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09-17-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
SERENA WILLIAMS TO WRITE MEMOIR: Book due in 2009; bidding said to have reached at least $1.3 million.
*Serena Williams will write about her life on and off the tennis court in an upcoming memoir for Grand Central Publishing, which beat out several other publishers in a fierce bidding war for her story.
"Serena Williams is one of the world's most remarkable athletes,"
Grand Central editor Karen Kosztolnyik said Tuesday in a statement. "We've watched her rise to No. 1 despite physical and emotional setbacks, and her hard work and determination have inspired legions of fans young and old.
Serena will give her memoir a strong motivational slant."
Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but an official with knowledge of the transaction said bidding reached at least $1.3 million, according to the Associated Press.
The 26-year-old has won nine Grand Slam titles and a gold medal in women's doubles at the recent Beijing Olympics with her sister Venus.
LIL WAYNE EXTENDS CASH MONEY CONTRACT: Rapper re-ups for undisclosed number of albums.
*Fresh from his performance on the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live," Lil Wayne has re-signed his contract with Cash Money Records for an undisclosed number of albums, reports Billboard.com.
The rapper also serves as president of the label, which was founded
17 years ago in New Orleans by brothers Bryan "Baby" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams. Lil Wayne, who turns 26 at the end of this month, was signed to Cash Money when he was only 11-years-old.
“Working with our son Lil Wayne throughout the many years has helped us build Cash Money into the empire it is today,” said Baby. “Cash Money is a family and Lil Wayne has been part of our family since day one.”
Lil Wayne also runs his own independent imprint, Young Money. The label's most popular artist, Mack Maine, has appeared on various Cash Money-sanctioned mixtapes as well as the remix of Lil Wayne's current single, "Got Money" featuring T-Pain.
Wayne's most recent album, "Tha Carter III," is the top seller of 2008 at 2.4 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
In other Lil Wayne news, the artist will join rapper Lupe Fiasco to headline a homecoming event at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.
The Oct. 23 performance at the 7th annual Commodore Quake will kick off homecoming weekend, which culminates Oct. 25 with the Vanderbilt vs. Duke football game.
Lil Wayne will return to his native New Orleans shortly after the Vanderbilt gig to headline the second evening of the Voodoo Music Experience Oct. 25. Lupe Fiasco is also scheduled to perform at the festival the following evening (10/26).
FROMONG RETURNS AT O.J. SIMPSON TRIAL: Witness testified Tuesday, a day after leaving witness stand clutching his chest.
*Bruce Fromong, a sports dealer who says O.J. Simpson and five accomplices robbed him of memorabilia worth thousands of dollars, returned to the witness stand at O.J.'s trial Tuesday after falling ill and leaving early during Monday's proceedings.
Fromong, who has suffered four heart attacks and was described as "medically fragile" by his attorney, was being cross-examined by a defense attorney on Monday when he began clutching at his chest and head. He was assisted out of the courtroom by a bailiff and treated in a hallway by paramedics for dizziness and overheating.
The memorabilia dealer is the first witness to testify in a case that could send Simpson to prison for life on kidnapping and armed robbery charges.
Fromong testified that the former football star burst into the hotel room with his cronies, shouting about "stolen stuff" before leaving with the memorabilia crammed into pillow cases.
"When he first came through the door he stopped, then he proceeded into the room and started hollering at everyone," said Fromong, who has known Simpson since before his famous Los Angeles murder trial and has helped sell memorabilia.
"He was just yelling about how this is his stuff, how could you steal my stuff, I thought you were an OK guy, how could you steal my s---,"Fromong said. "He said: 'Don't let anybody leave this room, nobody gets out of here."'
NATE DOGG IN 'STABLE' CONDITION AFTER STROKE: Singer did not suffer brain damage, but has limited movement below his neck.
*TMZ.com is reporting that singer Nate Dogg is in stable condition following his second stroke in less than a year.
"We're told Nate is in stable condition in a hospital ward, but is using an assisted breathing tube -- which is not required but makes breathing easier for him," the Web site reported yesterday. "Despite other reports, Dogg, who is currently sedated, did NOT suffer any brain damage."
TMZ also said the stroke, which reportedly took place 12 days ago, has left him with little movement below his neck at this time.
The gangsta-rap crooner is due in court on Sept. 24 to face felony charges after he allegedly made death threats to his estranged wife.
AGAIN…WILL SMITH SAYS HE'S NOT A SCIENTOLOGIST: Latest denial comes amid rumors of teaching methods at his new school.
*For the umpteenth time, Will Smith has been asked point blank if he practices Scientology, and again, his answer is no.
Fox411 columnist Roger Friedman caught up with the actor and his wife Jada Monday night at the premiere of "Lakeview Terrace," which Smith produced with partner James Lassiter. Friedman asked about reports of the new school he founded in suburban Los Angeles using one of Scientology’s study programs.
The school, New Village Leadership Academy, is using one of Scientology's teaching tools, but Will told Friedman: “You can take different parts of things you like and put them all together.”
On Sept. 8, Smith met in person with an anti-Scientology group called Anonymous. In their recent press release, the group said: "We appreciate Will's interest in our efforts and his openness in speaking with us directly. It shows his concern both as a parent and educator.
"Anonymous is hopeful that NVLA will take the great strides necessary to correct for the deficiencies in Scientology's Study Tech, or abandon them altogether. We will be keeping an eye on the situation to make sure that NVLA lives up to the goals Will Smith has for it, which include keeping the Church of Scientology out of the classrooms."
NE-YO SAYS 'I DON'T HATE R. KELLY': Plus, 'gentleman' makes plans for money won in lawsuit over early tour exit.
*Singer-songwriter Ne-Yo says he harbors no ill will toward R&B singer R. Kelly, despite having just won a lawsuit against him to collect $700,320 in damages for being kicked off of his 2007 tour.
"I don't hate R. Kelly," he told the New York Daily News. "It wasn't even really a feud. It's all in the past. I think I'm going to use the money and open up a club or a cigar bar in Atlanta."
Ne-Yo, whose new album "Year of the Gentleman" was released Tuesday, wasn't acting like much of a gentleman when hanging out with Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs recently.
"We were all in London a while ago, and I ended up doing so many shots of Patrón because I thought everyone else was," he recalled. "But they were just putting them down without drinking! So nine shots later, and I'm hanging out of Jay's Maybach, losing my lunch! He called and joked he was going to send me a cleaning bill for the carpeting."
BENCH WARRANT OUT FOR DAMON DASH'S EX: Son's mother still won't bring teen back to mogul, who has full custody.
*As of press time, a bench warrant was still out for the mother of Damon Dash's 16-year-old son after she again denied a court order to return the boy to his father.
The rap mogul has full custody of Damon Dash Jr., and expected his son to be returned several weeks ago following a weekend visit with his mom, Linda Williams, at her Long Island home. After several days of ignoring court orders to bring the child back to Dash's Manhattan apartment, the judge issued a bench warrant on Monday for her arrest.
During court on Monday, Dash was spotted outside a Midtown hotel near the courthouse "pacing on the phone" for 45 minutes, reports TMZ.com.
Williams has said she enrolled her son at a high school near her Long Island home. According to the New York Post, Williams’ lawyer said Damon Jr. wants to live with her and not his father.
NICOLE RICHIE PULLS A KANYE?: Socialite reportedly breaks camera of woman trying to snap a photo.
*The New York Post is reporting that Nicole Richie went ballistic outside a New York nightclub when a tourist attempted to take her picture.
According to Page Six, the socialite grew irritated with the young fan who was standing outside of an afterparty held at Country Club, hosted by Mark Ronson's fashion designer sister Charlotte as part of New York Fashion Week.
A source tells the publication: "A young, Swedish tourist was trying to take her photo. Richie shouted, 'I'm not an animal' then jumped over the velvet rope, ripped the camera out of the girl's hand, and smashed it to the ground."
In other Nicole Richie news, the charity organization she runs with her boyfriend, Joel Madden, has just launched a new text messaging campaign to help build a playground for Beyond Shelter – a non-profit organization that provides permanent housing and support services for homeless families with children.
The Richie Madden Children’s Foundation's Web site says: “We’re pleased to announce the launch of TEXT CHILD to 90999, a new campaign to raise funds to help kids through a new kind of fundraising – with a simple text message. Each text message donates $5, billed to your phone bill. This is the first time that a text campaign has been done by mass media like this, so we’re excited to see how much we can raise!”
KEITH SWEAT TO STAY ON THE ROAD: Tour supporting 'Just Me' album to continue into next year.
*Keith Sweat has extended his ongoing tour in support of his latest album "Just Me," with shows across the country scheduled into early 2009, reports Live Daily.
The crooner's next stop is scheduled for Sept. 20 in Atlanta, after which he'll skip into October for a handful of gigs around the eastern half of the country. The R&B vet's current itinerary has him traveling to a half-dozen cities from the West Coast to the South between November and January.
"Just Me," released in May, is Sweat's first new studio recording since 2002's "Rebirth." The latest set debuted at No. 10 on The Billboard 200 and claimed the top spot on the R&B/hip-hop albums chart.
Keith Sweat's revised itinerary is listed below:
September 2008
20 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia Music Hall of Fame
October 2008
2 - New York, NY - WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden/"Retro Jam 2008"
3 - St. Louis, MO - venue to be announced
4 - Lakeland, FL - Lakeland Center
5 - Montgomery, AL - Alabama State Fair
8 - Jackson, MS - Mississippi State Fair 10 - Buffalo, NY - Shea's Performing Arts Center
11 - Pittsburgh, PA - Peterson Events Center
November 2008
7 - Dallas, TX - Nokia Theater
8 - Tacoma, WA - Emerald Queen Casino
14 - Wichita, KS - Cotillion Ballroom
December 2008
19 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
January 2009
30 - Biloxi, MS - Hard Rock Live
31 - Greenville, MS - Jubilee Casino
WEBBIE'S HIGH SPEED CHASE ENDS IN ARREST: Rapper charged with felony eluding, DUI and drug possession.
*Rapper Webbie was being held in a Hattiesburg, Mississippi jail as of press time Tuesday after leading police on a high-speed chase down Interstate 59 and crashing into another vehicle.
According to the Associated Press, the artist, born Webster Gradney Jr., was charged with one count of felony eluding, one count of DUI and one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana.
Authorities said an officer attempted to pull over a 2009 Dodge Challenger for a traffic violation on Sunday (Sept. 14). After ignored police lights, he continued on I-59 until colliding with another vehicle.
Police later found the damaged 2009 Dodge Challenger he was driving and eventually arrested Webbie after finding him behind the wheel of a grey sedan. The Baton Rouge native was being detained at the Forrest County Jail pending an initial court appearance.
His album "Savage Life 2" made the rap charts this year fueled by the singles "Independent" and "I Miss You."
T.I. COMMENTS ON CHILD SUPPORT LAWSUIT: Rapper uses Web site to address legal drama from mother of 2 of his kids.
*T.I. has posted a comment on his Web site in response to a lawsuit from an ex-girlfriend that requests more child support for the two children she has with the rapper.
In her lawsuit filed last week, Lashon Dixon, 29, claimed she was unable to provide for their two sons with the $2,000 a month he gives her in child support. She is seeking a stipend that reflects the money T.I. makes as a successful entertainer.
T.I. posted the following lengthy statement in response to Dixon's lawsuit:
"A lot of deceiving information has been reported regarding my recent child support proceeding. It is unfortunate that the media has been used to manipulate the circumstances and distort the facts. Those that know me, all know that there is nothing more important to me than my children. I have always supported all of my children financially, emotionally, and spiritually. This has always been the case and I will continue to do so in the future as this is my responsibility as a parent.
To clarify the recent reports, in addition to the $2000 per month I pay in cash to Lashon Dixon, the mother of my sons Domani and Messiah, I also pay for their private schooling, medical insurance, clothing, food, gifts, birthdays and extracurricular activities. Their extra-curricular activities have included football, basketball, baseball, acting lessons, summer camp, and any other activities that they express a desire to be involved in that will contribute to them leading balanced lives and developing into well rounded individuals. I have also made an attempt to help Lashon with additional payments that have included a down payment to purchase her home, purchase of an automobile for her transportation and other financial obligations. These expenses are documented and are far in excess of the $2000 cash payment that is being paid direct to Lashon. She has chosen not to work and to live 100% from her child support receipts.
This is the reason for her difficulties in making ends meet for herself.
Not only do I support my boys 100% financially, I am also committed to their emotional and spiritual growth. While I would enjoy the luxury of being present for all of my children’s activities, unfortunately the demands of my career and the need to secure my family’s financial security as well as insuring my kid’s personal growth dictates that I travel constantly and work tirelessly. Despite my hectic schedule, I make it a priority to be present for important occasions in their lives. This includes being home for their birthdays, school functions and being present at as many of their extra-curricular activities as I am able. I also am available to them at all times to provide guidance and support as a father regardless of my schedule or location. They are my first priority.
Again, there is nothing more important to me than my children. This is demonstrated by my effort to support them in every way that I can. Any reasonable person knowing the facts would conclude that all of my children’s needs are being far exceeded. My support of them in every way is documented and cannot be legitimately challenged.
I believe that it is every parent’s responsibility to provide unconditional love and support for their kids. I have made every attempt to do so for my boys. Again, I provide 100% of their financial support. I should only be judged for my actions and not Lashon’s conscience decision not to work and not to contribute to the financial support of our boys."
50 CENT COMMENTS ON KANYE'S ARREST: Rapper sympathizes with West regarding airport paps; but reignites feud at recent concert.
*Despite being hip hop rivals, rapper 50 Cent says he can understand how Kanye West snapped and allegedly smashed the camera equipment of paparazzi stationed at LAX airport to get photos.
West and his road manager ended up arrested on vandalism charges following the incident at a United Airlines security checkpoint.
"I hope he's all right... He's gonna pay for that," 50 told WENN of his one-time rival. "I hope everything works out for him because, away from you having to pay your bail money and then you have to go through your legal fees and you have to go through the civil trial."
Fifty, currently starring in the film "Righteous Kill," admits that he's had to be conscious of his temper when enduring paparazzi as well as pushy fans at the airport.
"At some points it's uncomfortable... but now you have to accept it. Everyone has a cell phone... and can take pictures," he said. "I guess he (West) wasn't in the mood that day. It's not the first time a star has got into it with the paparazzi; I think they actually look for it."
50 Cent's sympathy for West does not extend to the mic, as evidenced by his mocking of the Louis Vuitton Don at a recent concert in Albany, New York.
According to MTV.com, 50 Cent mimicked West’s new song “Love Lockdown,” sending the crowd into a frenzy as he got down on bended knee while belting the lyrics. The crowd soon joined in, gleefully chanting “f**k Kanye West,” while putting up their middle fingers.
He also revealed to the crowd that his next album, titled "Before I Self Destruct," is scheduled to be released on Dec. 9.
HUMANITARIAN WORK OF QUINCY JONES HONORED: Concert and benefit to be held in October.
*The concert and benefit "THANK Q -- A World Music Tribute To the Humanitarian Works Of Quincy Jones" will take place in Southern California at the Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.
The legendary "Q" will be presented with the "Unity Through Music Award," and the evening will close with a multicultural performance -- featuring Pilgrim with special surprise guest artists -- of "We Are The World," the Grammy-winning, Jones-produced 1985 anthem.
In keeping with the spirit of "We Are The World" and its assemblage of superstar performers who banded together as USA For Africa, net proceeds from "THANK Q" will benefit two non-profit organizations making a difference of the lives of people in Africa: Malaria No More, dedicated to ending deaths caused by the disease, and Millennium Promise, whose flagship program, Millennium Villages comprehensively addresses extreme poverty throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
The event will also feature the U.S. premiere of the multimedia work "The Return Of Nuwa" and other pieces by world music group Pilgrim. General admission tickets are $25 through Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com). A limited number of $1,000 VIP tickets are also available, and include a post-event reception hosted by Pilgrim and Gema Productions at the new Hollywood club 24K Lounge. Contact 310.392.7327 or events@dreamscapestudiosla.com for reservations and information.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Mama Gotti's b-day; Raiders' Kelly arrested; Russell Simmons ex encounters nieces; Webb encounters her replacement; Annie McKnight in Hollywood.
*On Friday night, record mogul Irv Gotti threw a 75th birthday party at the Tribeca Grand for his mother Mary "Nee Nee" Lorenzo. According to the New York Post's Page Six, Jay-Z, Diddy, Ja Rule, L.A. Reid and Lyor Cohen were among the guests. "All my mom wanted for her 75th was a party,"
Gotti tells the column. "She considers all those huge superstars and executives her family, and she was delighted to see all her family there."
*Oakland Raiders payer Tommy Kelly was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of driving under the influence. The 300-pound defensive tackle was pulled over by cops after his team beat rival Kansas City earlier in the day. Kelly reportedly posted bail and was released from police custody.
*Page Six is reporting of an awkward moment between Russell Simmons' ex-girlfriend Porshcla Coleman, and his nieces Vanessa and Angela Simmons. According to the column, the sisters were walking the red carpet of an event for the LeBron James Foundation when they came face to face with Coleman – on the arm of Dallas Maverick Jason Kidd. "They said hello, but once inside, the girls avoided Porschla all night," the column quoted of a witness.
*Another awkward moment on the red carpet took place at Friday's Us Weekly 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers when former model Veronica Webb ran into Gretta Monahan, who replaced her as co-host on Bravo's "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style." A source at the Hudson Terrace told Page Six: "They sat right next to each other but Veronica wouldn't even look at her. She's furious she was replaced on the show."
*BET Comic View comedienne Annie McKnight is set to appear at the World Famous Comedy Store in West Hollywood, Calif. (8433 Sunset Blvd./ 323.656.6225) on Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. McKnight has recently appeared on “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Heroes” and will be featured on the big screen with Jamie Foxx in “The Soloist” due in November.
KILPATRICK'S FORMER AIDE REJECTS PLEA DEAL: Christine Beatty opts for trial on perjury, obstruction of justice and other charges.
*The Associated Press is reporting that Christine Beatty, former top aide to Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, chose trial over jail Monday, refusing to plead guilty in a City Hall sex scandal and make a deal like one that is forcing her ex-boss from office.
Wayne County Circuit Judge David Groner said he worked for three hours Monday trying to get an agreement reached between Beatty and prosecutors.
"Everything was overly harsh. You know that because there was no acceptance," Beatty's attorney, Mayer Morganroth, explained outside court.
Kilpatrick, a Democrat, leaves office Thursday after recently pleading guilty to two felonies and agreeing to a four-month jail sentence.
Beatty and Kilpatrick denied an affair during testimony last year in a lawsuit filed by former police officers. But sexually explicit text messages published by the Detroit Free Press contradicted the denials. They were charged with perjury, obstruction of justice and other offenses.
Beatty has turned down two deals, one that called for 60 days in jail and another that required 150 days behind bars after the first offer expired Thursday, Assistant Prosecutor Robert Spada said. She would have been required to plead guilty to obstruction of justice. The first offer called for $100,000 in restitution but the next raised it to $125,000.
The case was assigned to a new judge, Timothy Kenny, who will handle the trial. The next hearing was set for Friday.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us ... we would all be millionaires." — Abigail Van Buren
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Sept. 17: Actor Paul Benedict ("The Jeffersons") is 70. Singer LaMonte McLemore of the Fifth Dimension is 69. Singer BeBe Winans is 46. Rapper Doug E. Fresh is 42. Actor Malik Yoba ("New York Undercover") is 41.
Rapper Vinnie of Naughty By Nature is 38. Singer Anastacia is 35. Singer Marcus Sanders of Hi-Five is 35. Singer-actress Nona Gaye is 34.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Not just a bridal showcase, but www.BlackBridalGuide.com is a community where brides can chat with other brides about their pre and post-wedding experiences.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Sept. 17, 1861: Hampton Institute was founded. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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