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04-30-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
OBAMA PUTS HIS FOOT DOWN WITH REV. WRIGHT: Senator forced to come out swinging after antics during infamous Q&A session.
*Sen. Barack Obama attempted to cut any remaining ties linking him to his former pastor Jeremiah Wright yesterday with a press conference held to set the record straight. [Scroll down to view entire clip.]
"I am outraged by the comments that were made and saddened over the spectacle that we saw yesterday," Obama told reporters regarding the Q&A portion of Rev. Wright's appearance Monday at the National Press Club in Washington.
Among other things, Wright criticized the U.S. government as imperialist and stood by his suggestion that the United States government created the HIV virus as a means of genocide against minorities.
"Based on this Tuskegee experiment and based on what has happened to Africans in this country, I believe our government is capable of doing anything," Wright said Monday. He went on to suggest that Obama has denounced his previous statements only because he is in the midst of a presidential campaign.
"If Senator Obama did not say what he said, he would never get elected," Wright said. "Politicians say what they say and do what they do based on electability, based on sound bites, based on polls."
Obama, already reeling from Wright's comments about 9/11, said Tuesday that he does not share those views.
"What became clear to me is that he was presenting a world view that contradicts who I am and what I stand for," Obama said. "And what I think particularly angered me was his suggestion somehow that my previous denunciation of his remarks were somehow political posturing. Anybody who knows me and anybody who knows what I'm about knows that I am about trying to bridge gaps and I see the commonality in all people."
The Illinois senator said of Wright's statements Monday: "All it was was a bunch of rants that aren't grounded in truth."
"Obviously, whatever relationship I had with Reverend Wright has changed," Obama said. "I don't think he showed much concern for me, more importantly I don't think he showed much concern for what we're trying to do in this campaign."
View Obama's entire speech here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4EKY7rCF_c&feature=user
Obama Press Conference: April 29, 2008
SHARPTON REP DENIES NY POST STORY: Article claims Rev. blasted Obama for trying to "grandstand in front of white people."
*Rev. Al Sharpton is denying a New York Post story that claims he and Senator Barack Obama had a "heated" phone call about plans to protest the acquittal of three cops in the Sean Bell case.
In the article, reporters Chuck Bennett and Kavita Mokha quote sources who say Sharpton was "infuriated" by a plea for nonviolence made by Obama in the wake of the verdicts, and accused the Illinois Democrat of trying to "grandstand in front of white people." Read NY Post article here:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04292008/news/regionalnews/sharpton_raps_obama_108577.htm
Sharpton's National Action Network responded immediately with a statement calling the article "an outright falsehood."
"Everything stated in the New York Post regarding yesterday's conversation between Senator Obama and Reverend Sharpton is false, and is either a fabrication of the Post journalists who wrote the story or the supposed unnamed source for the story," said Charlie King, Acting National Director for the National Action Network. "In my view, there is a big difference between tabloid journalism and shoddy journalism. This story is clearly the latter and is unacceptable.
"For the record, Reverend Sharpton and Senator Obama had a good conversation yesterday about the need to address both police misconduct and reducing crime. As with the numerous conversations they have, it was friendly, respectful and substantive."
King also said that Rev. Sharpton was alone during his telephone conversation with Sen. Obama.
GARY DOURDAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES: Outgoing 'CSI' star found with cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, prescription drugs, and paraphernalia.
*Exiting "CSI" star Gary Dourdan, 41, was arrested in Palm Springs Monday for possession of narcotics and dangerous drugs after a patrol officer found a whole bunch of illegal substances in his vehicle.
At 5:12 a.m., a cop spotted Dourdan asleep in a car that was parked on the wrong side of the road, according to reports. The actor appeared disoriented and under the influence of either alcohol or drugs once he woke up.
Upon search of the vehicle, police found cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, various prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Dourdan, whose real name is Robert Gary Durdin, was booked at the Palm Springs jail and released at 10:30 a.m. Monday on $5,000 bail.
Rumors are already flying that drugs may be at the root of the actor's reported exit from "CSI" at the end of this season when his contract is due to expire.
MYA SIDELINED FROM 'CHICAGO' BY BROKEN FOOT: Broadway debut postponed; no details available as of press time.
*Mya's big Broadway debut as Velma Kelly in Chicago will be put on hold until she recovers from a broken left foot, producer Barry Weissler announced Tuesday.
"In the theater industry, we are sometimes forced to deal with circumstances beyond our control," Weissler said. "But speaking for the entire `Chicago' creative team, we all wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to experiencing her portrayal of Velma Kelly as soon as possible."
Details regarding the nature of her injury, or how it occurred, were not available as of press time.
Mya was scheduled to begin a nine-week run in the Broadway production on May 12. No word yet on who will replace her as Velma. The role is currently is being played by Brenda Braxton.
JIMI HENDRIX SEX TAPE ABOUT TO DROP: Porn company obtains 40-year-old footage of legend with two women.
*Vivid Entertainment says it will release a sex tape of Jimi Hendrix that was made about 40 years ago and features the rock legend in a hotel room with two women.
According to the Associated Press, the Los Angeles-based adult entertainment company said it obtained the tape from a memorabilia collector and has since consulted with several experts to authenticate the footage.
Seattle-based representatives for Hendrix's estate refused to comment about the tape.
Vivid Entertainment was also behind for the release of celebrity sex tapes starring Ray J. and Kim Kardashian.
TEDDY RILEY, B2K GET 'HYPE' FOR PARAMOUNT: Film about rival dance crews begins production in July.
*Producer Teddy Riley is about to new-jack-swing into Paramount's upcoming movie "Hype Nation," which follows dance battles between American R&B group B2K and Korean dance crew the Gambler.
Riley will play a music director in the film, which begins shooting July 15 in the U.S. and then move to South Korea.
Alex Calzatti ("I Am Cuba") directs the project for Young Film's Young Lee, a Korean American producer who has previously partnered with American hip-hop artists.
The film is currently in search of a Korean female lead, according to Variety. Paramount plans to release the film worldwide in early 2009.
JAY-Z OFFICIALLY ENTERS DESHAWN/LEBRON FEUD: NBA and hip hop cross paths in the Wizards/Cavs playoff series.
*The Washington Wizards are preparing to fight for their playoff lives tonight in a do-or-die Game Five against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The battle, however, will not just be on the basketball court.
A pre-series beef between the Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson and the Cavs' LeBron James took a left turn through rapper Soulja Boy in Game Three and has now landed in the lap of Jay-Z.
The drama began before Game One with Stevenson calling James "overrated." James responded: "With DeShawn Stevenson, it's kind of funny.
It's almost like Jay-Z [responding to a negative comment] made by Soulja Boy. It doesn't make sense." The Cavs went on to win the first two games of the series in Cleveland.
For Game Three in Washington, Stevenson tracked down Soulja Boy and sat him courtside to heckle James. The Wizards win by a huge margin.
Leading up to tonight's Game Five, Jay-Z has responded with a dis track against Stevenson. Borrowing the beat and title of Too Short's "Blow the Whistle," Jigga raps: "Ask my n*gga LeBron / we so big we ain't gotta respond / When you talking to a don / Please have respect like you talking to your mom."
LeBron's teammate Damon Jones reportedly had local club DJs play Jay-Z's track while adding his own anti-Stevenson rhymes. Upon hearing about the track and Jones' freestyles, Wizards player Caron Butler brought it to Stevenson's attention.
"He says he has a lot of swag, but I don't think that's something to do," Stevenson said of James. "This is basketball. I'm not worried about the song. I'm not worried about what he did. But for Damon Jones to get on the mic. And I heard he was saying foul stuff about me and stuff like that, they're taking it beyond basketball to me."
Stevenson added: "Everybody is saying the bad things that I'm saying nationally, but they don't understand why I'm mad. That stuff doesn't come out. I'd rather be the bad guy. People think I'm going at him, but they don't see the little stabs that he's doing."
"When I had Soulja Boy here. It was on the court," Stevenson said.
"It was nothing disrespecting him or his family or even foul language."
As for Jay-Z's contribution to the situation, Stevenson said: "Jay-Z is a legend. He'll go down in history. No disrespect to Jay-Z. I take it as a compliment. I like his music. I like everything he does. I would never go at a legend."
DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR DIDDY'S STAR CEREMONY: Hollywood Blvd induction to take place Friday at 11 a.m.
*Sean "Diddy" Combs' Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony will take place on Friday (May 2) at 6801 Hollywood Blvd (Closer to Highland).
The college promoter-turned-record executive will be honored for his life-long contribution of both public and peer appreciation in the entertainment industry.
Beginning with his acting debut in the film "Made," Diddy went on to receive critical acclaim for his supporting role in "Monster's Ball,"
opposite Halle Berry, and made a successful Broadway debut starring in the lead role of Walter Lee, Jr., in the classic Lorraine Hansberry play, "A Raisin in the Sun," which garnered four Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Play.
In addition, Combs stars in and executive produced the highly anticipated, special three-hour television movie adaptation from Sony Pictures Television of "A Raisin in the Sun." The film will be released on DVD May 14.
The induction ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m.
AARP TAPS LATIFAH, CHAKA FOR CONCERT: Group honors the African-American church with 'Songs of Soul and Inspiration' show.
*The American Association of Retired Persons [AARP] will mark its 50th anniversary in June with “Songs of Soul and Inspiration,” a concert featuring such artists as Queen Latifah and Chaka Khan honoring the musical legacy of the black church.
Others booked to perform include Dionne Warwick, Patti Austin, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Jamia, CeCe Winans, The Fire Choir and Ann Nesby appearing with her granddaughter Paris Bennett.
Debbie Allen will direct the evening, which is scheduled to take place June 21 at The Philips Arena in Atlanta.
"We're thrilled to bring this extraordinary musical event to Atlanta in celebration of our 50th anniversary," said Emilio Pardo, Chief Brand Officer, AARP. "The talent coming together for this show is truly phenomenal and a perfect way for our members, their families and friends to join in our celebration.”
Tickets are on sale to the general public, while AARP members can use a special code to receive a discount.
WE REMEMBER WILL ROBINSON: First black basketball coach in Division I dies at 96.
*Will Robinson, the first black basketball coach at a Division I school and a Detroit Pistons scout who discovered Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman, died Monday at a Detroit hospital. He was 96.
Robinson had been ailing for 15 months and living in a nursing home for more than a year, according to Pistons spokesman Matt Dobek.
In the 1970s, Robinson broke the racial barrier when he became coach of Illinois State. The Pistons hired him as a scout in 1976, and the additions of Dumars and Rodman were keys to Detroit's 1989 and 1990 NBA championships. Those teams were coached by Chuck Daly, only because Robinson had declined former general manager Jack McCloskey's initial offer to lead the team.
"Will Robinson was truly a legend and will be missed dearly," Dumars told the Associated Press. "He was a huge inspiration for me and so many others. He was simply the best."
A viewing is scheduled in Detroit on Friday. After the funeral Saturday, a celebration of Robinson's life will be held at the Charles H.
Wright Museum of African American History.
ALICIA KEYS ALREADY LOOKING TOWARD NEW ALBUM: Singer trying to take her game to the next level.
*Fresh from a two-concert break to recover from swollen vocal chords, Alicia Keys returned to the stage Sunday night in St. Louis and spoke with Billboard.com about the road just beyond her current North American tour.
"I've been thinking about the next album since we kind of wrapped up this album," says Keys of her CD "As I Am." The set, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in November, still remains in the top 30 of the chart.
"Part of what I've been thinking about is, 'What are the ways that I want to express myself this time?' When I was just finishing recording 'As I Am,' I said to myself that I want to do something that's totally stripped-down, stripped-back, totally piano-based, singer-songwriter; [a] Joni Mitchell, Carole King type of vibe.
"I might do that, but you never know where life takes you, where the music's going to take you."
The biggest challenge, Keys said, is in finding time to create new music amidst a worldwide tour schedule that will last into 2009.
"At this point I'm trying to find the space to continue to record as I'm on tour," explains Keys. "That's always a bit of a challenge for me 'cause it takes so much out of me to tour. But there's always that urge to stay creative and write on that more personal side. So the main goal now is to continue to find that quiet space somewhere in the madness."
Keys says she and director Gina Prince-Bythewood are still deciding whether she'll contribute any music to her next film project, an adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's novel "The Secret Life of Bees." Due this fall, "Bees"
features Keys acting alongside Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah.
Keys has also been tapped to star as the biracial classical piano prodigy Philippa Schuyler in the Halle Berry-produced "Black and White" but says the project is currently in the scripting stage with its release "a couple of years off."
RUBEN AND FRENCHIE'S 'MISBEHAVIN' DATES ANNOUNCED: 'Idol' vets will kick off tour in November from the ATL.
*Dates and venues for the "Ain't Misbehavin'" tour starring "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard and former Rent star Frenchie Davis were finally announced Tuesday from promoter Big League Productions.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Fats Waller revue is scheduled to kick off Nov. 17 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA, before playing venues in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Virginia, Texas and New York, among others. [Scroll down to view full schedule.]
Richard Maltby, Jr., who wrote and staged the original 1978 production, will direct the tour. Additional casting and cities will be announced at a later date.
The itinerary for the Ain't Misbehavin' tour follows:
Nov. 17-23 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia Nov. 28-30 at the Scranton Cultural Center in Scranton, PA Dec. 2-4 at the E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron, OH Dec. 5 at the County Events Center in Saginaw, MI Dec. 8 at the Embassy Theatre in Ft. Wayne, IN Dec. 9 at the Emens Auditorium in Muncie, IL Dec. 10 at the The Centre in Evansville, IN Dec. 14 at Jesse Hall in Columbia, MO Jan. 3-4, 2009 at the Van Wezel PAC in Sarasota, FL Jan. 8 at the Roanoke Civic Center in Roanoke, VA Jan. 9-11 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, PA Jan. 15 at The Classic Center in Athens, GA Jan. 3-Feb. 1 at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, TX Feb. 3-9 at the BJCC Concert Hall in Birmingham, AL Feb. 13-15 at the Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque, NM Feb. 17-22 at Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City, UT Feb. 23-26 at Lincoln Center in Ft. Collins, CO March 3-4 at the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno, CA March 6-8 at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA March 24-26 at the Morrison Center in Boise, ID March 28-29 at the Hult Center in Eugene, OR April 1-2 at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, CO April 4 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lawrence, KS April 7-8 at the Carson Four Rivers Center in Paducah, KY April 14 at the Eisenhower Theatre at State College, PA April 16 at the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield, OH April 30 at the Strand Capitol Theatre in York, PA May 12-14 at the Crouse-Hinds Theatre in Syracuse, NY
KAY GEE RE-LAUNCHES RECORD LABEL: Naughty by Nature member teams with company to resurrect Divine Mill.
*Naughty By Nature's Kay Gee is preparing to re-launch his record label Divine Mill under a new partnership with Merovingian Music (MRV).
The joint venture calls for Divine Mill to focus on artist equity participation and a proper and controlled marketing approach, while working with Caroline/EMI to distribute Divine Mill projects worldwide.
"For me, this deal with EMI and MRV was a no-brainer," stated Kay Gee, who is looking forward to furthering the Divine Mill brand. "My passion has always been finding and developing new talent, and this new joint venture will enable me to do that and more. I am looking forward to furthering the Divine Mill brand."
Kay Gee's production resume includes tracks for Luther Vandross, Mary J Blige, Aaliyah, Yolanda Adams and Michael Jackson.
"The music created by Kay Gee is part of the fabric of our lives, says MRV CEO Jack Ponti. "He’s an enormous talent with a special eye on spotting and nurturing new talent. The current climate of the music industry is a perfect time for growth of new and exciting models, one of which the incredible Divine Mill brand fits into."
APOLLO EXPLORES BLACK/JEWISH PERSPECTIVES: Theater's Foundation teams with Jewish Cultural Center for panel discussion.
*The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. and the Jewish Cultural Center present a panel discussion in New York about the group Abraham, Inc., a musical journey that highlights the shared experiences and outsider perspectives of African-Americans and Jews.
The discussion at 7:30 p.m. on May 1 will kick-off a three-day series of events in tribute to the late James Brown, whose 75th birthday would have been May 3 – the day of the Abraham Inc. world premiere.
Hosted by WNYC's Leonard Lopate and followed by audience Q&A's, Abraham, Inc. explores common features of Jewish and African-American music, including their roots in spirituality (Jewish cantorial music and Gospel).
Panelists will include funk legend Fred Wesley of the JBs, clarinet virtuoso David Krakauer and Socalled.
The event will take place at the Jewish Community Center - 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th St., NY. Admission is free and open to the public (with limited seating).
ITTY BITTY BITS: Soulja Boy's in 'School'; Bambaataa honored; 'First Sunday' DVD; Dallas Austin awarded.
*Soulja Boy tells MTV News that his upcoming album will be called "Back to School." The rapper explained: "Basically, it is really me taking it back to the basics. It's time to start studying again. Make it happen, man. ... The time I drop the album, everybody is gonna be going back to school. My fans are 21 and under. That's what I'm focusing on."
*The Bronx Museum of the Arts will honor rap pioneer Afrika Bambaataa at its spring benefit gala, "A Bronx Feast," to be held May 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Bambaataa, a co-originator of break-beat DJing, also founded the "hip hop awareness" collective Universal Zulu Nation. For event details or to purchase tickets, call Esther McGowan at (718) 681-6000 ext. 155
*As reported last week, the film "First Sunday," starring Ice Cube, Katt Williams and Tracy Morgan, will be available on DVD, Blu-ray Disc and PSP on May 13 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The DVD and Blu-ray Discs will include such bonus materials as Filmmaker Commentary, Deleted Scenes, Outtakes, Featurettes and more. The Blu-ray High-Def disc will include “The All-Mighty Version Enhanced Fact Track,” which includes Pop-Up Trivia and Fun Facts about the film’s story, cast and production.
*Broadcast Music, Inc (BMI) awarded producer Dallas Austin with the Legends of ATL award on April 24 at the 11th Annual Urban Unsigned Showcase, held at the Luckie Lounge in Atlanta. BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton presented Austin with the honor, which recognizes a community leader for his or her contributions to the Atlanta music scene. The event was hosted by Ciara, Yung Joc and HOT 107.9's Rashan Ali.
EUR DVD REVIEW: Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is ... (Season Two)
BET’s #1 Rated Reality Series Released on DVD
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*Picture a cross between The Beverly Hillbillies and Jerry Spitzer and you have a good idea of what to expect from Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, the highest rated series on the BET Network.
The popular reality show offers viewers an unblinking look inside the dysfunctional family life of Keyshia Cole, the Grammy-nominated R&B diva who burst on the scene in 2005 with her platinum-selling debut album, also entitled The Way It Is.
There’s a reason why this TV program is #1 with viewers, namely, it appeals to an even lower common denominator than I Love New York and The Flavor of Love combined.
The only reason to watch this jaw-dropping train wreck is if you enjoy laughing at trashy nouveau riche putting on airs while making absolute fools of themselves.
Keyshia’s kin are so impulsive, ignorant and self-destructive that giving them their 15 minutes of fame in this fashion borders on a cruel form of exploitation. First, there’s family matriarch, Frankie, a toothless, reformed crack whore and recently-paroled ex-con with seven children by lots of different men. (“We don’t like none of her Baby Daddies.”) She has no idea whether Ken, a stranger claiming to be Keyshia’s father, is telling the truth, so she asks him to take a DNA test.
Then there’s sister Neffe, an alcoholic with three young daughters. She’s married, technically, but her hubby left her for her first cousin a year ago. At the start of the series’ second season, Keyshia essentially rescues her relatives by relocating them away from their toxic environment in Oakland to a sprawling mansion in suburban Atlanta .
But bad habits die hard, despite unequivocal house rules, such as “no conjugal visits.” So, it is no surprise when Neffe somehow ends up pregnant again. Too bad kindhearted Keyshia can’t bring herself to listen to her financial advisor who suggests that she worry about herself and forget about everyone else.
Slumming for couch potatoes!
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 154 minutes
Studi BET/Paramount Home Entertainment DVD Extras: Deleted scenes, plus two featurettes, “Frankie Reveals” and “Meet Keyshia’s Glam Squad.”
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
“Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.” - by Jonathan Swift
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
April 30: Rapper Turbo B of Snap is 41. Singer Akon is 35. Rapper Lloyd Banks is 26.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
The new blog about the new book, "25 Things That Really Matter In Life" by Gary A. Johnson (http://25things.wordpress.com).
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Apr. 30, 1863: Sarah Thompson Garnet becomes the first African American female principal in the New York City public school system.
(Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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