklet
"Tips on Successful Weight Loss"
for FREE (limited time offer).
Let's win the battle of the bulge
"Tips on Successful Weight Loss"
for FREE (limited time offer).
Let's win the battle of the bulge
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
May 25: Actress-singer Leslie Uggams
is 63. Singer Lauryn Hill is
31.
31.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
PROOF Magazine is an online
literary journal that caters to
"authentic" blacks. It is created and
"authentic" blacks. It is created and
edited by the novelist-poet Kola
Boof: http://proofmagazine.i8.com
Submit your favorite Web site to
Boof: http://proofmagazine.i8.com
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 25, 1935: American athlete
Jesse Owens set six world records in
45 minutes, at the Big Ten Championship
45 minutes, at the Big Ten Championship
at Ann Arbor. (Source:
www.BlackFacts.com)
www.BlackFacts.com)
==================
EUR FEEDBACK (MYfeedback@eurweb.com)
*Darryl James, Syndicated Writer, Los Angeles CA:
Yesterday, we published a letter from
Tiamba Wilkerson of Richmond, VA. She
took exception to Darryl's (053-23-06 EUR)
column. Here is Darryl's response..
"Look Tiamba; I don't climb up on rooftops
to tell you how to be a harpy, I just ignore you
because I don't like harpies. So, why don't you
afford me the same courtesy? If you can't take
it anymore, close your eyes, because you are
not in control of the free world or the free media.
You were more condescending that you accused
me of being, especially since you were being
personally insulting to me.
'If thine eye offends thee, pluck it out.'
(Shakespeare) 'If you don't like it, don't
look at it.' (George Lopez)
There is no balance in the diaspora,
Tiamba, because there are few men who
speak up for men. Too many men have been
sissified by cranky Feminatzis like you.
Whether you like it or not, there are some
real men who don't mind speaking the truth.
When you see one, all you can do is demand
fair and balanced coverage for Feminatzis.
Where is that demand when Black men are
being torn to shreds on television by Black
women? Where is that demand when Black
men are being torn to shreds in public
discussions and in magazines? There's
nothing fair about that.
Do you know how many magazines
carry nothing but lopsided Feminatzi
propaganda? Of course not. All you care
about is your perspective. We've been
hearing about the oppressed woman for
decades with no solution except to blame
men for all problems without examining the
Black man's intrinsic actions. Now you are
intimidated and can't handle it when a strong
Black man expresses his side of the issues,
in search of solutions and bridges.
Darryl's letter continues at EURweb.com:
http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur26566.cfm
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