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12-31-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
BLACK LAWYER CHOSEN FOR OBAMA'S SENATE SEAT: Blago appoints Roland Burris, but Senate Dems say they'll refuse any Blago pick.
*Troubled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday defied fellow Democrats and named a successor to fill Barack Obama's open Senate seat -- a seat the governor is charged with trying to sell to the highest bidder.
Ignoring warnings from within his own party not to make an appointment, Blagojevich selected former Illinois Attorney General and fellow Democrat Roland Burris, 71, to the seat vacated by President-elect Obama, also a Democrat.
The governor praised Burris' integrity and said he hopes that the allegations against him don't "taint this good and honest man."
Burris, the first African-American elected to major statewide office, says he's eager to get to work in Washington and is proud of his accomplishments. He also says he has no connection to the charges against Blagojevich, who was arrested on Dec. 9 and accused of trying to profit from appointing Obama's replacement. Blagojevich denies the charges and has rejected calls for his resignation.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and his deputy, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, issued a joint statement saying they will refuse to seat anyone chosen by Blagojevich to succeed Obama, because the taint of scandal would follow the new senator to Washington.
"Anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus," their statement read.
According to the Associated Press, vacationing Senate leaders immediately convened a conference call to respond to what they saw as a sticky situation. Some involved in the call were wary of being seen as denying a black man a seat in a chamber where there are no blacks, according to two officials knowledgeable about the talks who requested anonymity in order to speak freely.
That sensitivity is why the statement includes a section explicitly saying that any "shadow" of impropriety or the Democrats' refusal to seat Burris was a reflection on Blagojevich, not Burris.
"We say this without prejudice toward Roland Burris' ability, and we respect his years of public service," the leaders wrote in the statement. "But this is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat."
During the press conference, Rep. Bobby Rush was called to the podium by Burris and encouraged to speak. The former Black Panther underscored the fact that without Obama, there would be no African-American members of the Senate. He also warned the press not to "hang or lynch" Burris by associating him with the ethics scandals plaguing the governor.
"I would ask you to not hang or lynch the appointee as you castigate the appointer and separate the appointee from the appointer," said Rush. "Roland Burris is worthy and he is the only one who can stand in the gap during this time and gather the confidence, re-establishing confidence of the people of the state of Illinois."
Rush promised to take his case to the Congressional Black Caucus, and he said he intended to lobby Senators as well -- including his Illinois colleague, Dick Durbin.
"Let me remind you that the state of Illinois and the people of the state of Illinois in their collective wisdom have sent two African-Americans to the U.S. Senate," Rush said. "That makes a difference. This is not just a state of Illinois matter ... but indeed, by this decision, it has tremendous national importance."
President-elect Barack Obama says he supports the decision by Senate Democrats to deny his vacated Senate seat to an appointee of embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
On Tuesday afternoon, President-elect Obama said he supports the decision by Senate Democrats to deny his vacated Senate seat to Burris. In a statement, Obama called Burris a fine man but said he agreed that the Senate cannot accept an appointment from Blagojevich.
Obama repeated his call for Blagojevich to resign and allow the seat to be filled by other means.
GOP SPLIT ON 'MAGIC NEGRO' FLAP: Some have rallied around Saltsman and blame 'liberal media' for hype.
*Former Tennessee GOP chairman Chip Saltsman's decision to send Republican National Committee members a CD that included the song "Barack the Magic Negro" may have inadvertently helped his bid to become RNC chair, reports Politico.com.
Some of the RNC members Saltsman is courting are rallying around him, with a few questioning whether the national media and his opponents are piling on.
“When I heard about the story I had to figure out what was going on for myself,” said Mark Ellis, the chairman of the Maine Republican Party. “When I found out what this was about I had to ask, ‘boy, what’s the big deal here?’ because there wasn’t any.”
Alabama Republican committeeman Paul Reynolds said the fact that Saltsman sent him a CD with the song on it “didn’t bother me one bit.”
“Chip probably could have thought it through a bit more, but he was doing everyone a favor by giving us a gift,” he told Politico. “This is just people looking for something to make an issue of.”
“I don’t think he intended it as any kind of racial slur. I think he intended it as a humor gift,” Oklahoma GOP committeewoman Carolyn McClarty added. “I think it was innocently done by Chip.”
The song came with 40 others on an album from conservative satirist Paul Shanklin, a personal friend of Saltsman. The song is a parody of a 2007 Los Angeles Times column of the same title and is written to the tune of “Puff the Magic Dragon.”
“Barack the Magic Negro lives in D.C.” the opening of the song goes.
“The L.A. Times, they called him that ‘cause he’s not authentic like me.
Yeah, the guy from the L.A. paper said he makes guilty whites feel good.
They’ll vote for him, and not for me ‘cause he’s not from the hood.”
The song was initially played on Rush Limbaugh's radio show. On Monday, Limbaugh prominently re-posted the song on the top left corner of his website above the headline, “Drive-by media misreporting of ‘Barack the Magic Negro’ song.”
RNC Chairman Mike Duncan issued a statement expressing disgust over the song. “The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party,” said Duncan, who is seeking reelection to his post. “I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate as it clearly does not move us in the right direction.”
Duncan was joined by Michigan GOP Chair Saul Anuzis, another RNC chair aspirant who chided Saltsman for sending out the CD. North Dakota Republican Party Chairman Gary Emineth said he was “disappointed” when he heard about the story and questioned Saltsman’s viability as a candidate going forward.
Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, an African American, has offered no comment on the controversy. However, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who would be the party’s first black chairman, has drawn notice for his vigorous defense of Saltsman.
“Unfortunately, there is hypersensitivity in the press regarding matters of race. This is in large measure due to President-Elect Obama being the first African-American elected president,” Blackwell said in a statement. “I don't think any of the concerns that have been expressed in the media about any of the other candidates for RNC chairman should disqualify them. When looked at in the proper context, these concerns are minimal. All of my competitors for this leadership post are fine people.”
As a result of his position, a source close to the race said that at least 12 uncommitted committee members have contacted Blackwell to thank him for his support for Saltsman and have expressed anger toward Duncan and Anuzis “for throwing a good Republican under the bus.”
DMX TAKES PLEA DEAL ON DRUG/THEFT CHARGES: Guilty plea entered on all counts; sentencing scheduled in Jan.
*Under a prosecution deal, DMX pleaded guilty in Arizona Tuesday to one count of animal cruelty, one count of theft, and one count each of felony possession of marijuana and a narcotic drug, reports the Associated Press.
A Maricopa County Superior Court commissioner set a sentencing hearing for Jan. 30, when additional charges are supposed to be dismissed.
Authorities alleged that DMX, 38, gave a false name and Social Security number when being treated at a Scottsdale hospital in April. He was indicted on felony charges of theft and stealing another person's identity.
The animal cruelty charge, a misdemeanor, came from an August 2007 raid that Maricopa County sheriff's deputies conducted at DMX's Cave Creek home. Authorities investigating a report of animal abuse found three dead dogs, guns, ammunition and drug paraphernalia.
TIMBALAND SUED BY MIAMI BEACH FLORIST: Producer accused of skipping out on payment for Xmas decorations.
*Timbaland is being sued by a florist in Miami Beach, Fla for the balance of a holiday shopping spree.
According to TMZ.com, the White Tulip Florist filed legal papers that seek to slap a lien on the music producer's Miami mansion, claiming he bought $25,850 worth of trees, flowers and lights, but still owes $11,450.
"We're told Timbaland pitched a fit when he got the bill -- demanding to see the wholesale cost of the items he bought," TMZ reported. "The florist showed Timba the price list, but that wasn't good enough."
GARY COLEMAN ON UTAH COPS' LAST NERVE: Actor reportedly calls police for every little thing.
*The Associated Press has revealed public records that show a pattern of police involvement into the personal life of Gary Coleman in Utah, where he chose to relocate hoping to escape the public eye.
Officers have been called to assist or intervene with Coleman 21 times since he moved to Utah in fall 2005, according to police reports — including a July 2007 call where Coleman told authorities he had taken dozens of Oxycontin pills, was suicidal and "wanted to die."
"Gary ... was upset that his girlfriend was breaking up with him. He calmed down and was cooperative and acknowledged he took approximately 30-40 Oxycontin pills. He said he is suicidal and 'wanted to die,'" according to a police report.
The AP could not reach Coleman for comment. His phone number is unlisted, nobody answered a call button at his home and messages left with Coleman's agent and an attorney were not immediately returned.
Documents also show that Coleman, 40, has long had a rocky relationship with his now-wife, Shannon Price, 23. The two met in Utah on the set of the 2006 comedy, "Church Ball."
In January 2007, Coleman called police because he was worried Price was going to bring her three brothers to confront him following an argument they had. Then in July of that year, he exploded at Price in a clinic parking lot in Provo.
"Coleman was yelling and pounding his steering wheel for approximately 10 minutes before he jumped out of his truck. He ran out in front of his truck and around to the woman's door, stopping several cars, and then he went to his door and was running around, yelling and screaming and throwing his arms in the air as he did," the police report says. "Coleman was yelling that he could not take it anymore."
The report says Price felt threatened and was worried things were going to "get out of control the way they did earlier." The 4-foot-8 actor was charged with disorderly conduct and eventually placed on probation. One month later, Coleman and Price got married on a Nevada mountaintop.
In October 2007, Price told police Coleman threw an object at her that caused a small scrape on her hand, although she couldn't say whether it was intentional and police didn't trust either of their stories after going over the domestic violence statute.
Coleman also worries that people are trying to break into his home, which has a privacy wall and is partially fenced, according to police reports. He has called the cops, saying he found a window open and, on another occasion, when he heard a noise that turned out to be fallen boxes in his basement. Once, he called because there was mud on his car, presumably some kind of drywall residue.
Coleman's most recent involvement with the law was a September dustup with a fan taking his photo at a local bowling alley which resulted in Coleman pleading no contest Dec. 2 to a disorderly conduct charge.
E-40'S REP COMMENTS ON DENVER SHOOTING: Rapper's manager says he was not in the club when gunfire erupted outside.
*E-40's camp is speaking out about a shooting that took place last weekend following his concert at a Denver nightclub.
As previously reported, one person is in critical condition and four others were treated and released with minor wounds after shots were fired at 1:45 a.m. outside of Club Vinyl, where E-40 had just finished performing.
According to his manager, Chaz Hayes, “E-40 and his camp were uninvolved in the unfortunate incident at Club Vinyl in Denver on Dec. 27, 2008,” read a statement sent to allhiphop.com.
“Neither E-40 nor anyone traveling with him was in the venue at the time. In fact, E-40 had concluded his performance and been back in the hotel room,” Hayes said. “During his time at the venue, and in fact during the trip to Denver as a whole, he encountered nothing but love and gave nothing but love back. E-40 had a crowd pleasing and peaceful show."
Police continue to investigate the shooting. At press time, authorities are still searching for a suspect and a motive.
Although E-40 “certainly regrets that this incident took place,” Hayes stated that his client and his camp are “unable to control the poor and tragic choices that other adults choose to make.”
MCKINNEY ON BOAT HIT BY ISRAELI FORCES: Former congresswoman was part of effort to deliver medical supplies to Gaza Strip.
*CNN is reporting that former U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney was on a boat carrying medical volunteers and supplies to the embattled Gaza Strip early Tuesday when it was rammed by an Israeli patrol boat in the Mediterranean Sea.
The 60-foot, Gibraltar-registered pleasure boat Dignity suffered visible damage to the forward port side of the boat, and the front left window, and part of the roof had collapsed. The boat was carrying a crew and 16 passengers - physicians from Britain, Germany and Cyprus and human rights activists, including former Georgia congresswoman McKinney – the lone American on the boat.
"Our mission was a peaceful mission to deliver medical supplies and our mission was thwarted by the Israelis -- the aggressiveness of the Israeli military," she told CNN once Dignity was docked in the Lebanese seaport of Tyre.
McKinney was due to travel by car to Beirut where she was expected to conduct media interviews and meet with Lebanese government officials, said Paul Larudee, a co-founder of the California-based Free Gaza group.
CNN correspondent Karl Penhaul, who was aboard the boat when it was rammed, said at least two Israeli patrol boats had shadowed the Dignity for about half an hour before the collision, moving around the vessel on all sides. One of the patrol boats then shined its spotlight on the Dignity while the other, with its lights off, "very severely rammed" the boat.
The captain of the Dignity told Penhaul he received no prior warning. Only after the collision did the Israelis come on the radio to say they struck the boat because they believed it was involved in terrorist activities.
SIMMONS GIRLS READY 'RUN'S HOUSE' SPINOFF: MTV unveils new trailer for 'Daddy's Girls.'
*After months of filming, MTV is finally ready to premiere "Daddy's Girls," a spinoff of "Run's House" built around Rev. Run's entrepreneurial daughters, Vanessa and Angela.
The series will follow the siblings as they break away from New York to live and work in Los Angeles. The pair will be shown setting up a west coast office and showroom for their successful pastry tennis shoe and apparel line, and cameras will follow Vanessa as she pursues her acting career.
"Daddy’s Girls" premiering Jan. 5 at 10:30 p.m., will also introduce viewers to their cousin and business associate Jessica and their budget-conscious friend and neighbor, Alycia.
Jessica has been relocated to LA to make sure the sisters stay focused on their business responsibilities and stay grounded while enjoying LA’s infamous nightlife.
JENA SIX TEEN SHOOTS HIMSELF IN THE CHEST: Cops believe Mychal Bell was upset over coverage of his shoplifting charge.
*One of the teenagers arrested in the "Jena Six" case has been hospitalized after shooting himself in the chest, reports the Associated Press.
Mychal Bell, one of six black teens charged with beating a white classmate at Jena High School in December 2006, wounded himself around 7:40 p.m. in Monroe, La, where he has been staying with a foster family. The wound is not life-threatening, according to Sgt. Cassandra Wooten.
Wooten believes Bell was upset over media coverage of his Christmas Eve arrest on multiple charges, including shoplifting, resisting arrest and simple battery, related to an incident at Dillard’s in Pecanland Mall.
Police said Bell and an unidentified male were spotted Wednesday by store security after they placed $370 worth of merchandise in a Dillard’s shopping bag. After the two separated, Bell left the store, was followed by a security officer, and began running through the parking lot.
Police said Bell was discovered under a vehicle in the Sears parking lot. Lt. Jeff Harris said Bell began “swinging his arms wildly” and delivered a glancing blow to the security officer with his elbow.
Bell was booked into Richwood Correctional Center and released on $1,300 bond. He will be arraigned at a later date. Each of the charges carries a possible penalty of up to six months in jail.
His arrest came less than one month after he completed a sentence for his role in the beating of a fellow classmate, Justin Barker, at Jena High School in 2006. The so-called "Jena Six" case aggravated racial tensions in the central Louisiana town and led to a massive civil rights demonstration. Bell pleaded guilty in juvenile court to a charge of second-degree battery.
INAUGURATION COMMITTEE HOLDS ESSAY CONTEST: Winners will get tickets to swearing-in, Inaugural Parade and one of the 'official' balls.
*The Presidential Inaugural Committee has announced an essay contest that offers participants a chance to witness President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration in person, reports the Associated Press.
Ten winners will get tickets to the Jan. 20 swearing-in, the Inaugural Parade and one of the "official" inaugural balls. Each winner will be able to bring one guest. An added perk: Winners will receive airline tickets and two-nights' hotel accommodations — a precious commodity in Washington, where hotel rooms have been booked for weeks.
To qualify, entrants must submit an essay at www.pic2009.org/tickettohistory that answers the question: "What does this inaugural mean to you?" The deadline is midnight ET Jan. 8. The winners will be chosen by the inaugural committee's staff based on the strength of their essay. There is no restriction on the essay's length.
The contest is open to anyone 18 and older and limited to residents of the 50 states and D.C. Winners will be notified by Jan. 16 — just four days before the event.
Participants will be encouraged to donate to the inauguration, though organizers say that is not required.
Obama is working to raise roughly $45 million to fund the inauguration. Participants will be asked to donate in "any amount," according to a fundraising appeal sent Tuesday to a list of 10 million people by Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe.
Obama has raised more than $21 million to help underwrite the balls, parade and an array of inaugural expenses not covered by taxpayer money. Donors who have contributed Obama's limit of $50,000 include actress Halle Berry.
DIDDY OFFERS FREE NEW YEAR'S EVE CAB RIDES: Yet another Ciroc promotion has mogul offering drunk revelers chance to get home safely.
*Sean "Diddy" Combs and Ciroc premium vodka have announced a partnership with the New York City's Taxi & Limousine Commission to offer free cab rides to tipsy revelers throughout New Year's Eve.
Thousands of $15 debit cards that can be redeemed for single taxi rides will be handed out by Ciroc street teams in Times Square and in Chelsea beginning at 11 p.m. Wednesday night, according to the New York Daily News.
"New York is the world's most iconic New Year's Eve city, so let's lead by example and show everyone that a sophisticated holiday celebration doesn't just end when the ball drops, but when everyone gets home safely,"
Diddy said in a statement.
The cards will be handed out until 3 a.m. New Year's Day, or until the supply runs out.
The free cab ride promotion follows an offer by Diddy and Ciroc to donate $1 million to local charities for the chance to change the historic Times Square crystal ball to reflect the vodka maker's blue sphere symbol.
NEW DOCUMENTARY DISHES ROC-A-FELLA DIRT: Former employee details unraveling of Jay-Z/Damon Dash business and friendship.
*A former employee of Roc-A-Fella records is coming out with a tell-all documentary about the downfall of the label, reports SOHH.com.
The employee, who goes by the name Choke No Joke, includes lots of juicy stories chronicling the infighting and contentious relationship between former business partners Jay-Z and Damon Dash in the film, "I Am Choke, No Joke."
In a SOHH.com interview, Joke says: "'Dame' was a camera freak. He loved people to tape him, 'cause he started thinking he was a star . . . Ever since the 'Big Pimpin' video, he started gettin' a little light and it started to get to his head."
Joke claims that Dash's signing of Ol' Dirty Bastard and his proposal of Cam'ron as a vice president of the label (which Jay-Z rejected) were among the disputes that drove a wedge between the two.
"Jay wasn't feeling none of that sh**," Joke said.
MARIAH CAREY STILL EYES THEATER DEBUT: Singer says starring in stage version of 'Prince and the Showgirl' depends on schedule.
*Mariah Carey says she is still hoping to star in a stage version of "The Prince and the Showgirl" in London, but the commitment would require her to put her film and music career on hold.
“I like the idea of doing it but it’s all down to the time—you have to commit for a rather long time and now is really hard for me," Carey told the Daily Star. "But it’s a dream that I want to achieve in the future."
Carey, who owns the rights to the 1957 British film comedy, was announced in October 2003 to eventually make her West End debut in The Sleeping Prince, Terence Rattigan's 1956 play that Rattigan then transformed into a movie script. Carey would play showgirl Elsie Marina, a role created on Broadway by Barbara Bel Geddes and on film by Marilyn Monroe.
The film, a romantic comedy set in London in 1911 just before the coronation of George V, co-starred and was directed by Laurence Olivier as the Prince Regent of Carpathia.
TALIB KWELI'S LABEL SPLITS WITH WARNER BROS.: Blacksmith Music and its projects left to fend for itself.
*Talib Kweli's Blacksmith Music imprint has parted ways with Warner Bros. Records following a nearly three-year relationship, reports Allhiphop.com.
"My label Blacksmith is no longer distributed by Warner Brothers, which means they will not put out Blacksmith future projects,” Kweli told AllHipHop.com. “I still have a deal to put out Talib Kweli and Reflection Eternal thru Blacksmith/WBR."
Blacksmith Music had a roster that included Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady and Guyanese/Canadian import Anjulie, the label's lone non hip-hop act. Since its launch, the label has released a compilation album entitled "Blacksmith: The Movement," collaborative projects between Kweli and Madlib, and Jean Grae’s "Jeanius."
The label's 2008 release schedule included a new album by Strong Arm Steady, entitled "Arms & Hammers" and "Party Robot," the debut album by Idle Warship, Kweli’s new group with singer Res and Canadian singer/rapper Graph Nobel.
Kweli’s fourth solo album, "Prisoner of Consciousness" and Reflection Eternal’s "Train of Thought II" were also scheduled for 2008 releases, according to allhiphop.com.
OLDEST AMERICAN MAN DIES AT 112: George Rene Francis proud to have cast his vote for a black president.
*The oldest male U.S. citizen, a U.S. African-American man who befriended Louis Armstrong and voted for president-elect Barack Obama, has died in Sacramento, Calif., his family said.
George Rene Francis died of congestive heart failure at a nursing home on Saturday, reports the AFP. He was 112.
Born in New Orleans on June 6, 1896, Francis smoked cigars until he was 75, ate a diet heavy on milk, cheese, eggs and lard sandwiches and slept six hours a day. He worked as a chauffeur, an auto mechanic and a barber, became a friend of young jazz trumpet player Louis Armstrong and cast his vote Nov. 4 for Obama.
"I think he's great, because he's black. Because the white people thought the Negro would never be promoted. I think it's beautiful," he told The Sacramento Bee after he voted.
"President was the only thing he voted for," said one of his three daughters, Lelia Francis LaRue, who helped him fill out his absentee ballot. "He left everything else blank."
Francis was hospitalized with pneumonia several weeks ago, but asked his family to return him to his nursing home where his friends were, according to Larue.
"We took him back there, and he seemed OK. We talked to him about Obama, and he was still excited.... People mentioned trying to get him to the inauguration (January 20), but that wasn't going to happen," said Larue, 78. "He just gradually faded away. He wasn't in any pain or anything."
Francis' wife, Josephine, died in 1963 after 46 years of marriage. He is survived by four children, 19 grandchildren, and some 30 great-grandchildren.
ANDRE RISON ARRESTED IN SAN ANTONIO: Ex-NFL star was reportedly sloppy drunk and causing a scene outside the Crown Plaza.
*Former NFL star Andre Rison was arrested in San Antonio Tuesday morning for public intoxication, according to TMZ.com.
Sources say Rison – who famously had his house burned down by then girlfriend Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes – arrived to the Crown Plaza Hotel with a friend around 2 a.m. and caused a scene when they learned the local bars had closed.
"We're told the two then began to act 'rambunctious' in the lobby and cops had to be called," TMZ reported.
"Once police arrived and determined Rison and his pal were intoxicated enough to be a danger to themselves and the public, the two were arrested. Both were fined $85 and released when they sobered up and saw a judge."
Rison, a former wide receiver, reportedly stuck around the jail to sign autographs after he was released.
WILLIAM BALFOUR MAKES COURT APPEARANCE: Murder indictment issued Tuesday against man charged with J-Hud family killings.
*A murder indictment was handed down Tuesday against William Balfour, the man charged with killing the mother, brother and nephew of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson, reports the Associated Press.
The 27-year-old had previously been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, but a grand jury must indict a defendant before the case can go to trial, said Andy Conklin, a spokesman for the Cook County state's attorney's office.
No new details or charges were outlined in the indictment against Balfour, who faces first-degree murder and home invasion charges. The 27-year-old appeared briefly in court wearing a yellow prison jumpsuit and handcuffs but did not speak.
Defense attorney Joshua Kutnick asked the judge whether Balfour could be moved to the Cook County jail from a state facility in Joliet to make it easier to communicate with his client. The judge put off ruling on that decision until Jan. 20.
Balfour, the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson's sister Julia, has pleaded not guilty in the deaths of the entertainer's mother, Darnell Donerson; her brother, Jason Hudson; and her 7-year-old nephew and Balfour's stepson, Julian King.
Kutnick believes the prosecution does not have a case because hard evidence linking Balfour to the crimes does not exist.
"The police believe it is William Balfour, but the problem is what they have done. They find their suspect and build evidence around the suspect. That's not the way it should work. They should gather evidence and it should lead to a suspect," Kutnick said. "This was the convenient person to go to. It is bolstered by the fact that it took them so long to get him arrested and charged."
Balfour's mother, Michele Davis Balfour, who attended Tuesday's hearing with several family members, declined to comment. Members of the Hudson family did not attend the hearing.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Will, Alicia, Gabrielle on vacay; Ludacris saves Xmas.
*So where have the "starrahs" chosen to vacation this holiday season? Will Smith and his family escaped to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for the weekend, where the "Seven Pounds" actor has been working on his golf game. Alicia Keys was photographed tanning poolside in Perth, Australia, while Gabrielle Union and her family were spotted dining at Miami's DeVito South Beach this week with her Miami Heat boyfriend Dwyane Wade.
*Rapper/actor Ludacris "performed a Christmas miracle for some needy NYC kids after a nonprofit's headquarters were burgled and torched," reports the New York Daily News. "The American Civil Rights Educational Society was going to cancel its annual luncheon because of the crime, but Luda and his foundation stepped in to foot the bill and donate presents."
FORMER BUSH AIDES DISCUSS KATRINA IMPACT: One says president's mishandling of the disaster 'broke his bond with the public.'
*Two former advisors to George W. Bush spoke candidly to the Associated Press about the political damage suffered by the administration following his inept handling of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
"Katrina to me was the tipping point," said Matthew Dowd, Bush's pollster and chief strategist for the 2004 presidential campaign. "The president broke his bond with the public. Once that bond was broken, he no longer had the capacity to talk to the American public. State of the Union addresses? It didn't matter. Legislative initiatives? It didn't matter. P.R.? It didn't matter. Travel? It didn't matter."
Dan Bartlett, former White House communications director and later counselor to the president, said: "Politically, it was the final nail in the coffin."
Their comments will be included in an oral history of the Bush White House that Vanity Fair magazine compiled for its February issue, which hits newsstands in New York and Los Angeles today, and nationally on Jan. 6. The magazine published comments by current and former government officials, foreign ministers, campaign strategists and numerous others on topics that included Iraq, the anthrax attacks, the economy and immigration.
NATURI NAUGHTON: The Notorious Interview with Kam Williams
Nauturi Au Naturel
*Naturi Cora Maria Naughton was born on May 20, 1984 in East Orange, New Jersey where she started singing in the choir at New Hope Baptist Church at just 5 years of age.
She turned pro by 14, when she became a member of the girl band 3LW. The group soon signed with Sony/Epic Records and went on a nationwide tour while their debut album, entitled "3LW," went platinum, selling 1.3 million copies.
Away from the entertainment business, Naturi always remained an honor student, attending Seton Hall University where she majored in Political Science until her career became too demanding.
Just before her junior year, she joined the Broadway production of Hairspray as Little Inez. As gifted as gorgeous newcomer may be, she remains humble and grateful to God for her blessings, and praises her parents for supporting her dreams and for raising her with so much love, encouragement, and faith.
Here, Naturi talks about her performance as Lil' Kim in the much-anticipated motion picture, Notorious, a bio-pic about the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace). In addition, she recently landed a lead role in the re-make of the screen version of Fame, the 1980 musical revolving around students at the New York Academy of Performing Arts.
Kam Williams: Hi Naturi, thanks for the time.
Naturi Naughton: No problem, thank you.
KW: What interested you in Notorious?
NN: Well first off, just the fact that it was a biopic about Biggie Smalls.
I was a fan of Biggie growing up and I felt it was about time that someone told his life story.
KW: What song of his is your favorite?
NN: Juicy! That's my song.
KW: What did you think of the East Coast-West Coast turf war? Whose side were you on?
NN: I think it was senseless and I am so glad that we have risen above that East Coast- West coast rivalry. I'm from the East but I never felt like I had to choose a side...Both coasts have made great music.
KW: Who do you think killed Biggie?
NN: I have no idea and that's why his death still hurts so many people to this day. His murder is unsolved.
KW: How would you assess Jamal Woolard's work in the title role?
NN: Jamal killed it! He captured Biggie so well, it was scary at times. He was made for this role and I had a great time working with him.
KW: How was it to make your screen debut with such a talented cast which also included Angela Bassett, Derek Luke and Anthony Mackie?
NN: Wow! I still can't believe it. I feel so honored. These actors are people that I looked up to and admired, and here I am, making my debut in a movie with them. It's really a dream come true!
KW: How did you prepare to play Lil Kim?
NN: I studied her...HARD! I watched her in videos, stage performances, behind the scenes footage, and listened to her voice in radio interviews. I also read a lot of material that the director [George Tillman Jr.] gave me about Kim's back story. It helped to understand her struggles as a child growing up in Brooklyn. I even went to Brooklyn and spent time in her neighborhood. Talking to the guys from Junior Mafia, especially Lil Cease, helped me out a lot too.
KW: Has Kim seen the film? What does she think of your portrayal of her?
NN: I don't know if she has seen the film, but hopefully when she does see it she will be proud of my portrayal.
KW: Is it true that you're planning to do a duet with her on your debut album? How would describe your sound?
NN: I don't actually have an album coming out any time soon. A lot of people are referring to my song "Real Chicks" which was a song I wrote and recorded way before I even knew about Notorious. It's crazy because, back then, I was working with producers from "Full Force" and we thought it'd be hot to get Lil Kim to do a verse on the song. So they made it happen. We never actually did that song in the studio together, though-the song was done and then we put Lil Kim on it. But this all happened over a year before my first audition for "Notorious". Little did I know that I would soon be playing her in a movie. I am still looking forward to doing solo music. I am just waiting on the right situation and the right team to put it all together. I don't just want a deal...I want a GOOD deal, so sometimes you have to be patient for that to come around. But when I make my album, it will be R&B with sprinkles of Hip Hop.
KW: You got your start in showbiz in music as a member of 3LW. How hard was the transition from singing to acting?
NN: I must admit, it is challenging and requires a lot of hard work. Growing up, though, I always knew I would be a singer and an actress. I just felt it! To me, singing and acting have always gone hand and hand. Even though my career started off as a singer, there is still a level of acting you have to bring to be an artist. Singers have a lot in common with actors because you have to dig deep into a song and show the audience what you are feeling as you sing. You have to be expressive and vulnerable as a singer which is some of the things you have to do to be a good actor. I'm still learning what it takes to be a great actress, but I don't feel like I am in completely foreign territory.
KW: Which do you prefer at this point?
NN: I want it all! I love to sing...it's in my heart and it's a major part of who I am. But I also love to act...its organic. Growing up all my friends used to say "Naturi, you are soooooo dramatic!".and I would think to myself, "Thank you!" [LOL]
KW: You've been on Broadway playing Little Inez in Hairspray for a couple of years. Are you going to have to leave the show in order to be able star in the remake of Fame?
NN: I have been on Broadway for two and one-half years. First off, I am so blessed to have maintained a Broadway gig that long. I loved my experience in Hairspray and I credit a lot of my acting success to that experience. I learned so much. But all good things must come to an end. I left the show on October 12th to take the role of Denise" in MGM's Fame. I had a great run and I'm excited to start this new chapter of my life. I have recently started shooting for Fame and it's been a blast. I'm so excited to be a part of such an amazing project.
KW: How do you feel about Barack Obama's becoming President of the United States?
NN: I feel so inspired because he achieved something that so many people said was unattainable. I feel triumphant! I voted for Obama and as a young person, it feels good to be a part of history. I believe in change and so many other things that he represents.
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
NN: Extremely happy, thank God! Both personally and professionally.
KW. The "Realtor to the Stars" Jimmy Bayan question: Where in L.A. do you live when you're out there?
NN: I just keep it simple. I have a nice apartment right outside of L.A. I'm enjoying my experience out in LA. I am mad they don't have a "Roscoes" back home in Jersey! [LOL]
KW: You're originally from East Orange, New Jersey. Do you still have family there or live there yourself?
NN: I was born and raised there and most of my family still lives there.
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
NN: Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father.
KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
NN: A lot of times...this is a scary business.
KW: Is there a question no one ever asks you that you wish someone would?
NN: Umm, I don't think so.
KW: Music maven Heather Covington's question: What music are you listening to nowadays?
NN: I love Beyonce's new album, I Am. Sasha Fierce. The song Halo is great!
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
NN: My advice is to be prepared for rejection, but never let people tell you
that you can't do something. If you think Big...you can achieve BIG!
KW: Rudy Lewis asks: Who's at the top of your hero list?
NN: Barack Obama!
KW: Do you have a website where fans go to hear a sample of your singing?
NN: Actually, yes. Go check out my MySpace page:
www.myspace.com/naturinaughton. The song with Lil Kim, "Real Chicks" is on there and a few others.
KW: Do you answer your fan mail?
NN: Yes, I do, on my MySpace. If it wasn't for the fans, I would not still be here. They're dedicated to me and I am dedicated to them.
KW: How do you want to be remembered?
NN: Professionally, I want to be remembered for how hard I worked and how I put my heart and soul into my work. Personally: I want people to remember my heart. I hope they say, "She really loved people!"
KW: Thanks again for the interview, and best of luck with all your endeavors.
NN: Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
“It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped." - by Anthony Robbins
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Dec. 31: Singer Donna Summer is 60.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
There's a new movie critic in town at www.reelmarla.com and she has a sista swagger with spoil-free reviews.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Dec. 31, 1935: Marian Anderson made her Town Hall debut in New York. Her performance was described by Howard Taubman, the New York Times reviewer, as "music making that probed too deep for words." (Source:
www.BlackFacts.com)
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