EURweb |
11-14-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
OBAMA'S BAD LUCK BOWLING LANE ON EBAY: Altoona venue selling lane where president-elect bowled gutter balls during campaign.
*The bowling lane at Pleasant Valley Recreation Center in Altoona, Pa, where President Elect Barack Obama famously bowled gutter balls during a campaign stop, is now up for bid on eBay to raise money for the Special Olympics.
Venue co-owners Jean Montgomery and Bob DiVentura have put Lane 21 up for sale through the online auction that ends Nov. 23 at 9 p.m. EST.
"We are offering this piece of history to the lucky bidder," said Montgomery. "It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of the most talked-about bowling lanes in political history."
On March 29, Obama spent two hours at the bowling center talking with the public as part of a face-to-face "Road to Change" bus tour through Pennsylvania,.
After his ball went into the gutter more than once during his seven frames, he told the crowd: "My economic plan is better than my bowling."
Not only is the venue auctioning lane #21, but also the neighboring lane (#22), the gutters, 2 pin setters, computer scoring system, and the bowling circle complete with the chairs used by Obama. "We'll even throw in the shoes and bowling ball that Obama used," said DiVentura.
"We are proud to have donated the use of our bowling center to the Special Olympics for many years," said Montgomery. "This will allow us to contribute additional funds to the organization."
The fully functional lane will be disassembled, shipped, and reassembled at the location of the buyer's choice. "It is a true collector's item that the buyer can be sure no one else can claim a duplicate," said DiVentura.
For more information, visit http://www.ObamaBowling.com
BET PICKS TWO PEOPLE TO REPLACE HUDLIN: Loretha Jones and Stephen Hill will head bi-coastal operation.
*BET Networks has named two people to fill the programming shoes vacated in September by Reginald Hudlin.
Loretha Jones, the former Senior Vice President of Development at Paramount/MTV Films, was named President of Programming, responsible for original programming, news, development, planning and acquisitions; while interim president Stephen Hill was promoted to President of Programming, responsible for music programming and specials.
Both Jones and Hill will report directly to Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Loretha to the BET Networks family, and I'm so excited about Stephen's promotion," said Lee. "We've made great strides over the last few years with our original programming strategy, and this development is the next step in our evolution and in building on what we've already achieved.
Jones has overseen film and TV projects with leading African American talent on both sides of the camera since she co-produced Spike Lee's breakout film, "School Daze," in 1988. She went on to produce films with actor Robert Townsend in the early 1990s including "The Five Heartbeats" and "Meteor Man," as well as his WB sitcom "The Parent 'Hood."
Over the past six years, she guided long-form productions to both the big and small screen at Paramount/MTV including "Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat" and "Super Sweet 16: The Movie."
Lee adds: "Stephen has done an incredible job during his tenure at BET Networks, thanks to his unparalleled creativity, his remarkable ability to produce unforgettable, buzzworthy shows, and his knack for knowing the 'next big thing.' I'm so proud of the path we're on, and I believe that the unbeatable combination of Loretha and Stephen gives us the right mix of skills, talent relationships, originality and imagination to bring us even more success."
NO, THAT'S NOT WHITNEY'S NEW ALBUM COVER: Photo currently circulating on line is said to be a hoax.
*A rep for Whitney Houston's label Arista Records is denying reports that a photo of the singer that recently appeared online is the cover art for her new comeback album.
"The allegedly 'new' Whitney Houston album cover circulating throughout the Internet is not a legitimate album cover for Ms. Houston's forthcoming Arista disc," read a statement from the label.
"Ms. Houston is still recording and we look forward to unveiling new music along with the official album cover in due time."
Entertainment Weekly reported that the phony album cover – featuring Houston in a black bathing suit with a plunging neckline and sporting a long wavy weave – was actually created by a fan.
ATL 'HOUSEWIVES' VOICEMAIL DRAMA: Kim Zolciak gets a threatening message from Lisa Wu Hartwell.
*TMZ.com cameras caught up with "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member Kim Zolciak outside of her home recently to discuss the threats left on her voicemail from fellow housewife Lisa Wu Hartwell.
The two ladies got into a heated argument on the set of their recent reunion show. According to TMZ, Lisa has been upset with Kim since she heard Zolciak was talking behind her back about her and her three children – two sons from singer Keith Sweat, one infant son from NFL hubby Ed Hartwell.
In a recent interview with Essence.com, Lisa said of her behavior toward Kim on the reunion show: “When you come after my integrity or my family, then you’re going to see a different person.”
On Kim's voicemail, Lisa can be heard saying: "I am not the one -- you need to call me. I might just be coming to your house."
Kim, who says she is 30, has consulted a lawyer and is considering taking legal action. A rep from Bravo tells TMZ this situation is a personal matter and they don't get involved in personal matters.
Click here to view the TMZ clip:
http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=5bf646e1-1da0-42c8-9d9f-2760efedb329)
BET'S 'KEYSHIA COLE' BREAKS RATINGS RECORDS: Season 3 premiere pulled 1.94 million viewers.
*The third season debut of BET's original series "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is" has just become the network's most watched original series season premiere telecast of all time.
A total of 1.4 million households and 1.94 million viewers tuned in on Tuesday night (Nov. 11), giving the show's season debut a 1.54 coverage rating, according to Nielsen Media Research.
The premiere posted a 10% increase in viewing among households compared to last year's premiere, maintaining the series' consistent year-to-year household growth with each season premiere (1.18 million and
1.24 million households for season one and two, respectively).
Additionally, episode two of "Keyshia Cole" aired immediately after the premiere and built on those strong lead-in numbers, scoring a 1.67 coverage rating and drawing 1.5 million households and 2.0 million viewers. Episode two of season three now stands as BET's No. 1 original series telecast so far this year.
Season three of "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is" finds the family making progress and discovering their own personal paths. Frankie, Neffie and Keyshia attempt to truly step above their past hurts. During the process, Keyshia finds herself on the path to becoming the woman she is destined to be, leading her family and her business down the road to success. This new path also opens Keyshia's heart and she is finally ready to allow herself to find love again.
'MUNSTERS' SET FOR WAYANS TWIST: Film based on 50s sitcom is 'almost ready to be shot," says Shawn.
*MTV News is reporting that the long gestating "Munsters" remake from the Wayans Bros is finally close to seeing daylight.
Shawn Wayans and the team behind “Scary Movie” and “Little Man” are currently finalizing work on their third draft of the script.
“I’m almost ready. It’s almost ready to be shot,” Wayans said during a late night shoot on his newest film, the musical spoof “Dance Flick.” “We had to finish this movie and now we’re going through our third polish on ‘The Munsters.’”
The Wayans first announced their involvement in the project four years ago, but Shawn says the film's basic format hasn’t really changed all that much in the four years since: they are still placing the family in modern times and they still don’t have any plans to star.
“If we do anything, maybe we’ll do a cameo, but we’re not gonna make The Munsters black all of a sudden,” Wayans laughed. “They’re gonna be green, white people just like they were in the TV show. Their characters are still who they were in the ‘50s. It’s just in modern day.”
RIHANNA NIXES INDONESIA GIG OVER SECURITY: Travel advisories issued following executions of three Islamic militants.
*Pop star Rihanna has canceled tonight's scheduled concert in Indonesia due to concerns over her safety.
Dive Purnomo, a spokeswoman for the event organizer, said the 20-year-old singer was supposed to perform before a sold-out crowd of 6,000 in the capital, Jakarta. But she decided against it while in Australia, one of several countries that issued a travel advisory to citizens in Indonesia after the weekend executions of three Islamic militants convicted in the
2002 Bali bombings.
The men called on followers to carry out revenge attacks if their deaths by firing squad went ahead as scheduled.
Purnomo, of Show Master Live, said she hoped Rihanna would make up the cancelled Jakarta gig sometime in January.
PALIN STORY ABOUT AFRICA CONFUSION FALSE: Filmmakers create fictional McCain adviser as part of pitch for TV show.
*The unnamed John McCain adviser who was quoted by Fox News as saying that Sarah Palin did not know that Africa was a continent? He doesn't exist, and the whole story was fake, according to the New York Times.
The source of Fox's story was Martin Eisenstadt, who identifies himself on a blog as a senior fellow at the Harding Institute for Freedom and Democracy. Yet neither he nor the institute exist; each is part of a hoax dreamed up by a filmmaker named Eitan Gorlin and his partner, Dan Mirvish, the New York Times reported Wednesday.
Gorlin and Mirvish say they created Martin Eisenstadt to help them pitch a TV show based on the character. They say the blame lies not with them but with shoddiness in the traditional news media and especially the blogosphere.
“With the 24-hour news cycle, they rush into anything they can find,” said Mirvish, 40. Gorlin, 39, argued that Eisenstadt was no more of a joke than half the bloggers or political commentators on the Internet or television.
According to the Associated Press, Eisenstadt's "work" had been quoted and debunked before. The Huffington Post said it had cited Eisenstadt in July on a story regarding the Hilton family and McCain.
Among the other victims were political blogs for the Los Angeles Times and The New Republic, each of which referenced false material from Eisenstadt's blog.
WHOOPI TO PRODUCE 'SISTER ACT' MUSICAL: 'View' co-host behind London stage version of her 1992 hit movie.
*Whoopi Goldberg has announced that she is mounting a stage production of her 1992 blockbuster film "Sister Act" to take place in London.
The Oscar winner and co-host of ABC's "The View" says she will not star in the theater version, which mirrors the movie that starred Goldberg as an on-the-lam lounge singer who hides out in a convent.
The musical will open June 2, 2009, at the London Palladium, with preview performances beginning May 6, she announced Thursday on "The View."
Goldberg will team with Stage Entertainment, one of Europe's largest theatrical producers, in presenting the show.
OBAMA TELLS 'DADDY'S PROMISE' OF WISHES FOR DAUGHTERS: Jakes' Potter's House teams with 'Promise' national tour.
*New York, November 11, 2008 - President-elect Barack Obama told journalist and Daddy’s Promise founder Ed Gordon he wants his daughters to “feel they can excel athletically, intellectually, politically, socially whatever passions they have I want them to be able to pursue.”
The full (video) statement can be seen on daddyspromise.com.
Gordon said, “Obama, his wife Michelle and their two daughters have become the new face of the All-American Family. But, most importantly Barack Obama is showing by example that no matter how busy your life is there is always time to be a good father. The President-Elect will serve as a great role model for fathers!”
National Tour Continues
Also, the Daddy’s Promise national church/college tour continues. After standing room only stops in Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. (special town hall at the Congressional Black Caucus), the tour visits Dallas and teams with Bishop T.D. Jakes and The Potter’s House.
Father and daughters (and the rest of the family) are invited to participate in a special night of celebration. A salute to the special bond between fathers and daughters will take place November 14, 2008 at The Ruthe Jackson Center, 3113 S. Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX at 7 PM.
The evening will include a discussion of the importance of the father-daughter relationship lead by Gordon. Fathers will also take a symbolic pledge and dedicate a lifetime of love to their daughters.
Also, Bounty paper towels will sponsor a fun “get to know your daughter” cooking demonstration conducted by famed TV cook Rahman Harper aka Chef Rock. Rock was the third season winner of FOX TV’s Hell’s Kitchen.
Other activities will include father and daughter portraits and an ice cream sundae station.
About Daddy’s Promise
Daddy’s Promise: A Lifetime of Love, a new nationwide initiative celebrating the bonds between African American fathers and daughters. The brainchild of award-winning television journalist Ed Gordon, host of the nationally syndicated “Our World with Black Enterprise,” Daddy’s Promise is inspired by Gordon’s own relationship with his 14 year old daughter Taylor. The initiative’s mission is to create a national dialogue within and between African American families about the responsibility and rewards of the father-daughter bond. It will provide guidance and encouragement for fathers to help their daughters grow into independent and accomplished young women.
Proctor & Gamble’s Bounty brand is the title sponsor of Daddy’s Promise. Ford Motor Company is sponsor of the Daddy’s Promise nationwide discussion tour, moderated by Gordon, and the initiative works in partnership with 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Other key supporters include The National Urban League, the NAACP, R&B crooner Will Downing, and artist John Holyfield.
# # #
Contact:
Jackie Bazan-Ross
BazanPR
212-643-4664
BASQUIAT PAINTING AUCTIONED FOR $13.5M: Piece from 1982 consigned to Christie's by Metallica drummer; buyer unidentified.
*A 1982 painting by the late Jean-Michel Basquiat has been sold for $13.5 million at an auction in New York City.
The artwork, "Untitled (Boxer)," shows a black heavyweight fighter with his arms thrust in the air against a white graffiti-filled background. It surpassed its pre-auction estimate of more than $12 million.
The piece was consigned to Christie's auction house by Lars Ulrich, drummer for Metallica. Christie's didn't identify the buyer.
The current auction record for a Basquiat is $14.6 million for "Untitled," which sold at Sotheby's last year.
OBAMA BOOKS CONTINUE TO THRIVE: Two autobiographies, collection of speeches, and other bios about president-elect enjoy huge sales.
*Obamamania continues to rock the publishing industry, with sales of books related to the president-elect in huge demand.
According to Nielsen Bookscan, which tracks about 70 percent of the country's sales, more than 100,000 copies of Barack Obama's books sold Nov. 3-9, including 50,000 copies each of "The Audacity of Hope" and "Dreams from My Father" and 19,000 copies of "Change We Can Believe In," a collection of speeches and policy papers.
Bids on eBay for a signed first edition of "The Audacity of Hope," a million-seller published in 2006, have topped $1,000, reports the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, publishers are in hot pursuit of new books about Obama, the first African American to be voted president. According to the industry newsletter http://www.publishersmarketplace.com, which compiles deals, at least seven Obama-related projects have been agreed upon since the Nov. 4 election.
They include William Eggers' and John O'Leary's "If We Can Put a Man on the Moon," a policy "roadmap" for the incoming administration, and "Renegade: The Education of Barack Obama," by Newsweek's Richard Wolffe.
KANYE VENTS ABOUT LOVE, MOM AND MTV: Artist speaks on a number of topics while promoting new album.
*Kanye West is doing interviews all over the place to promote the Nov. 24 release of his new album "808's and Heartbreak," but the conversations have strayed off topic to also include his love life and the death of his mother, Donda West.
Speaking to People.com exactly one year after his mom died of complications following plastic surgery, the 31-year-old said he is just now at a point where he can discuss the subject openly.
"I didn't do any interviews after my mom passed, I wasn't ready to speak about [it]," he said. "Now I'd rather talk it through than commit suicide. I'm super devastated."
The rapper says he blames himself – or more specifically, his fame – for her death. "I feel like I moved to California, then my mom moved to California, and she did stuff she wouldn't have done if we'd stayed in Chicago," he said. "If I'd never made it in the music business, it never would've happened."
Speaking to reporters Tuesday at a London listening party for the new album, West said the recording studio helped him deal with his sense of isolation. (In addition to losing his mother, he also split with his fiancée, Alexis Phifer.)
"It's lonely at the top," he said. "Losing my mom, having no woman in my life to support me – I feel like I'm on my own and can only express it through my music."
And while admitting he was "depressed, down," West said several celebrities have helped him get through the pain.
"I ran into Beyoncé Knowles , Paul McCartney, [at the MTV Europe Music Awards and] I felt comfortable," he said. "Rejuvenated."
As for starting a family one day, Kanye said, "I want to have kids. But I want to have the right girl too – someone who really cares about me. When I'm in a club, girls are super-calculating, planning every step."
Regarding his place in pop culture, West told the Associated Press that he is to music what Michael Jordan was to basketball.
"I realize that my place and position in history is that I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade, I will be the loudest voice," he said in an interview on Wednesday. "It's me settling into that position of just really accepting that it's one thing to say you want to do it and it's another thing to really end up being like Michael Jordan."
The Grammy-winning rapper-producer said Justin Timberlake had a chance to be music's MVP, but hasn't release enough material. (Timberlake's last album was in 2006, while West released a CD last year in addition to the Nov. 24th release of "808's & Heartbreak."
"There were people who had the potential to do it but they went on vacation, so when Justin went on vacation I made albums," he said. "And it just came out to be that."
And finally, West vented frustration with the choice of winners at the recent MTV Europe Music Awards, calling the ceremony fixed.
“Britney Spears over Rihanna? Are you serious?" he told WENN before his show at London's 02 Arena. “I mean f***ing Jared Leto? He’s my boy but he shouldn’t have won over some of those other artists." (Leto's band 30 Seconds to Mars picked up the Rock Out and Video Star awards in Liverpool.)
“I won nothing last year and I’d brought out 'Stronger'," West continued. “Then this year, just because I was there, I won best urban act. This was Lil Wayne's year.”
MTV say the award West won was voted for entirely by their viewers. Most of the other categories, however, including all the top awards, are chosen by MTV’s Academy of music movers and shakers.
JIMI HENDRIX DRUMMER FOUND DEAD: Mitch Mitchell was last surviving member of rocker's legendary band.
*Drummer Mitch Mitchell, the last surviving member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, was found dead early Wednesday in his hotel room in Oregon, the AFP reported. He was 62.
No cause of death was immediately available, but a statement on the official Jimi Hendrix Web site run by the late guitarist's estate said Mitchell died from natural causes.
"We're all devastated to hear of Mitch's passing," Janie Hendrix, chief executive of Experience Hendrix said. "He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend. His role in shaping the sound of the Jimi Hendrix Experience cannot be underestimated."
Mitchell, whose unique drumming style was regarded as a crucial component of the Hendrix-led group's success, had just completed an 18-city tour of the United States with Experience Hendrix, a concert series featuring guest performers playing tributes to the 1960s group's music.
"Over the course of the recent tour (Mitch) seemed delighted with the interchange with the other musicians and the audiences. There is no question that he was doing what he loved," Janie Hendrix added.
Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower Live! Isle Of Wight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCwCBh0z3Hs
NATIONAL MOURNING DECLARED FOR MIRIAM MAKEBA: All South African flags lowered to half-staff.
*A period of national mourning was declared in South Africa Wednesday for music legend and anti-apartheid activist Miriam Makeba.
The singer, affectionately known as Mama Africa, died Sunday after collapsing as she left the stage of a benefit concert in Italy. She was 76.
Per declaration by South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, all national flags were lowered to half-staff beginning on Thursday, until her funeral and cremation, which had yet to be scheduled as of press time.
The government will also open books of condolences for the public in the capital Pretoria as well as in Cape Town, the statement said.
LIL WAYNE ENDS UP ON CMA STAGE: Rapper joins Kid Rock for performance during annual country event.
*Sporting jerseys from the NFL's undefeated Tennessee Titans, Kid Rock and Lil Wayne performed at Wednesday night's CMA Awards, marking the first time a rap artist – outside of Cowboy Troy – has graced the stage at the annual event.
While Kid Rock sang his hit "All Summer Long," Lil Wayne remained quiet while fake-playing a guitar in the background alongside the band's real guitarist, who was dressed in a shirt that read "Joe the Strummer."
[View clip here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7GYNJHZVYU.]
This is not the first time the pair has appeared onstage together at an awards show: They also performed at the MTV Video Music Awards in September.
Although he has had strong success on the country charts, Kid Rock got his start in hip-hop with such hits as "Bawitdaba" and "Cowboy."
JOHN LEGEND EXPANDS TOUR: Estelle to open during crooner's 2nd North American leg supporting 'Evolver.'
*John Legend has just confirmed a second leg of concert dates in North America as part of his world tour to promote "Evolver," his third studio album via G.O.O.D. Music/Columbia.
The new string of North American dates run from January 12 through February 7, with London-based singer/rapper/songwriter Estelle serving as Legend's special guest. The first artist signed to John's HomeSchool Records label, Estelle hit No. 1 on the UK charts with her single "American Boy" and is featured on "No Other Love," a track from "Evolver."
Legend kicks off his world tour Nov. 19 in Minneapolis with the first leg wrapping up December 13 in Durham, North Carolina.
Songs on "Evolver" include the single "Green Light" (featuring Andre 3000), "It's Over" (featuring Kanye West), "Everybody Knows," "No Other Love" (featuring Estelle), "Satisfaction," "This Time," "Cross The Line," "I Love, You Love," "Good Morning," "If You're Out There," and "Quickly"
(featuring Brandy).
Below is John Legend's tour itinerary:
November 2008
19 - Minneapolis, MN - Northrop Auditorium 20, 21 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
24 - East Lansing, MI - Wharton Center for Performing Arts
26 - Detroit, MI - Masonic Temple Theatre
28 - Toronto, Ontario - Roy Thompson Hall
29 - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theatre
December 2008
1 - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theatre
2 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
4 - University Park, PA - Bryce Theatre @ Penn State
5 - Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theater
6 - Fairfield, CT - Fairfield University/Alumni Hall
8 - Baltimore, MD - Lyric Theatre
9 - Washington, DC - Constitution Hall
10 - Greenville, SC - Peace Center
12 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium
13 - Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center
January 2009
12 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre
13 - Universal City, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre
16 - La Jolla, CA - RIMAC Arena
22 - Dallas, TX - Nokia Theatre @ Grand Prairie
23 - Austin, TX - Bass Concert Hall
24 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater
26 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
28 - Orlando, FL - Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
29 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
30 - Miami, FL - The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater
February 2009
3 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre
5 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall
6 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Theater @ MGM Foxwoods
7 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Events Center
MOTHERSHIP TO TOUCH DOWN AT YEAR'S END: Parliament/Funkadelic to play San Francisco, L.A. and NY in mini-tour.
*George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic will hit the road at the end of the year for a few dates in support of Clinton's latest studio album, the all-star "George Clinton and his Gangsters of Love."
The funk pioneer will perform a New Year's Eve gig in San Francisco, along with a Jan. 2 show in Los Angeles and Feb. 21 appearance in New York. Details are below.
The album of mostly covers features guest appearances from The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sly Stone, El DeBarge, RZA, System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian and gospel singer Kim Burrell.
As previously reported, Clinton also will take part in the upcoming reality-TV show "Gone Country." Hosted by John Rich (of country duo Big & Rich), the series features celebrities competing to become a country singer. Clinton will be competing against six other contestants, including the Monkees' Mickey Dolenz, Richard Grieco of "21 Jump Street" fame, and drummer and Prince protege Sheila E.
Here are George Clinton's tour dates:
December 2008
31 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theater
January 2009
2 - Los Angeles, CA - Club Nokia
February 2009
21 - New York, NY - Lehman Center of the Performing Arts
ITTY BITTY BITS: Urkel writes a film; Harvey uses UDub!News; Griffey fronts Power Ice; Labelle contest; Shaq's restraining order dropped; Diana Ross plays Monster.
*Jaleel White, best known for playing Steve Urkel on the 1990s sitcom "Family Matters," has written a screenplay that will be turned into a film for producers Matthew Cooke and Bert Marcus. "Did You Get My Text" is about a young man who starts a relationship with a girl on his friend's phone, turning their courtship into a comedy of technological errors.
*UDub!News, a subsidiary of mobile and digital content aggregator UrbanWorld Wireless, is now an official news resource for The Steve Harvey Morning Show (SHMS). UDub!News delivers breaking news in urban and pop culture, lifestyle and entertainment via email, SMS, MMS, RSS news feeds and video. The service will be featured daily on the SHMS Web site in its "What's Now" section. Listeners will have the opportunity to participate in contests and have access to exclusive music and ringtones from some of today's biggest artists featured in UDub!News via the SHMS Web site www.steveharvey.com/whatsnow.
*Major League Baseball center fielder, Ken Griffey, Jr. has signed a three year endorsement deal with Integrated Beverage Group, Ltd. (IBG) for their new product, Power Ice, a frozen snack for active kids and healthy alternative to soft drinks and sports drinks. The Chicago White Sox player was chosen "because of his illustrious athletic career and inspiring dedication to young children," read a statement from IBG. Griffey recently shot a 30 second TV spot highlighting the health benefits of Power Ice, which is available in two flavors of Lime Kicker and Orange Blast and is sold in three packs for $1.99 and team packs for $5.99.
*Win a chance to see the recently reunited Labelle perform live in the "Dress Like Labelle" YouTube contest. To enter, contestants should create a video of themselves sporting Labelle's unique style. The video should be set to the full length audio of the single, "Roll Out" (featuring Wyclef Jean). Then, they should upload their video to the 'Dress Like Labelle' YouTube group and submit all basic information to the official Labelle contest page. The contestant who makes the winning video will win a trip to see Labelle live in concert! The contest ends Dec. 13. For official rules, click here
(http://www.labelleisback.com/dresslikelabelle/rules.html).
*The woman who accused Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal of stalking and threatening her has dropped her request for a permanent restraining order against him in Georgia's Fulton County Superior Court, reports TMZ.com. Shaq and Alexis Miller were due in court Thursday to address her accusations that he left her vulgar phone messages and texts after they broke off an alleged affair. O'Neal has denied the charges.
*Diana Ross is the special guest for this year's Monster Retailer Awards and Concert at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The event will take place on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009 at the Paris Hotel. Past Monster concerts have featured music greats like Mary J Blige, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Crosby, Stills and Nash and James Brown.
Attendance for the Monster 2009 Dealer Awards and Concert is by invitation only.
COURT UPHOLDS INDICTMENT OF WILLIAM JEFFERSON: Bribery and other charges stand against Louisiana congressman.
*A federal appeals court upheld bribery and other charges against Louisiana Democratic U.S. Rep. William Jefferson on Wednesday, clearing the way for a trial, reports the Associated Press.
Jefferson, who cruised to victory in a primary last week and is expected to easily win re-election, had sought to dismiss a 16-count indictment charging him with taking bribes, laundering money and misusing his congressional office for business dealings in Africa.
A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Jefferson's claims that a federal grand jury received evidence that violated his constitutional right to legislative immunity.
Jefferson's attorneys argued that three staffers should not have been allowed to tell the grand jury about Jefferson's relationships with African leaders and his knowledge about West African nations because those activities were part of his legislative duties.
Prosecutors contend Jefferson used his influence as chairman of the congressional Africa Investment and Trade Caucus to broker deals in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and other African nations on behalf of those who bribed him.
The 2007 indictment alleges that Jefferson received more than $500,000 in bribes and demanded millions more between 2000 and 2005, including $90,000 he received from an FBI informant that was later found in the freezer of his Washington home. He has pleaded not guilty.
U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III had refused to dismiss the indictment, saying Jefferson was trying to apply the legislative immunity clause so broadly that it would be virtually impossible to charge a congressman with a crime.
Ellis "accorded Congressman Jefferson every substantive and procedural protection to which he was entitled," the appeals court judges wrote.
Jefferson's trial had been scheduled to begin in December, but has been postponed. If convicted of all charges, he faces up to 235 years in prison.
OPENING THIS WEEK: Kam's Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
For movies opening November 14, 2008
by Kam Williams
BIG BUDGET FILMS
Quantum of Silence (PG-13 for sexuality, violence, and intense action sequences) Daniel Craig returns for his second go-round as James Bond for a mission which pits 007 against a diabolical villain (Mathieu Amalric) bent on controling one of the world’s most critical natural resources. Cast includes Dame Judi Dench, Jesper Christensen, Jeffrey Wright, Olga Kurylenko and Gemma Arterton.
Slumdog Millionaire (R for violence, profanity and disturbing images) Romantic comedy, set in Mumbai, about an 18 year-old street urchin (Dev Patel) who becomes a TV contestant on India’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire not for the money but to win back the heart of the girl (Freida Pinto) of his dreams. (In English and Hindi with subtitles)
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
The Alphabet Killer (Unrated) Crime thriller, based on a real-life case from the Eighties, revolving around a female police officer (Eliza Dushku) whose obsession with tracking down the serial child killer terrorizing Rochester, New York ended up costing her not only her fiancé and job but her sanity, too. Cast includes Timothy Hutton, Cary Elwes and Bill Moseley.
The Beautiful Truth (Unrated) Medical documentary by Garrett Kroschel suggesting that a cure for cancer might have been discovered in the 1920s by Dr. Max Gerson, an iconoclastic physician who came up with an unorthodox approach to treating the disease.
A Christmas Tale (Unrated) Dysfunctional family drama about an aging mathematician (Jean-Paul Roussillon) married to a melancholy playwright (Catherine Deneuve) whose reunion over the Christmas holidays with their three adult children, in-laws and grandkids proves to be fraught with feuding, infidelity and overindulgence in holiday spirits. (In French with subtitles)
The Dukes (PG-13 for sexuality and drug use) Crime comedy about two down on their luck members (Chazz Palminteri and Robert Davi) of a once-famous doo-wop group whose desperate financial straits leads them to try to pull an ill-advised heist of a dentist’s safe rumored to be filled with gold. With Peter Bogdanovich, Bruce Weitz and Elya Baskin.
House of the Sleeping Beauties (Unrated) Viva Viagra drama about a recently-widowed senior citizen (Vadim Glowna) who visits a mysterious whorehouse which caters to a clientele of elderly men, offering them an opportunity to sleep with totally drugged young women. With Maximilian Schell, Isabelle Wackers and Mona Glass. (In German with subtitles)
How about You? (Unrated) Christmas comedy, set in Ireland, about a young woman (Hayley Atwell) who has her hands full trying to fill-in for her widowed sister (Orla Brady) as the caretaker of the four residents of an old folks’ home over the holidays. Cast includes Vanessa Redgrave, Imelda Staunton, Brenda Fricker and Joan O’Hara.
Lake City (R for profanity and violence) Sissy Spacek and Troy Garity co-star in this Southern drama about the return home under trying circumstances of a Prodigal Son to the family farm where he confronts his estranged mother about a deep family secret. Ensemble includes Rebecca Romijn, Dave Matthews, Drea de Matteo and Keith Carradine.
We Are Wizards (Unrated) Harry Potter fans are the subject of this get-a-life documentary about the droves of geeks unhealthily obsessed with the fictional boy wizard at the center of the J.K. Rowling movie franchise and enchanting series of children’s books. Can anybody say “Trekkies.”
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"Think of yourself as on the threshold of unparalleled success. A whole clear, glorious life lies before you. Achieve! Achieve! " — Andrew Carnegie
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Nov. 14: Jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis is 74. Zydeco singer-accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco is 61. Rapper Shyheim is 31.
Nov. 15: Bandleader Kevin Eubanks ("The Tonight Show with Jay Leno") is 51. Rapper E-40 is 41.
Nov. 16: Actress Lisa Bonet is 42. Singer Bryan Abrams of Color Me Badd is 40. Singer Trevor Penick (O-Town) is 30. Actor Noah Gray-Cabey ("My Wife and Kids") is 13.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
D. Gulley's The Discount Trendsetter is designed to teach you how to save money in a trendy way (www.discounttrendsetter.com).
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Nov. 14, 1915: Booker T. Washington dies on this day in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Nov. 15, 1898: Lyda A. Newman (New York City, NY) patented a hair brush which permitted easy cleaning by having a detachable unit which carried the brush and bristles.
Nov. 16, 1780: Paul Cuffe and other black taxpayers of Massachusetts protest to the state legislature against taxation without representation, demanding the right to vote. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
Click for the latest Obama - Political headlines
Share and Bookmark |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
