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02-29-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
SEMI-PRO: SHORTS, FROS AND SPORTS PROS: Ferrell, Harrelson, Benjamin lead comedy of air balls.
-- by Kenya M Yarbrough
*Just in time to gear up basketball fans for NCAA March Madness and NBA Finals, Will Ferrell's latest project takes b-ball fans back to the days when there were two pro leagues holding court in the sport - the ABA and the NBA; to the days of the psychedelic red, white and blue basketball; and back to a time of high hair and short shorts.
Ferrell stars as Jackie Moon, a one-hit wonder pop star who uses his status and short career to afford an American Basketball Association franchise. With the profits of his chart-topping hit "Love Me Sexy," Moon becomes owner, coach and player of the Flint Tropics - the worst team in the league, even with straight-laced NBA bench warmer Ed Monix, played by Woody Harrelson, and freestyle super star Clarence Withers, played by Andre Benjamin.
However, when the ABA announces it will merge with rival NBA, offering up its top four ABA teams for the new league, Jackie and his motley crew must now actually win.
"They're obviously one of the worst teams in the league," Ferrell described. But his character has a few tricks up his sleeve to make the Flint Tropics attractive to the NBA - crazy antics.
"One of the things that went on in the ABA was all the crazy promotions," Ferrell said. "Jackie is kind of the master of that. He fights a bear in one scene. We used a real bear, CGI, and a guy in a bear suit. Then there's corndog night, full-court shot night - he's constantly scrambling."
There is a generation of basketball fans who may have no clue that there really was an ABA (American Basketball Association) league. The league existed from 1967 to 1976 and during that time, fought a bitter war with the established National Basketball Association for players, fans, and media attention. In 1976, the two leagues made peace and a deal. The NBA would absorb four of the best ABA teams.
The ABA was often referred to as the "outlaw league." This league brought the 3-point shot and slam dunk contests to the game, and the cast of this new film fondly remember that time.
"A lot of people don't know that the ABA was probably the only time that a league developed competing with the NBA and at some times was more watched, especially with Dr. J starting to dominate. So it's a bit of an education for some people. For a little while [the ABA] had some real flash," said Harrelson
"With the ABA, it was really about putting on a show," Benjamin added. "Jackie Moon was always trying to set up a way to put people in the seats. That was really one of the requirements; that we had to have a certain number of people in the seats, so he would do all these crazy antics to make it happen."
The film follows both the antics of Moon trying to make the Flint Tropics a more popular team and the team's attempt at trying to make the Flint Tropics a winning team. Either way, it's a really funny attempt.
"I love the fact that Jackie Moon begins every game by singing his song that the fans must've heard now 80 thousand times, and then rolls into the player introduction and ends with him introducing himself," Ferrell said about the theme of the film. "So the fact that he's such a one-man operation is funny, but also endearing that he's flailing, trying to keep this franchise alive. It's a film with so many funny moments or at least so many odd moments, that they catch you off guard."
"Without question, the most difficult part of the job was not laughing when Will was doing such funny stuff," Harrelson said. "My character was a lot more serious, so it was difficult."
"What was really hilarious to me, but I got used to them after a little while, was the shorts," Benjamin said of what cracked him up about the film. "And Will wanted his a little shorter. I'm not a king of comedy, so it was all new to me, but it was really fun."
Harrelson has had a little experience with basketball films. The star broke out in the film "White Men Can't Jump" with Wesley Snipes, playing a talented blacktop hustler.
"I love playing basketball so it's a real privilege to play in another basketball movie," he said. "Though they made me play it a little more straight; no fancy moves. I kept wanting to throw little things in, but everything I did, they cut out."
On the other hand, Benjamin admitted that he didn't really have any spectacular moves to begin with, let alone that would be cut out of the film.
"I'm not a great basketball player," he said. "I only played neighborhood basketball. In the '80s you grow up, you play Donkey Kong, you go out to the court and play basketball with the neighborhood guys. I get on this movie and I have to be the best player on the team. So I had to bring all of my back-of-the-church-neighborhood skills to the screen."
"Semi-Pro" hits screens today, February 29. For more on the film, the antics of Jackie Moon, and Flint Tropics player profiles, check out www.semipromovie.com.
HALLE BERRY TO LAUNCH NEW FRAGRANCE: Actress throwing her name on new line from Coty.
*Halle Berry is the latest in a long line of celebrities to launch a new fragrance line with the perfume house, Coty.
WWD magazine is reporting that the Oscar winner and expectant mother
will unveil the product globally in Spring 2009, joining previous celebrity
Coty endorsers, Jennifer Lopez, Victoria and David Beckham, Sarah Jessica
Parker, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Kate Moss and Tim McGraw.
"Halle is an iconic actress and symbolizes beauty to many
generations," said Steve Mormoris, senior vice president of global marketing
at Coty. "She adds another dimension to the celebrity fragrance market.
Halle has always been a little more mysterious, not quite as open with her
personal life as some other stars. Her fragrances will allow her to present
another facet of her personality to her fans."
Under her scent development deal, Berry will develop a fragrance
portfolio as well as appear in its advertising. The first Berry products
will launch in what Coty terms "mid-tier" department stores, such as J.C.
Penney, and then will move into the mass market as well.
According to WWD, such celebrity deals include $3 million to $5
million up front, with a royalty of about 5 percent, according to industry
sources. Mormoris declined to discuss the terms of Berry's deal.
COS TALKS OBAMA DURING PLAYBOY JAZZ FEST EVENT: But comedian won't reveal if he'll vote for the Illinois senator.
*EUR's Lee Bailey caught up with Bill Cosby at a press event to
announce his return as host for the annual Playboy Jazz Festival, which will
celebrate its 30th anniversary June 14-15 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los
Angeles.
Asked to comment on the Barack Obama movement sweeping the nation,
Cosby said the presidential candidate's achievement should serve as a
testimony for black youth that education and hard work actually does pay
off.
"The important thing is people need to show him in the classrooms,
show him in the recreation centers, because there's a new player in town,"
Cosby told Bailey. "He's not dribbling a ball, he's not running the hundred
meters, but he's talking and he's using what used to be a mantra, and that
is education.
"He is someone that we need to use as an example for our children who
are thinking about education not being a tool to move ahead in this world.
This man can go anyplace he wants to go, with his education, his mind, his
dedication, his work ethic. That's what our children need to see, need to
believe in. It needs to be taught to them. It's better than making a lot of
music, or, what is it, 'get rich or die trying.'"
Asked if his comments served as an endorsement of Obama, Cosby
refused to answer.
"When I walk in the voting booth, that's me," he said. "I got one
last thing to do, and it's my business. Even my wife doesn't know where I'm
going."
Cosby's return as host of the Playboy Jazz Festival comes with
performances from Grammy winner Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Poncho Sanchez,
Keb' Mo', Dr. John and Dee Dee Bridgewater, among others.
MIJAC WORKING OUT A WAY TO KEEP NEVERLAND: Sources says auction will be avoided because a new loan is being established.
*CNN reported Wednesday that Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, in
threat of foreclosure unless he pays a loan of more than $24 million, will
avoid the auction block next month because he's in the process of getting a
new loan.
"Michael Jackson's ranch is not going to be auctioned off at the
courthouse," the Jackson insider told CNN. "The financing is all being
worked out."
Financial Title Co. filed the notice of trustee's sale with Santa
Barbara County Superior Court, setting the auction date for March 19.
Jackson has until that time to repay the loan.
As previously reported, all of Neverland's furnishings and carnival
rides would also be included in the property auction. Also, the initial
asking price could be higher than the $24.5 million Jackson owes because of
interest due and other costs, according to court documents obtained by Fox
News.
'GANGSTER' TAKEOVER ON DVD CHARTS: Denzel flick beats 'Michael Clayton' to top of the heap.
*"American Gangster" flew to No. 1 on the DVD sales and rental
charts, topping this year's best picture Oscar nominee "Michael Clayton" by
selling twice as many units, reports Reuters.
"Gangster," starring Denzel Washington as 1970s drug kingpin Frank
Lucas, sold an estimated 4 million units during its first week in stores,
according to Nielsen VideoScan First Alert data.
Also starring supporting actress Oscar nominee Ruby Dee, the drama
earned $129.8 million at the U.S. box office to date.
The previous week's top seller, "Why Did I Get Married?" slipped to
No. 3.
JUDGE REJECTS BID FOR DIDDY'S FINANICAL RECORDS: Man in assault case wanted mogul to turn over statements.
*The man suing Sean "Diddy" Combs for assault has lost his bid to
have the rap mogul turn over financial statements that could reveal his net
worth.
Gerard Rechnitzer's lawsuit accuses Diddy of punching and pushing
him at an Oscars afterparty in Hollywood last February.
According to E! Online, Superior Court Judge Robert Hess stated that
Rechnitzer could gain access to info regarding Diddy's sources of income
only is if he wins his civil trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 27.
"If you were to get a finding of fraud, oppression or malice, some
or all of this information you would be entitled to,' Hess said. "I'm not
persuaded at this point to give it to you today. We have privacy issues here
that are very important.'
If the jury sides with Rechnitzer, Hess said he would reconsider the
request for Diddy's financial documents to help determine the amount of
punitive damages he might be entitled to.
CHARLES BARKLEY EXTENDS TNT RUN: Retired NBA star renews contract.
*Charles Barkley is staying put at his TNT job as a co-host of
"Inside the NBA," telling Playboy in a recent interview that he'd be "a damn
fool" to leave the gig.
Turner Sports announced Wednesday that it has extended its deal with
the former basketball star, who has worked as a studio analyst at TNT for
the past eight seasons.
The colorful commentator will continue to provide his unique insight
during TNT's Thursday night match ups, as well as on NBA TV and NBA.com's
NBA OverTime.
Financial terms of Barkley's re-up were not disclosed.
NAOMI CAMPBEL IS STILL IN THE HOSPITAL: Also, model reportedly blaming medical staff for telling the media about her cyst.
*Two days after undergoing surgery to remove a cyst, Naomi Campbell
continues to recuperate in a Brazilian hospital, and newspapers there are
reporting that she faults the hospital staff for spilling the beans about
her procedure.
"We have been instructed to not release any information regarding
Naomi," said a rep for Sirio Libanes Hospital, where Campbell underwent the
procedure Monday. "All I can tell you is that she is still at the hospital
and that she is recovering very nicely."
The rep also said that Campbell was being cared for by David Uip, one
of Brazil's leading experts in the treatment of infectious diseases; and
gynecologist Jose Aristodemo Pinotti, who described the procedure as a
laparoscopy, in which doctors use a thin, lighted scope to view internal
organs. The day after the surgery, Pinotti said Campbell was "completely
cured and walking in her room."
Neither the spokeswoman nor Campbell's publicist, Jeff Raymond, knew
how long the runway diva would remain hospitalized.
Meanwhile, the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper reported Wednesday that
Campbell had an ovarian cyst removed and is expected to remain there until
next weekend.
The newspaper also reported that Campbell, 37, is blaming the medical
staff for telling the media about her surgery. And as a result, she has
ordered the phone in her hospital room to be cut off to protect her privacy.
But it was actually Campbell's spokeswoman in Europe who first announced the
hospitalization, declaring the model had a small cyst removed.
"She would like to thank the doctors who have kindly looked after
her," the unnamed spokeswoman said, according to Britain's Press
Association.
Staff at the hospital said the celebrity was "in no way courteous" to
them and had barred them from her room. They added that a wealthy Brazilian
businessman believed to be her boyfriend, Marcus Elias, was in constant
attendance.
C. VIVIAN STRINGER GETS 800TH VICTORY: Rutgers coach joins two others as only women's b'ball coaches to reach milestone.
*Rutgers University women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer is
back in the news again, but this time for achieving a rare feat.
Stringer joined Pat Summitt and Jody Conradt as the only women's
basketball coaches in history to win 800 games as No. 4 Rutgers beat DePaul
60-46 on Wednesday night.
"No one is more respected than Pat and Jody," Stringer said. "To be
mentioned in the same breath is humbling."
DePaul coach Doug Bruno had his entire team shake Stringer's hand
during warmups, sensing the outcome would be historic. Bruno also coached
DePaul when Summitt beat the Blue Demons for her 800th.
"Eight hundred isn't about a number. It's about the players from
Cheney, Iowa, Rutgers and how special they were," said Stringer.
Essence Carson, the unofficial spokeswoman for the team in the wake
of the Don Imus incident, had 20 points Wednesday to lead her team in
scoring. Epiphanny Prince added 15. Rutgers (23-4, 13-1 Big East), moves
into a tie with UConn atop the Conference.
Everyone in the crowd was given signs marking the 800th victory. With
30 seconds left they gave the Hall of Fame coach a standing ovation and
chanted her initials. When the clock reached zero, Carson threw her coach
the game ball.
"It was her ball, she deserved it," Carson said.
Afterward, each player gave Stringer a single red rose, which made
her tear up.
Addressing the crowd, Stringer said: "I've been blessed with great
players and coaches. Not only from the players that are here, but the
players over the years. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I've been
the most fortunate person in the world, because every day I wake up and I'm
so excited to coach basketball."
SOLANGE KNOWLES NEEDS A BAND: Auditions for singers and musicians will be held next month in Los Angeles.
*Singer Solange Knowles will be holding auditions for singers,
musicians and bands with a "great look, strong musicianship and stage
presence"to become members of her band, Hadley Street Dreams.
The 60s-inspired full band will perform all live shows with Solange
in support of her upcoming album "Hadley Street Dreams," to be released in
August via Geffen Records, Soul Angel and Hadley Street Dreams.
Auditions will be held Thursday, March 6, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at
SIR Studios in Los Angeles (6465 West Sunset Blvd.). Solange, Beyonce's
little sis, is looking for two female background singers, one drummer, one
guitar player, two keyboardists and one bass player (must be able to play
upright as well). All members must be able to dance.
To RSVP for auditions, send an e-mail to
AuditionRSVP@musicworldent.com. If you are unable to make the audition, you
may also upload your audition video to the official Hadley Street Dreams
Audition Myspace: http://myspace.com/hadleystreetdreams.
DAVID TYREE WELCOMES TWINS: Wife of New York Giants star receiver gives birth to two girls.
*New York Giants receiver David Tyree follows up his historic Super
Bowl "helmet" catch with an even bigger experience - the birth of his twin
girls.
People magazine is reporting that the NFL player and his wife,
Leilah, welcomed daughters Sophia and Hannah on Feb. 20, 17 days after his
historic reception led to the team's championship over the undefeated New
England Patriots.
"February has really been a great month for us," Tyree tells People.
"Obviously winning the Super Bowl was just an incredible experience but
there is no greater thrill than completing my family with the birth of
Sophia and Hannah."
The couple also has two sons, Teyon, 6, and Josiah, 3.
LEFTIES SAY OBAMA IS RIGHT ON: Left handed group bans together to push left handed candidate into the White House.
*Lefties for Obama, a group of left-handed Democrats supporting Sen.
Barack Obama's presidential run, have gone public with their efforts to
raise money for the Democrat's campaign.
The New York Daily News points out in its story "some scientists
believe left-handed people think differently, perhaps because their thought
processes are guided by the right half of the brain. Researchers have found
that left-handed people are better able to see 'the big picture' and to
multitask. Left-handed people are often more creative, and excel at art,
music, mathematics and other abstract tasks."
The paper took these characteristics to Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor
to see if any of it rings true. He responded: "In terms of seeing 'the big
picture,' having a vision, having foresight, I'd say that's a fair
assessment. He opposed the Iraq War before it began. In that instance, he
had a vision of the future. If you read [his October 2002] speech, he
predicted a lot of the problems, like sectarian violence."
Only seven Presidents have been left-handed: James Garfield, Herbert
Hoover, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan (though he wrote with his
right hand), George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
PAROLE BOARD KEEPS MYSTIKAL IN JAIL: Rapper currently serving six-year
sentence for sexual battery and extortion.
*Allhiphop.com is reporting that Mystikal was denied parole in his
six-year sentence for sexual battery and extortion.
The rapper, born Michael Tyler, will remain imprisoned in Homer,
Louisiana for another two years. He was convicted of forcing his hairstylist
to perform oral sex after accusing her of stealing $80,000 worth of his
checks. She denied stealing any money.
"Mystikal is in great spirits, despite the parole board's decision
not to release him," a source told AllHipHop.com. "He's been writing and
focused on his career once he is finally released."
BET'S 'RIP THE RUNWAY' TO AIR NEXT WEEK: Snoop & Shante, Missy, Nelly, Flo Rida among appearances.
*As previously reported, BET's performance-filled fashion show "Rip
the Runway" will air on March 4 at 10 p.m. with hosts Nelly and Lauren
London.
The hour-long special will show urban-themed fashion collections from
Zac Posen, Sean John, Respect M.E. (Missy Elliott Collection for Adidas),
Apple Bottom, Qristyl Designs, Monif C, Sixx Foota, and Amaya Swimwear.
Also, Snoop Dogg and his wife Shante Broadus launch their clothing lines
Rich & Infamous and Co Co Ri.
"My wife got her line Co Co Ri and I got my line Rich & Infamous and
we're just trying to come out here as husband and wife and push something
out there for the people, something for the males, something for the
females, something for the little boys. It's a group thing right here,"
Snoop told BET.com.
The rapper also rocked the mic during the show, joining fellow
performers Missy, N.E.R.D, Day 26, Cheri Dennis, Webbie, Trey Songz and Flo
Rida featuring T-Pain.
Celebrity models included Tocarra Jones (BET Talent, America's Next
Top Model-Cycle 3), Charlie Baltimore (female rapper), Teyana Taylor
(singer/rapper Star Track Entertainment), Bianca Golden (America's Next Top
Model-Cycle 9), Camille McDonald (America's Next Top Model-Cycle 2), Corey
Webster (NY Giants), Sam Madison (NY Giants), Brandon London (NY Giants),
BET's own, Rocsi and Terrence, Brandon T. Jackson (Roll Bounce), Lil Snoop
(The Wire), Cassie (Bad Boy R&B singer/model), Ezra Masters (VH1's I Love
New York), Terrell Carter (Diary of a Mad Black Woman), Camille Howard
(America's Next Top Model-Cycle 8), America's Next Top model winner Jazlene
Gonzalez, and show host Lauren London.
RUSSELL SIMMONS HAS A NEW CLOTHING LINE: Collection targets men of success over age 25.
*Entertainment mogul and Phat Farm creator Russell Simmons has
officially launched a new menswear collection called Russell Simmons Argyle
Culture, described as clothing for the successful man over age 25.
The line combines original urban concepts with the buttoned-up
styling of men's professional attire. Simmons says it represents the natural
next step in his fashion-related endeavors.
"After nearly 20 years in the young men's business I have always
intended to design sophisticated men's wear for the urban graduate," said
Simmons, who teamed with GQ magazine for the Spring 2008 Argyle Culture Ad
campaign.
Simmons, who will serve as the face of Argyle Culture, recently shot
a photo spread for the ad campaign in St. Bart's. The ads will run for six
months in various publications and on the Internet.
In November of 2007, Simmons stepped down as the CEO of Phat Farm,
three years after he sold the company for $140 million dollars to clothing
giant Kellwood in 2004.
FORD DRIVES INTO 2008 CIAA TOURNAMENT: Auto maker is exclusive automotive sponsor of the Ford Fan Experience and Ford Finals Night
*The chance to dip around town in a new 2008 Ford Focus just got
easier, thanks to Ford's sponsorship of the 2008 Central Intercollegiate
Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament.
Ford, the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Ford Fan Experience and
Ford Finals Night is offering up an opportunity for one CIAA fan to win a
new, 35 MPG, Sync-Equipped 2008 Ford Focus. Folks will have the chance to
win the car during halftime of the Ford Men's Finals on Saturday, March. 1.
Fans can enter online by visiting www.fordurban.com/ciaa.
During Ford's Finals Night, each of the contestants will take their
turn at unlocking the vehicle in the Concourse of the Bobcat Arena. Each
contestant will randomly pull one key from a bowl of four keys to see which
has the winning key that will start the Focus.
Ford's activities will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center
through March 1 at the free CIAA Ford Fan Experience. Ford will have on
display some of its hottest products including the Red Hot 2008 Ford
Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, designed by Hip Hop Guru of Car
Customization Funkmaster Flex.
Ford will also be bringing National Artists Bow Wow, Omarion, Lyfe
Jennings and Tiffany Evans to the VIBE Soundstage during Saturday's
activities. The Ford Fan Experience, the largest since its inception, will
host a special live taping of the Steve Harvey Morning Show presented by
Ford this morning (Feb. 29) from 6 to 10 a.m.
In addition to the chance to open the doors to a 2008 Ford Focus,
students at the ten CIAA schools will have a shot-literally, to take part in
Ford's "CIAA Shootout Contest." The contest, open to all eligible CIAA
students, will culminate by bringing 10 Finalists to Charlotte to shoot for
one of four scholarships during Men's Finals Night on Saturday, March 1.
Contestants can shoot to win a $5,000; $2,500; $1,500 or $500 scholarship.
For more information on Ford's involvement in the 2008 CIAA or to
register for your chance to unlock the doors to a 2008 Ford Focus, please
visit www.fordurban.com/ciaa.
ITTY BITTY BITS: 'House of Payne' Web chat; Zoe Kravitz in Jay-Z clip;
Obama's daughters; new Rakim; Hip Hop Anniversary Tour.
*Myra J. of The Tom Joyner Morning Show will host a Web chat
following brand new episodes of TBS's hit series "Tyler Perry's House of
Payne" on Wednesday, March 5. After the back-to-back episodes from 9 p.m. to
11 p.m., fans can go online at www.tbs.com to chat with cast members LaVan
Davis (Curtis "Pops" Payne), Cassi Davis (Ella Payne), Lance Gross (Calvin
Payne), Larramie "Doc" Shaw (Malik Payne) and Demetria McKinney (Janine).
*Zoe Kravitz, the 19-year-old daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa
Bonet, stars in the video for Jay-Z's new single "I Know." The rapper does
not appear in the clip, however, Zoe is featured throughout the video in
several different looks. The track is produced by Pharrell and is the latest
single from Jay-Z's album "American Gangster."
*Sen. Barack Obama says his daughters Sasha and Maila are "sensible"
enough to be "pretty down" on Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, quoting their
exact description of the celebrities as "very 'yuck'." Obama's girls prefer
Beyonce and Hannah Montana, he tells Us magazine. When asked whether he
wears boxers or briefs, Obama wouldn't answer, calling the question
"humiliating." But, he did say: "Whichever one it is, I look good in 'em."
*Rakim's new album, "Live, Lost & Found," is scheduled to drop on
March 4th led by the new single "It's Nothing." The disc includes three more
previously-unreleased songs, as well as an additional 17 tracks of classic
Rakim material performed live.
*Rap legends Kurtis Blow, Sugar Hill Gang and Whodini will hold a
press conference in Washington D.C. this afternoon to announce details of
the "Hip Hop Anniversary Tour," which starts next week and runs through June
with dates in Europe and the U.S. D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty is scheduled to
be in attendance along with city council members; a rep from tour sponsor
Visit Florida and community-based "stop the violence" partners. The press
conference will begin at 1 p.m. at First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church -
Fellowship Hall; (602 N St., NW).
FELLOWSHIP TARGETS MINORITIES FOR INT'L AFFAIRS: UNCF behind effort to lure more blacks into field.
*The United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP)
and its Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP) has introduced a
five-year fellowship program aimed at increasing the number of minority
college students choosing careers in international affairs.
The fellowship was inspired by the triumphs of Ralph Bunche, a
diplomat and political scientist who was a key figure on the world stage
when Jim Crow ruled America.
However, more than half a century after Bunche became the first black
man to win the Nobel Prize, it's still uncommon to find people of color in
careers impacting the global stage. Few members of minority groups work for
humanitarian relief organizations or train to become leaders in
international careers, such as banking, policymaking, and education.
Now entering its 14th year, the IIPP has placed almost 300 minority
students in over 50 countries across the world to study global issues and
gain hands-on experience through a series of activities, such as summer
international policy institutes, foreign language instruction, study abroad,
internships and funding for a master's degree in international affairs; each
fellowship is valued at nearly $100,000.
IIPP Director, Darryl Crompton, says: "The field of international
affairs and public policy has never been more exciting, or more important.
We're helping tomorrow's minority leaders in global affairs to define their
goals and acquire the skills they need to achieve them."
Recently, the IIPP kicked off an initiative to increase the number of
applicants currently attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs). Applications must be submitted no later than March 15th for the
program beginning in early June. For more information on the IIPP
Fellowship Program and to apply online, please visit www.UNCFSP.org/IIPP.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind
it." - Ralph Waldo Emerson: Was an essayist, poet, philosopher
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Feb. 29: Leap year birthdays: Rapper Ja Rule is 8 (born 1976).
March 1: Singer Harry Belafonte is 81. Singer Sammie is 21.
March 2: Rapper Rappin' 4-Tay is 39. NFL running back Reggie Bush is
22.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Jamati Online is a place to get all information about African music,
film, style, sports. It is also the place to see what African celebrities
are up to (http://www.jamati.com).
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less)
description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Feb. 29, 1940: On this day, Hattie McDaniel known for her
supporting roles became the first African American to win the Oscar for her
role as Mammy in the movie "Gone with the Wind."
Mar. 1, 1892: The pastry fork was invented by a black woman, Ms. Anna
M. Mangin.
Mar. 2, 1807: Congress banned the slave trade, prohibiting "the
importation of slaves into the United States or the territories thereof"
after January 1, 1808. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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