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OPRAH DROPS BEBE FROM 'KARAOKE': Decision comes amid criticism over his presence despite domestic violence charges. Also, is her talk show moving to cable in 2011?

*Oprah Winfrey has removed gospel singer BeBe Winans from her show's "karaoke challenge" until charges against him for allegedly pushing his ex-wife to the ground are resolved, reports the Associated Press.

       Winans appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" last week to discuss the selection of contestants for the season-long challenge. He was also seen surprising some of the finalists with news they had made the cut.

       Winfrey spokesman Don Halcombe said Thursday that Winans will be cut out of the karaoke segments entirely.

       Winans was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault in a Feb. 13 incident, where Winans and his ex-wife Debra were allegedly arguing about their children. Winans has a court date set for Jan. 20.

       As previously reported, Winfrey was criticized this week for including Winans after she had taken a strong stand against domestic violence earlier this year. She did a show on the topic when singer Chris Brown assaulted his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Winfrey said at the time:
"Domestic violence is something that I wouldn't tolerate. Period."

       Halcombe would only say that the decision to eliminate Winans was made this week, reports the AP.

       In other Oprah news, blogger Nikke Finke is reporting that Discovery Communications chief David Zaslav has demanded that she move her talk show to her forthcoming Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), or risk losing it altogether.

       OWN, a joint venture between Winfrey and Discovery Communications, is scheduled to take over the old Discovery Health Channel and launch in 70 million homes sometime next year.

       Finke says that Winfrey and Discovery will soon "issue a press release announcing OWN's on-air launch for the start of 2011. And, in several weeks, Oprah will tell the public that she's ending her syndicated Chicago-based daytime talk show when her current deal runs out and moving it to OWN headquarters in Los Angeles probably as soon as mid-2011."

       Read Finke's entire piece here:
http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/the-end-of-oprah-as-we-know-her/

CHRIS BROWN BLAMES SLOW TICKET SALES ON ECONOMY: It may explain why album release is being pushed up a week.

*Tickets for Chris Brown's "Fan Appreciation" tour haven't been as brisk as his camp would have liked.

The trek is scheduled to kick off next week and none of the intimate venues "are even close to sold out," according to the New York Daily News.
"In fact, anyone who's interested can still purchase up to 50 tickets at a time for Brown's opening night" at the House of Blues in Houston on Nov. 14.

       "This is definitely not the outcome [Chris' label] Jive Records hoped for," says an industry exec, adding that the poor ticket sales are surely a result of Brown's now-infamous altercation with Rihanna in February. "Chris lost a lot of fans after he assaulted Rihanna. And after that whole scandal, he's not exactly kid-friendly. What parent would buy their children tickets to his concert?"

       Brown's agent, meanwhile, says he's not worried about the sluggish sales. "Dates are expected to sell out," insists the rep, "and given the economic climate, ticket sales are doing very well."

       But another industry insider says the tour may be premature, considering Brown's "Graffiti" album doesn't drop until Dec. 8. "Had this tour fallen on the heels of a smash album, compared to his climbing single 'I Can Transform Ya,' ticket counts might have been better," says the source.

       That logic may explain why the release of "Graffiti" has been pushed up a week - it was originally slated to drop on Dec. 15, which is the date of his last tour stop at the Nokia Theater in New York.

       "This may be Jive's way of boosting Chris' head count for the Manhattan show," says the music insider. "The turnout at Nokia is pretty crucial. If he can get a big crowd in New York City, it'll be a good sign that he can regain control of his career."

RIHANNA ADDED TO AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS: Plus, upcoming London performance streamed live to Nokia users.

*On the heels of breaking her silence about being physically abused by Chris Brown, Rihanna will perform at the 37th Annual American Music Awards on Nov. 22, according to People.com.

       The three-time AMA winner will join previously announced performers Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez and the Black Eyed Peas.

       Rihanna, who recently released the power ballad "Russian Roulette,"
will drop her fourth album, "Rated R," on Nov. 23.

       She is scheduled to showcase new material from the album exclusively to a Nokia audience via a globally streamed live performance on Nov. 16 from a secret London location.

       Fans will be able to
• Sign up to watch the live stream.
• Invite their friends to watch the performance simultaneously with them through Facebook and Twitter.
• Download a web widget counting down to the live performance.
• Download an exclusive Rihanna mobile application from Nokia's Ovi Store.
• Download the album with an exclusive track either to their PC or over the air to mobile from Nokia Music Store or Comes With Music.

       Rihanna stated, "I am so excited to partner up with Nokia. They are doing some really revolutionary things with this album, enabling me to reach more fans than ever before."

       Click here to register: http://www.nokia.com/rihanna.

TEDDY RILEY BELIEVES MJ WAS MURDERED: Producer said Jackson would 'name names' of the people who were wanted to kill him.

*Producer Teddy Riley has given weight to LaToya Jackson's belief that her brother Michael was murdered, after revealing the King of Pop had named potential suspects in the event of his death.

      "He mentioned it to me a few times... like people were out to kill him... and he would say names, saying these are the people who are trying to kill me," Riley told the National Enquirer.

       As soon as news of Jackson's passing broke, Riley said he immediately called the singer's family to alert them to the possibility he might have been killed.

       "I said, 'Listen, he was murdered. Somebody didn't like something Jackson said or something he's doing or didn't want him to go to the top, so they had to get rid of him.' We've got so many people we think it could be.
It's going to come out. You're going to find out."

       Jackson passed away from a drug overdose on June 25, just days before he was due to launch a concert residency in London. His death has been ruled a homicide and Los Angeles police are focusing their investigation on the superstar's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray.

       La Toya has long maintained her younger brother was murdered.

TAMEKA FOSTER REGRETS LIPOSUCTION: Usher's ex tells Ebony magazine it was a 'foolish' decision that nearly killed her.

*Usher's soon-to-be ex-wife Tameka Foster is now calling her decision to undergo cosmetic surgery in Brazil "foolish."

Foster suffered a cardiac arrest while doctors were administering anesthesia before the February procedure. She was placed in an induced coma for 24 hours and spent several days in an intensive care unit as doctors battled to save her.

       The stylist, who has since made a full recovery, opted to undergo the surgery in a bid to lose her baby weight following the birth of the former couple's second son, Naviyd Ely Raymond, in December 2008.

       "It was silly because my baby had only (been born) nine weeks or so (before), and I should've just waited," she tells Ebony magazine. "It was too soon after giving birth to be concerned about what I looked like physically.

       "The foolish part for me was the fact that I wanted to take the shortcut. This is something I teach my children: Do not take the shortcut.
It bothered me that I fell prey to it."

DON CHEADLE SETS UP SHOP AT NBC: Network signs first look deal with actor's production company.

*Don Cheadle is going into business with NBC. The actor's Crescendo production company, launched with former managers Kay Liberman and Lenore Zerman, has sealed a first-look TV deal at the network, according to Variety.

       Crescendo already has a handful of projects set up at NBC, as well as several more at ABC, TNT and FX. Among them, an ABC adaptation of the feature "The Star Chamber," from writer Zack Estrin ("Prison Break"), as well as a Boston-set cop drama from John Hlavin ("The Shield") at NBC.

       "We take it seriously," Cheadle said of his new TV venture. "I've found there are ways to execute stories in all these mediums. It just has to be something that tickles your fancy."

       Cheadle said his decision to enter the TV game came out of a conversation he had with former NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chair Ben Silverman at a party.

       "We came in as a company and met and talked, and I realized that there was maybe something here," Cheadle said. "(After that), there were a lot of incoming calls with people trying to get into business with us."

       Silverman is long gone, but Cheadle and Liberman said they have been working just as closely with NBC entertainment chief Angela Bromstad and her team.

       "Don's a gifted actor who also is an incredibly smart producer," said Hlavin, who's behind Crescendo's "Boston P.D." at NBC. Hlavin's project will center on a homicide detective who discovers he shares a surprising connection to his new partner.

       Estrin's "The Star Chamber," meanwhile, is set up at ABC through 20th Century Fox TV. The suspense drama centers on a judge who goes after dangerous criminals who are set free by a flawed judicial system. The original "Star Chamber," released in 1983, starred Michael Douglas, Hal Holbrook and Yaphet Kotto. Cheadle singled out "The Star Chamber" as one of his passion projects.

       Crescendo's hourlong drama "Gemini," also at NBC, revolves around an operative inside a little-known government agency that investigates crimes; the lead character finds himself balancing two lives, including a deep secret.

       TNT is close to signing on to develop Crescendo's "RX," a medical drama from executive producer Brett King. The project centers on a young doctor who establishes a clinic in downtown Los Angeles. Lionsgate is in talks to produce.

       Previously reported Crescendo projects include "March to Madness," a drama from scribe Joel Silverman and executive producers Pete Segal, Michael Ewing and Dave Miller. Set up at FX, "Madness" chronicles the glory and the seedy side of college basketball.

       Among the comedies in the works at Crescendo is "It's All Love," from "The Boondocks" creator Aaron McGruder.

       Crescendo is also still shopping new projects to networks, including the action drama "Ripple," from new writer Cory Marciel. The project follows Jericho, an operative who is dispatched by researchers to prevent murders that have already happened.

       Cheadle said it's too soon to tell whether he'll appear in or direct any of the small screen projects -- but added that schedule permitting, he'd be game.

       "I'm not looking to leave features, but I never say never to good work," said Cheadle, who noted that he appeared in a multiepisode arc on "ER." "As my schedule allows, especially if it's something really banging, absolutely (I'd do TV)."

BEYONCE, HILSON, MAXWELL AMONG 'SOUL TRAIN' WINNERS: Show taped Tuesday in Atlanta; Taraji and Terrence open with rendition of Peaches & Herb's 'Reunited.'

       *Beyonce, Keri Hilson and Maxwell were among the winners at the "Centric Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards," which taped Tuesday (Nov. 3) at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for a special simulcast on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. on BET and new cable network CENTRIC.

       [See full list of winners below.]

       Hosted by Academy Award-nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, the night opened with Toni Braxton featuring Trey Songz singing "Yesterday" that was sealed with a kiss.

       Then Howard and Henson welcomed the audience with a rendition of Peaches and Herb's "Reunited." Other performances were given by Keri Hilson, Robin Thicke, Ryan Leslie, Raheem DeVaughn featuring Ludacris, Chrisette Michele, Mario featuring Sean Garrett, and many more.

       A Motown Records musical tribute featured a medley of Motown hits performed by Henson as a Supreme, Boyz II Men, Chico DeBarge, Johnny Gill, Estelle, Vita, Mike Phillips and Melanie Fiona.

       Charlie Wilson and Chaka Khan, recipients of the evening's Icon Award, were both honored in musical tributes.

       Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, Raheem DeVaughn, Kandi Burress and Brian McKnight paid homage to Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band with renditions of their hits, including "Outstanding" and "Yearning for Your Love." Following the tribute, Wilson, himself, graced the stage to perform two songs: "Burn Rubber" with K-Ci & Jo-Jo and Bootsy Collins and "There Goes My Baby."

       Erykah Badu, Melle Mel, Ledisi, Fantasia, and Angie Stone paid homage to Chaka Khan with such hits as "Through the Fire" and "Tell Me Something Good."

       The evening also included skits, dance sequences and throwbacks to the infamous Soul Train scramble board and Soul Train line. Monica, Tamia, Deborah Cox, Kelly Price were among the presenters.

       Below is the full list of winners:

BEST NEW ARTIST
Keri Hilson
BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALE
Beyonce
BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALE
Maxwell
SONG OF THE YEAR
"Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)" - Beyonce ALBUM OF THE YEAR Beyonce - I am... Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music RECORD OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER AWARD) Jamie Foxx Ft/T-Pain - "Blame it"
BEST REGGAE ARTIST AWARD
Sean Paul
CENTRIC AWARD - SOUL APPROVED/UNDERGROUND Maysa BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE MALE FEMALE OR GROUP Mary Mary featuring Kierra "KiKi" Sheard - "God In Me"
BEST COLLABORATION
Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo - "Knock you Down"
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Michael Jackson

JENNIFER BEALS HEADS TO HALLMARK CHANNEL: Actress to star in Christmas movie for the cable network.

       *Jennifer Beals has been cast in Hallmark Channel's original movie "The Night Before the Night Before Christmas," a family film about what happens when Santa Claus accidentally leaves the North Pole a day early and crash-lands on a family's roof.

       The production has begun shooting in Toronto and is set to premiere next year on Hallmark Channel, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

       Since Showtime's "The L Word" concluded its run, Beals has co-starred in Fox's "Lie to Me" and appears in the upcoming feature "The Book of Eli."

MARIAH SAYS SHE SUFFERED EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Singer opens up to Larry King when asked about Rihanna.

*Rihanna's name came up during Mariah Carey's recent appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live."

       Mimi was asked if she ever encountered the type of domestic abuse that Rihanna suffered at the hands of then-boyfriend, Chris Brown.

       "Abuse has several categories," Carey said.

       You've been emotionally abused?" King asked.

       "Emotionally, mentally ..." Mariah said.

       "Why is it hard to get out of it?" King asked.

       "Well, it's scary," Carey said. "You know, I just think you get into a situation and you feel locked in if your situation is similar to one of the situations that I've been in which I won't harp on.

       "For me, to really get out, it was difficult because there was connection that was not only a marriage, but a business thing where the person was in control of my life."

Watch clip of Mariah's "Larry King" appearance here:
http://us.cnn.com/video/?/video/showbiz/2009/11/03/lkl.mariah.carey.abuse.cn
n

KHLOE ACCUSED OF FAKING PAST BREAKUP FOR E! SHOW: NBA's Rashad McCants says episode about voicemail messages was staged.

*NBA star Rashad McCants says E!'s "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami"
reality show staged a scene in which Khloe breaks up with him after hacking into his voicemail and finding racy messages left for him from female fans.

They "made the whole thing up," McCants, 25, tells the New York Post's Page Six, adding that the siblings never even had his phone number.

       What's more, he says he and Khloe "had already called it quits" in January, before the segment was even taped.

       Khloe has since moved on to another NBA player, Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom, whom she married in September after one month of dating.
She has denied speculation that it was a fake marriage.

MORE DETAILS ABOUT ABC'S JANET INTERVIEW: Nov. 18 hour-long special will take place at her Malibu home.

       *ABC officially announced Thursday that its upcoming Janet Jackson interview will be taped at her Malibu mansion, marking the first time the singer has allowed television cameras into her home.

       As previously reported, "Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts will sit down with Jackson for an hour-long special scheduled to air on Nov.
18. It's expected to be her first lengthy television interview since the death of her brother Michael in June.

       The singer paid tribute to the King of Pop in September at MTV's Video Music Awards. She danced to a recording of their duet "Scream" and did not address the audience.

       Jackson is promoting a greatest hits CD that is coming out for the holiday season.

SHYNE HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE IN BELIZE: He told reporters, 'You make mistakes and the point is to transform those mistakes.'

       *Shyne went before the media in his native Belize on Monday to discuss his recent deportation from the U.S. following a nearly nine-year prison stay for his involvement in a 1999 club shooting.

       The rapper, born Jamal Barrow, held a press conference at his high school alma mater Wesley College, which he attended in 1993.

       "Nobody is perfect and a lot of us grow up in imperfect situations, as myself. But there are no excuses," Shyne, who legally changed his name to Moses Michael Levi while serving his term, said to both students and reporters according to 7NewsBelize.com. "I make no excuses. I hold myself accountable for the mistakes I've made in my life, but that's not the end of me or anyone. You make mistakes and the point is to transform those mistakes, and that's what I've been trying to do."

       As per converting to Judaism while in prison, which many reported was the reason for his name change, Shyne said there was no religious switch.
"There was no conversion to Judaism. This is hereditary -- it's my ancestral background," he clarified. "In life you are what you are, and this is who I am. I don't want to be like Michael Jordan, I want to be like Moses or King David or King Solomon. Those are the guys I aspire to be like."

       Shyne also emphasized the importance of education, using himself as an example. "I came up in the streets with guys that gangbanged and were into criminal activities, and those tools never worked," he said. "Those tools, you either end up spending the rest of your life in prison or sleeping in the grave for the rest of your life. But with the tool you're getting here, as far as education is concerned, that is the ultimate tool."

       Shyne credited his affinity for reading the dictionary and paying attention in English class for being able to attain the success he's reached and legal backing from the likes of Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree, who was present during the conference as well.

       "I grew up on Curassow street, when I was coming up we didn't even have toilets," Shyne said. "But one of the things my uncle Finnegan and my father, Prime Minister Barrow, implored on me was education. I didn't really get that... but as I came up, my music, being Shyne, being able to go from Curassow street to the United States and sell millions of records -- the only way I was able to do that is because I used to be at my uncle Deny's house in the corner reading the dictionary. I was very into my English -- I would fail all my other classes, but when it came to English, I was paying attention.

       "And if it wasn't for that I wouldn't sell any records," he continued. "I wouldn't be able to call Jay-Z on my iPhone and I wouldn't be able to live the life that I live."

MARY J. BLIGE EXPLAINS 'PRECIOUS' SONG: Plus, watch her National Anthem performance before Game 6 of the World Series.

*Mary J. Blige talks to Billboard about her contribution to the soundtrack for "Precious," one of the year's most buzzed-about films – opening today in select theaters.

"[Director] Lee Daniels wanted me to get involved with this film. I saw the movie and I was like, 'why wouldn't I want to be involved? Why wouldn't I want to do a song for this film?'" Blige told Billboard on-camera during the Billboard/ Hollywood Reporter Film and TV Music conference last week. (Watch clip of interview below.) "I didn't have lyrics as far as writing, but I saw the film and I was able to relate automatically because I've lived some of that girl's life and I know people who have lived most of her life."

       "Precious," an adaptation of the book "Push" by Sapphire, stars newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as a 16-year-old girl who faces illiteracy, rape, domestic abuse, incest and weight issues, among other unfortunate things.

       "My first impression of the film was that it was going to shock a lot of people. It's a very powerful film," says Blige.

       "Destiny," Blige's song on the soundtrack, contains the lyrics, "age is young but my mind is much older / living up to everyone's expectation, can damn lead to a world of damnation / I gotta clear these voices from my head, all these opinionated noises / listen to the voice of my creator, open doors to a path much greater," atop a somber piano pattern.

       "I've been coming from a personal place ever since I spoke on the 'My Life' album. But we never look back into the why -- why is all this happening to us? And that is what 'Precious' is about," Blige continued.
"Getting that song out, I had to dig back into the 'why,' and digging back into the why is what hurts the most."

FOREST WHITAKER TAKING 'SINGLE' ROUTE: Actor stars opposite William H. Macy and Thomas Haden Church in new thriller.

*Forest Whitaker joins rising star Michael Fassbender, William H.
Macy and Thomas Haden Church in director David Jacobson's thriller "A Single Shot," due to begin production in Ontario in January

Fassbender stars as a poacher who finds himself on the run from a gang of hardened killers.

It's a safe bet that Whitaker and Church are the killers, but producers are keeping mum.

BRITISH LAW FIRM FILES CLAIM AGAINST MJ ESTATE: Company claims it performed legal work in relation to the sale of Neverland.

       *The latest creditor's claim filed against Michael Jackson's estate comes from a British law firm over the "sale of Neverland."

       According to TMZ, Atkins Thomson Solicitors in London is asking for
$209,204.36 over claims it had performed "General discussions re Michael Jackson, personal and professional situation dealing with Colony Capital, Tohme Tohme, Frank Dileo, and Others, Work in Relation to the Sale of Neverland."

       Additionally, the claims to have done work with Jackson's U.S.
lawyers and AEG, as well as legal work for the London concerts.

JAY-Z FILMS MUSIC VIDEO DURING CONCERT: Cameras capture live performance of 'Young Forever' in London.

       *Jay-Z surprised fans at his London gig Wednesday night by revealing they would be in a music video being filmed for his upcoming single, "Young Forever."

       Performing at Alexandra Palace, the rapper was joined on stage by Kanye West's protégé Mr Hudson to perform the song while cameras rolled.

       The crowd was captured singing along to the track and waving cigarette lighters in the dark.

       Listen to "Young Forever" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD8lh_QzAIU

ITTY BITTY BITS: Jesse Jr. at Leaders Conference in ATL; Wyclef 'gives' in NY; Taylor Swift's 'SNL' promo knocks Kanye.

*Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Founder and President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, will address National PTA members as the Association convenes its 4th annual Emerging Minority Leaders Conference in Atlanta, GA (November 6-8). Jackson will deliver a keynote address on the opening evening of the conference, which takes place at the Sheraton, 165 Courtland Street NE-Atlanta. This year’s conference, titled “Destination Leadership
IV: No Leader Left Behind,” is designed to prepare ethnic minority parents and caregivers from across the country to assume leadership roles in their local communities and schools. For more information or to view the full conference schedule, visit: http://www.pta.org/3546.htm

*Wyclef Jean is teaming with the Western Union Company to officially launch the "Random Acts of Giving" campaign at Western Union's flagship store (1440 Broadway - between 41st and 40th St.) A free Wyclef Jean jam session will be held following the press event at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square on Monday, Nov. 9. Also, Wyclef and Stewart Stockdale will walk through Times Square and give away gifts to passerby between 11:45 a.m. and noon.

*Taylor Swift makes light of her Kanye West encounter at the MTV Video Music Awards in a new promo for this weekend's "Saturday Night Live."
After announcing that she will be the host, cast member Bill Hader tells her, "Whoops, Kanye West just called. He thinks Beyonce should host instead." Swift rolls her eyes and whispers to herself, "Wow." Watch clip
here:
http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/453041/taylor-swift-snl-promo-pokes-fun-at-ka
nye-incident.jhtml

SUPREME COURT REJECTS CIVIL RIGHTS ERA CASE: Murder leaves questions regarding statue of limitations.

*The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to review the 2007 conviction of a former Ku Klux Klan member in the 1964 kidnapping and murder of two black teenagers, reports UPI.

By refusing to review the case, the justices left in place the trial judge's decision to let the prosecution go forward more than 40 years after the crimes, despite questions about a five-year statute of limitations on kidnapping.

James Ford Seale was accused in the slayings of Charles Eddie Moore and Henry Hezekiah Dee, kidnapped by the KKK while hitchhiking near Meadville, Miss., The Christian Science Monitor reported. The teenagers were taken to a remote area, beaten then thrown alive into the Mississippi River with their mouths and hands taped and their bodies tied to an engine block, the Monitor said.

The Mississippi courts refused to prosecute the case, but the U.S.
Justice Department took it up in 2007. Seale was sentenced to three life sentences.

The rejection by the U.S. Supreme Court sets no precedent, complicating federal prosecutions of up to 22 defendants for civil rights crimes. Defense lawyers argue that after the Seale murders federal law changed to implement a five-year statute of limitations on kidnappings.
Prosecutors argue that there has never been a limitation on kidnappings that led to murder, the Monitor said.

The high court rejection evoked an unusual protest from the court's most liberal member, Justice John Paul Stevens, and its most conservative, Justice Antonin Scalia. Stevens, joined by Scalia, wrote, "A prompt answer from this court will expedite the termination of this litigation and determine whether other similar cases may be prosecuted."

OPENING THIS WEEK: Kam's Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
For movies opening November 6, 2009
by Kam Williams

BIG BUDGET FILMS
The Box (PG-13 for mature themes, violence and disturbing images) Cameron Diaz and James Marsden co-star in this remake of "Button, Button" the Twilight Zone episode about a cash-strapped couple agonizing over whether to keep an anonymous gift of a million dollars which, if accepted, will simultaneously cause the death of a perfect stranger. Cast includes Frank Langella, James Rebhorn and Gillian Jacobs.

A Christmas Carol (PG for scary images) Animated, Disney version of the Charles Dickens classic about a miserly, cold-hearted curmudgeon (Jim
Carrey) who has to experience an epiphany in order to be able to appreciate the holiday season. With voice work by Bob Hoskins, Colin Firth, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Oldman and Fionnula Flanagan.

The Fourth Kind (PG-13 for terror, disturbing images, mature themes, violence and brief sexuality) Sci-fi thriller revolving around a curious psychologist (Milla Jovovich) investigating the 40-year pattern of mysterious disappearances from a tiny Alaskan town suggesting abduction by UFOs. With Will Patton, Elias Koteas and Corey Johnson.

The Men Who Stare at Goats (R for profanity, drug use and brief nudity) Screen adaptation of the Jon Ronson best seller about a reporter (Ewan
McGregor) covering the War in Iraq who stumbles upon the story of a lifetime when he meets a special forces agent (George Clooney) who claims to be a member of a top secret psychic unit. Supporting cast includes Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and Stephen Root.

Precious (R for rape, child abuse, pervasive profanity and ethnic slurs) Lee Daniels directs this super-realistic screen adaptation of the Sapphire best seller, set in Harlem in 1987, about a teenage mom's (Gabby Sidibe) attempt to finish school and to find love in the face of a monstrous mother
(Mo'Nique) who insists she'll never amount to anything. With Mariah Carey,
Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz and Sherri Shepherd.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
Act of God (Unrated) Introspective documentary examines the emotional effect of lightning on seven folks who miraculously survived being struck by bolts
from the sky.

Collapse (Unrated) Crystal ball bio-pic about cop-turned-visionary Michael Ruppert, the radical thinker who accurately forecast the current financial crisis in his self-published newsletter.

La Danse (Unrated) Dance documentary featuring seven productions mounted by the Paris Opera Ballet. (In French with subtitles)

Endgame (PG-13 for violence, profanity and disturbing images) South African docudrama revolving around the secret negotiations between the Apartheid regime and the African National Congress which led to a peaceful transition to majority rule. With Clarke Peters as Nelson Mandela, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Thabo Mbeki, Matthew Marsh as F.W. de Klerk and Timothy West as P.W. Botha.

Make the Yuletide Gay (Unrated) Out-of-the-closet comedy about an openly-gay college student (Keith Jordan) who pretends to be straight while home over the holidays by dating his high school sweetheart (Hallee Hirsh) only to run into trouble when his boyfriend (Adamo Ruggiero) shows up unannounced.

Splinterheads (Unrated) Road comedy about a young slacker (Thomas
Middleditch) who falls for a traveling carnival con artist (Rachael Taylor) with a jealous boyfriend (Dean Winters). With Christopher McDonald, Lea Thompson and Frankie Faison.

That Evening Sun (PG-13 for violence, sexuality, profanity and mature
themes) Revenge drama featuring a feisty octogenarian (Hal Holbrook) who runs away from his nursing home only to discover that his son (Walter
Goggins) has leased the family farm to his arch enemy (Ray McKinnon).

You Cannot Start without Me (Unrated) Musical bio-pic chronicles a year in the life of Moscow-born Valery Gergiev, the principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.

OPINION OR DISCRIMINATION: Sales clerk fired over ‘gay marriage’ comment.

*A Massachusetts man said he was wrongfully fired for voicing his opinion about gay marriage. But his employer, Brookstone at Logan International Airport in Boston, said the employee violated the company’s tolerance policy and that’s why he was fired. According to World Net Daily, Peter Vadala said it all started after his female manager told him she was getting married.

"At the start of the day, she told me she was getting married. I told her 'Congratulations,' and asked, 'Where's he taking you on your honeymoon?'" Vadala said in an interview. "She replied that her partner was a 'she,'" he continued, "So I immediately tried to change the subject."I think she knew I was uncomfortable talking about it," he continued. "But, she brought it up to me three more times during the day. "After the fourth time she told me about her plan to marry her partner, I told her, 'I think homosexuality is bad stuff,'" Vadala said. "That's what I said. I wasn't rude about it and I didn't act disrespectfully to her," he said. "All the woman said to me as she left the store was, 'Human Resources, buddy. You keep your opinions to yourself!'"

Gay marriage is legal in Massachusetts and is protected by law. Still Vadala said he should be entitled to his own opinion. The company confirms Vadala was fired a few days later by letter. The letter accused Vadala of "harassment" and described his comments as "inappropriate and unprofessional." Further, the letter charged, he was "imposing" his beliefs upon others.

GET PAID AT CHURCH: Pastor gives $1,000 away each Sunday to people in need.

*One Chicago area church has doubled its attendance by giving money away every Sunday morning. Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Alsip has grown from a normal 1,600 to 2,500 parishioners at its three services each week since the cash giveaway started more than a month ago.

Rev. Dan Willis pulls a number of one seat from a bag and the worshiper in that seat wins a cash prize. Two of the churchgoers win $250 and the third gets $500. The church gives away $1,000 each Sunday, Willis said. One Sunday, he gave away 15 savings accounts with $25 already in them. And he had bank representatives at the service so church members could set up accounts. The cash prize is part of the pastor’s recent focus on helping his congregation pay bills and begin a debt-free life,

"We've had so many of our people displaced from jobs, facing foreclosure," Willis told the Chicago Tribune. "When people's faith was high, their debt was down. When their faith was down, their debt was high. I realized the two are connected." Willis concedes the cash prize is a gimmick to fill the pews. But he's unapologetic about the plan, because it's working.

SCIENTOLOGY A FRAUD?: Court ruling and celebrity defection bad PR.

*A French court’s decision to convict The Church of Scientology of fraud has some high profile members separating themselves from the church. The conviction and the resignation of Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis from the church over a litany of concerns was aired publicly last week and has rocked the church’s foundation. On one hand, it was just another bad press week for the embattled institution founded in 1953 by the late science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. But for former Scientologists and scholars of the movement, the setbacks pose a greater challenge coming on the heels of defections of top-level Scientologists.

"With any organization, the loss of a substantial number of your most experienced people and chaos at the upper levels is problematic," David Bromley told USA Today. Bromley is a Virginia Commonwealth University professor who studies new religious movements and has written on Scientology. "There are PR implications, the possibility of legal actions ... That dwarfs the other things."

Despite a recent survey showing Scientology membership on the decline, church spokesman Tommy Davis said Scientology is flourishing, with more than 8,000 Scientology churches, missions and groups in 160-plus nations. He said assets and property holdings have doubled over the past five years, including a new church in Rome and another opening this weekend in Washington, D.C.

"From our perspective, things are going pretty great," Davis said. "In fact, that's downplaying it. Actually, what's happening with the church right now is frankly spectacular. To the degree there are these various things happening, it really is a lot of noise."

Celebrities such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley are known members of the religious sect.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE NEEDY: Forty year old program gets a boost from the World Wide Web.

*The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree program is expanding to the World Wide Web with the help of JC Penney retail store. Now those who want to donate items for the holidays can do so by shopping on-line.

"By leveraging the strength of jcp.com, we are helping to modernize an American tradition – the Angel Tree program – and creating an innovative way to help families in need in our communities across the nation," Mike Boylson told the Christian Post. Boylson is executive vice president and chief marketing officer for JC Penney. "Launching this program with The Salvation Army allows us to elevate our support for a cause that is extremely important to our customers and Associates, underscoring our focus on the ‘Joy of Giving’ this holiday season.

FedEx Ground is supporting the effort by shipping gifts purchased through the internet site for free to any of the 1,200 Salvation Army collection centers nationwide. The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree program has been in operation for more than 40 years. Thanks to the new partnerships it will be promoted through a multimedia marketing campaign including in-store, print, online and e-mail advertising as well as social media initiatives on Facebook. The Salvation Army is an evangelical Christian ministry that serves nearly 30 million Americans each year through a wide range of social services that includes providing food for the hungry, relief or disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.

GOSPEL SUPERFEST: Concert to be held at HBCU.

*The second annual Gospel Superfest is set for January 2010. The event will be recorded at the historical Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and will be hosted by actors Vivica Fox and Flex Alexander.

Featured artists will be J. Moss, Richard Smallwood, Vickie Winans, The Whispers, Karen Clark-Sheard and many others.

Dr. Bobby Cartwright created the event last year and AllState Insurance has pledged to be the corporate sponsor for years to come.

EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE

Today’s ‘Live Better With Willie Jolley’ Tip: Make It A Winning Life

Every day is a great day, and even if it doesn’t feel like a great day you can make it one! My friend Dr. Wolf Rinke, author of Make It a Winning Life, says that life is essentially what you make it and that you must make things happen for yourself. You make every day a great day by programming your mind that it is a great day. Psychiatrists state that most illnesses are psychosomatic, which means that your mind creates them. We all know people who, no matter what kind of illness you might mention, have either had that condition or are having it right then!

There is a definite relationship between the psyche, which is your mind, and the soma, which is your body. Just as your mind creates the illness in your body, studies show that if you program your mind with positive rather than negative information, the mind can create an exhilarating and exceptional day-every day. Every day can be a great day and your life can be a winning life. You have to be willing to make it that way! Think great thoughts, do great things, and make it a winning day!

Visit my website at www.williejolley.com free motivation and make every minute count!

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Nov. 6: Singer Eugene Pitt of the Jive Five is 72. Singer Corey Glover of Living Colour is 45. Actress Thandie Newton is 37.

       Nov. 7: Director Troy Beyer is 45. BET personality Melyssa Ford is 33.

       Nov. 8: Actress Alfre Woodard is 57. Singer Diana King is 39.

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

     Afrobella is dedicated to product reviews, ruminations about culture, music and fashion style, plus interviews with women all shades of beautiful. Check it out here: www.afrobella.com.

Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.

BLACK HISTORY

Nov. 6, 1900: James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson composed "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing."

Nov. 7, 1876: Edward A. Bouchet received the Ph.D. degree in physics at Yale University and became the first black person to receive a doctorate at an American University.

Nov. 8, 1938: Crystal Bird Fauset becomes the first black woman elected to a state legislature in the U.S. acquiring this distinction by being named to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. (Source:
www.BlackFacts.com)




	11-06-09 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE (November 6, 2009) Email to a friend \| Print Friendly OPRAH DROPS BEBE FROM 'KARAOKE': Decision comes amid criticism over his presence despite domestic violence charges. Also, is her talk show moving to cable in 2011? Oprah Winfrey has removed gospel singer BeBe Winans from her show's "karaoke challenge" until charges against him for allegedly pushing his ex-wife to the ground are resolved, reports the Associated Press. Winans appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" last week to discuss the selection of contestants for the season-long challenge. He was also seen surprising some of the finalists with news they had made the cut. Winfrey spokesman Don Halcombe said Thursday that Winans will be cut out of the karaoke segments entirely. Winans was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault in a Feb. 13 incident, where Winans and his ex-wife Debra were allegedly arguing about their children. Winans has a court date set for Jan. 20. As previously reported, Winfrey was criticized this week for including Winans after she had taken a strong stand against domestic violence earlier this year. She did a show on the topic when singer Chris Brown assaulted his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Winfrey said at the time: "Domestic violence is something that I wouldn't tolerate. Period." Halcombe would only say that the decision to eliminate Winans was made this week, reports the AP. In other Oprah news, blogger Nikke Finke is reporting that Discovery Communications chief David Zaslav has demanded that she move her talk show to her forthcoming Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), or risk losing it altogether. OWN, a joint venture between Winfrey and Discovery Communications, is scheduled to take over the old Discovery Health Channel and launch in 70 million homes sometime next year. Finke says that Winfrey and Discovery will soon "issue a press release announcing OWN's on-air launch for the start of 2011. And, in several weeks, Oprah will tell the public that she's ending her syndicated Chicago-based daytime talk show when her current deal runs out and moving it to OWN headquarters in Los Angeles probably as soon as mid-2011." Read Finke's entire piece here: http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/the-end-of-oprah-as-we-know-her/ CHRIS BROWN BLAMES SLOW TICKET SALES ON ECONOMY: It may explain why album release is being pushed up a week. Tickets for Chris Brown's "Fan Appreciation" tour haven't been as brisk as his camp would have liked. The trek is scheduled to kick off next week and none of the intimate venues "are even close to sold out," according to the New York Daily News. "In fact, anyone who's interested can still purchase up to 50 tickets at a time for Brown's opening night" at the House of Blues in Houston on Nov. 14. "This is definitely not the outcome [Chris' label] Jive Records hoped for," says an industry exec, adding that the poor ticket sales are surely a result of Brown's now-infamous altercation with Rihanna in February. "Chris lost a lot of fans after he assaulted Rihanna. And after that whole scandal, he's not exactly kid-friendly. What parent would buy their children tickets to his concert?" Brown's agent, meanwhile, says he's not worried about the sluggish sales. "Dates are expected to sell out," insists the rep, "and given the economic climate, ticket sales are doing very well." But another industry insider says the tour may be premature, considering Brown's "Graffiti" album doesn't drop until Dec. 8. "Had this tour fallen on the heels of a smash album, compared to his climbing single 'I Can Transform Ya,' ticket counts might have been better," says the source. That logic may explain why the release of "Graffiti" has been pushed up a week - it was originally slated to drop on Dec. 15, which is the date of his last tour stop at the Nokia Theater in New York. "This may be Jive's way of boosting Chris' head count for the Manhattan show," says the music insider. "The turnout at Nokia is pretty crucial. If he can get a big crowd in New York City, it'll be a good sign that he can regain control of his career." RIHANNA ADDED TO AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS: Plus, upcoming London performance streamed live to Nokia users. On the heels of breaking her silence about being physically abused by Chris Brown, Rihanna will perform at the 37th Annual American Music Awards on Nov. 22, according to People.com. The three-time AMA winner will join previously announced performers Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez and the Black Eyed Peas. Rihanna, who recently released the power ballad "Russian Roulette," will drop her fourth album, "Rated R," on Nov. 23. She is scheduled to showcase new material from the album exclusively to a Nokia audience via a globally streamed live performance on Nov. 16 from a secret London location. Fans will be able to • Sign up to watch the live stream. • Invite their friends to watch the performance simultaneously with them through Facebook and Twitter. • Download a web widget counting down to the live performance. • Download an exclusive Rihanna mobile application from Nokia's Ovi Store. • Download the album with an exclusive track either to their PC or over the air to mobile from Nokia Music Store or Comes With Music. Rihanna stated, "I am so excited to partner up with Nokia. They are doing some really revolutionary things with this album, enabling me to reach more fans than ever before." Click here to register: http://www.nokia.com/rihanna. TEDDY RILEY BELIEVES MJ WAS MURDERED: Producer said Jackson would 'name names' of the people who were wanted to kill him. Producer Teddy Riley has given weight to LaToya Jackson's belief that her brother Michael was murdered, after revealing the King of Pop had named potential suspects in the event of his death. "He mentioned it to me a few times... like people were out to kill him... and he would say names, saying these are the people who are trying to kill me," Riley told the National Enquirer. As soon as news of Jackson's passing broke, Riley said he immediately called the singer's family to alert them to the possibility he might have been killed. "I said, 'Listen, he was murdered. Somebody didn't like something Jackson said or something he's doing or didn't want him to go to the top, so they had to get rid of him.' We've got so many people we think it could be. It's going to come out. You're going to find out." Jackson passed away from a drug overdose on June 25, just days before he was due to launch a concert residency in London. His death has been ruled a homicide and Los Angeles police are focusing their investigation on the superstar's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. La Toya has long maintained her younger brother was murdered. TAMEKA FOSTER REGRETS LIPOSUCTION: Usher's ex tells Ebony magazine it was a 'foolish' decision that nearly killed her. Usher's soon-to-be ex-wife Tameka Foster is now calling her decision to undergo cosmetic surgery in Brazil "foolish." Foster suffered a cardiac arrest while doctors were administering anesthesia before the February procedure. She was placed in an induced coma for 24 hours and spent several days in an intensive care unit as doctors battled to save her. The stylist, who has since made a full recovery, opted to undergo the surgery in a bid to lose her baby weight following the birth of the former couple's second son, Naviyd Ely Raymond, in December 2008. "It was silly because my baby had only (been born) nine weeks or so (before), and I should've just waited," she tells Ebony magazine. "It was too soon after giving birth to be concerned about what I looked like physically. "The foolish part for me was the fact that I wanted to take the shortcut. This is something I teach my children: Do not take the shortcut. It bothered me that I fell prey to it." DON CHEADLE SETS UP SHOP AT NBC: Network signs first look deal with actor's production company. Don Cheadle is going into business with NBC. The actor's Crescendo production company, launched with former managers Kay Liberman and Lenore Zerman, has sealed a first-look TV deal at the network, according to Variety. Crescendo already has a handful of projects set up at NBC, as well as several more at ABC, TNT and FX. Among them, an ABC adaptation of the feature "The Star Chamber," from writer Zack Estrin ("Prison Break"), as well as a Boston-set cop drama from John Hlavin ("The Shield") at NBC. "We take it seriously," Cheadle said of his new TV venture. "I've found there are ways to execute stories in all these mediums. It just has to be something that tickles your fancy." Cheadle said his decision to enter the TV game came out of a conversation he had with former NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chair Ben Silverman at a party. "We came in as a company and met and talked, and I realized that there was maybe something here," Cheadle said. "(After that), there were a lot of incoming calls with people trying to get into business with us." Silverman is long gone, but Cheadle and Liberman said they have been working just as closely with NBC entertainment chief Angela Bromstad and her team. "Don's a gifted actor who also is an incredibly smart producer," said Hlavin, who's behind Crescendo's "Boston P.D." at NBC. Hlavin's project will center on a homicide detective who discovers he shares a surprising connection to his new partner. Estrin's "The Star Chamber," meanwhile, is set up at ABC through 20th Century Fox TV. The suspense drama centers on a judge who goes after dangerous criminals who are set free by a flawed judicial system. The original "Star Chamber," released in 1983, starred Michael Douglas, Hal Holbrook and Yaphet Kotto. Cheadle singled out "The Star Chamber" as one of his passion projects. Crescendo's hourlong drama "Gemini," also at NBC, revolves around an operative inside a little-known government agency that investigates crimes; the lead character finds himself balancing two lives, including a deep secret. TNT is close to signing on to develop Crescendo's "RX," a medical drama from executive producer Brett King. The project centers on a young doctor who establishes a clinic in downtown Los Angeles. Lionsgate is in talks to produce. Previously reported Crescendo projects include "March to Madness," a drama from scribe Joel Silverman and executive producers Pete Segal, Michael Ewing and Dave Miller. Set up at FX, "Madness" chronicles the glory and the seedy side of college basketball. Among the comedies in the works at Crescendo is "It's All Love," from "The Boondocks" creator Aaron McGruder. Crescendo is also still shopping new projects to networks, including the action drama "Ripple," from new writer Cory Marciel. The project follows Jericho, an operative who is dispatched by researchers to prevent murders that have already happened. Cheadle said it's too soon to tell whether he'll appear in or direct any of the small screen projects -- but added that schedule permitting, he'd be game. "I'm not looking to leave features, but I never say never to good work," said Cheadle, who noted that he appeared in a multiepisode arc on "ER." "As my schedule allows, especially if it's something really banging, absolutely (I'd do TV)." BEYONCE, HILSON, MAXWELL AMONG 'SOUL TRAIN' WINNERS: Show taped Tuesday in Atlanta; Taraji and Terrence open with rendition of Peaches & Herb's 'Reunited.' Beyonce, Keri Hilson and Maxwell were among the winners at the "Centric Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards," which taped Tuesday (Nov. 3) at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for a special simulcast on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. on BET and new cable network CENTRIC. [See full list of winners below.] Hosted by Academy Award-nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, the night opened with Toni Braxton featuring Trey Songz singing "Yesterday" that was sealed with a kiss. Then Howard and Henson welcomed the audience with a rendition of Peaches and Herb's "Reunited." Other performances were given by Keri Hilson, Robin Thicke, Ryan Leslie, Raheem DeVaughn featuring Ludacris, Chrisette Michele, Mario featuring Sean Garrett, and many more. A Motown Records musical tribute featured a medley of Motown hits performed by Henson as a Supreme, Boyz II Men, Chico DeBarge, Johnny Gill, Estelle, Vita, Mike Phillips and Melanie Fiona. Charlie Wilson and Chaka Khan, recipients of the evening's Icon Award, were both honored in musical tributes. Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, Raheem DeVaughn, Kandi Burress and Brian McKnight paid homage to Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band with renditions of their hits, including "Outstanding" and "Yearning for Your Love." Following the tribute, Wilson, himself, graced the stage to perform two songs: "Burn Rubber" with K-Ci & Jo-Jo and Bootsy Collins and "There Goes My Baby." Erykah Badu, Melle Mel, Ledisi, Fantasia, and Angie Stone paid homage to Chaka Khan with such hits as "Through the Fire" and "Tell Me Something Good." The evening also included skits, dance sequences and throwbacks to the infamous Soul Train scramble board and Soul Train line. Monica, Tamia, Deborah Cox, Kelly Price were among the presenters. Below is the full list of winners: BEST NEW ARTIST Keri Hilson BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALE Beyonce BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALE Maxwell SONG OF THE YEAR "Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)" - Beyonce ALBUM OF THE YEAR Beyonce - I am... Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music RECORD OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER AWARD) Jamie Foxx Ft/T-Pain - "Blame it" BEST REGGAE ARTIST AWARD Sean Paul CENTRIC AWARD - SOUL APPROVED/UNDERGROUND Maysa BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE MALE FEMALE OR GROUP Mary Mary featuring Kierra "KiKi" Sheard - "God In Me" BEST COLLABORATION Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo - "Knock you Down" ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Michael Jackson JENNIFER BEALS HEADS TO HALLMARK CHANNEL: Actress to star in Christmas movie for the cable network. Jennifer Beals has been cast in Hallmark Channel's original movie "The Night Before the Night Before Christmas," a family film about what happens when Santa Claus accidentally leaves the North Pole a day early and crash-lands on a family's roof. The production has begun shooting in Toronto and is set to premiere next year on Hallmark Channel, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Since Showtime's "The L Word" concluded its run, Beals has co-starred in Fox's "Lie to Me" and appears in the upcoming feature "The Book of Eli." MARIAH SAYS SHE SUFFERED EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Singer opens up to Larry King when asked about Rihanna. Rihanna's name came up during Mariah Carey's recent appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live." Mimi was asked if she ever encountered the type of domestic abuse that Rihanna suffered at the hands of then-boyfriend, Chris Brown. "Abuse has several categories," Carey said. You've been emotionally abused?" King asked. "Emotionally, mentally ..." Mariah said. "Why is it hard to get out of it?" King asked. "Well, it's scary," Carey said. "You know, I just think you get into a situation and you feel locked in if your situation is similar to one of the situations that I've been in which I won't harp on. "For me, to really get out, it was difficult because there was connection that was not only a marriage, but a business thing where the person was in control of my life." Watch clip of Mariah's "Larry King" appearance here: http://us.cnn.com/video/?/video/showbiz/2009/11/03/lkl.mariah.carey.abuse.cn n KHLOE ACCUSED OF FAKING PAST BREAKUP FOR E! SHOW: NBA's Rashad McCants says episode about voicemail messages was staged. NBA star Rashad McCants says E!'s "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami" reality show staged a scene in which Khloe breaks up with him after hacking into his voicemail and finding racy messages left for him from female fans. They "made the whole thing up," McCants, 25, tells the New York Post's Page Six, adding that the siblings never even had his phone number. What's more, he says he and Khloe "had already called it quits" in January, before the segment was even taped. Khloe has since moved on to another NBA player, Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom, whom she married in September after one month of dating. She has denied speculation that it was a fake marriage. MORE DETAILS ABOUT ABC'S JANET INTERVIEW: Nov. 18 hour-long special will take place at her Malibu home. ABC officially announced Thursday that its upcoming Janet Jackson interview will be taped at her Malibu mansion, marking the first time the singer has allowed television cameras into her home. As previously reported, "Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts will sit down with Jackson for an hour-long special scheduled to air on Nov. 18. It's expected to be her first lengthy television interview since the death of her brother Michael in June. The singer paid tribute to the King of Pop in September at MTV's Video Music Awards. She danced to a recording of their duet "Scream" and did not address the audience. Jackson is promoting a greatest hits CD that is coming out for the holiday season. SHYNE HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE IN BELIZE: He told reporters, 'You make mistakes and the point is to transform those mistakes.' Shyne went before the media in his native Belize on Monday to discuss his recent deportation from the U.S. following a nearly nine-year prison stay for his involvement in a 1999 club shooting. The rapper, born Jamal Barrow, held a press conference at his high school alma mater Wesley College, which he attended in 1993. "Nobody is perfect and a lot of us grow up in imperfect situations, as myself. But there are no excuses," Shyne, who legally changed his name to Moses Michael Levi while serving his term, said to both students and reporters according to 7NewsBelize.com. "I make no excuses. I hold myself accountable for the mistakes I've made in my life, but that's not the end of me or anyone. You make mistakes and the point is to transform those mistakes, and that's what I've been trying to do." As per converting to Judaism while in prison, which many reported was the reason for his name change, Shyne said there was no religious switch. "There was no conversion to Judaism. This is hereditary -- it's my ancestral background," he clarified. "In life you are what you are, and this is who I am. I don't want to be like Michael Jordan, I want to be like Moses or King David or King Solomon. Those are the guys I aspire to be like." Shyne also emphasized the importance of education, using himself as an example. "I came up in the streets with guys that gangbanged and were into criminal activities, and those tools never worked," he said. "Those tools, you either end up spending the rest of your life in prison or sleeping in the grave for the rest of your life. But with the tool you're getting here, as far as education is concerned, that is the ultimate tool." Shyne credited his affinity for reading the dictionary and paying attention in English class for being able to attain the success he's reached and legal backing from the likes of Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree, who was present during the conference as well. "I grew up on Curassow street, when I was coming up we didn't even have toilets," Shyne said. "But one of the things my uncle Finnegan and my father, Prime Minister Barrow, implored on me was education. I didn't really get that... but as I came up, my music, being Shyne, being able to go from Curassow street to the United States and sell millions of records -- the only way I was able to do that is because I used to be at my uncle Deny's house in the corner reading the dictionary. I was very into my English -- I would fail all my other classes, but when it came to English, I was paying attention. "And if it wasn't for that I wouldn't sell any records," he continued. "I wouldn't be able to call Jay-Z on my iPhone and I wouldn't be able to live the life that I live." MARY J. BLIGE EXPLAINS 'PRECIOUS' SONG: Plus, watch her National Anthem performance before Game 6 of the World Series. Mary J. Blige talks to Billboard about her contribution to the soundtrack for "Precious," one of the year's most buzzed-about films – opening today in select theaters. "[Director] Lee Daniels wanted me to get involved with this film. I saw the movie and I was like, 'why wouldn't I want to be involved? Why wouldn't I want to do a song for this film?'" Blige told Billboard on-camera during the Billboard/ Hollywood Reporter Film and TV Music conference last week. (Watch clip of interview below.) "I didn't have lyrics as far as writing, but I saw the film and I was able to relate automatically because I've lived some of that girl's life and I know people who have lived most of her life." "Precious," an adaptation of the book "Push" by Sapphire, stars newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as a 16-year-old girl who faces illiteracy, rape, domestic abuse, incest and weight issues, among other unfortunate things. "My first impression of the film was that it was going to shock a lot of people. It's a very powerful film," says Blige. "Destiny," Blige's song on the soundtrack, contains the lyrics, "age is young but my mind is much older / living up to everyone's expectation, can damn lead to a world of damnation / I gotta clear these voices from my head, all these opinionated noises / listen to the voice of my creator, open doors to a path much greater," atop a somber piano pattern. "I've been coming from a personal place ever since I spoke on the 'My Life' album. But we never look back into the why -- why is all this happening to us? And that is what 'Precious' is about," Blige continued. "Getting that song out, I had to dig back into the 'why,' and digging back into the why is what hurts the most." FOREST WHITAKER TAKING 'SINGLE' ROUTE: Actor stars opposite William H. Macy and Thomas Haden Church in new thriller. Forest Whitaker joins rising star Michael Fassbender, William H. Macy and Thomas Haden Church in director David Jacobson's thriller "A Single Shot," due to begin production in Ontario in January Fassbender stars as a poacher who finds himself on the run from a gang of hardened killers. It's a safe bet that Whitaker and Church are the killers, but producers are keeping mum. BRITISH LAW FIRM FILES CLAIM AGAINST MJ ESTATE: Company claims it performed legal work in relation to the sale of Neverland. The latest creditor's claim filed against Michael Jackson's estate comes from a British law firm over the "sale of Neverland." According to TMZ, Atkins Thomson Solicitors in London is asking for $209,204.36 over claims it had performed "General discussions re Michael Jackson, personal and professional situation dealing with Colony Capital, Tohme Tohme, Frank Dileo, and Others, Work in Relation to the Sale of Neverland." Additionally, the claims to have done work with Jackson's U.S. lawyers and AEG, as well as legal work for the London concerts. JAY-Z FILMS MUSIC VIDEO DURING CONCERT: Cameras capture live performance of 'Young Forever' in London. Jay-Z surprised fans at his London gig Wednesday night by revealing they would be in a music video being filmed for his upcoming single, "Young Forever." Performing at Alexandra Palace, the rapper was joined on stage by Kanye West's protégé Mr Hudson to perform the song while cameras rolled. The crowd was captured singing along to the track and waving cigarette lighters in the dark. Listen to "Young Forever" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD8lh_QzAIU ITTY BITTY BITS: Jesse Jr. at Leaders Conference in ATL; Wyclef 'gives' in NY; Taylor Swift's 'SNL' promo knocks Kanye. Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Founder and President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, will address National PTA members as the Association convenes its 4th annual Emerging Minority Leaders Conference in Atlanta, GA (November 6-8). Jackson will deliver a keynote address on the opening evening of the conference, which takes place at the Sheraton, 165 Courtland Street NE-Atlanta. This year’s conference, titled “Destination Leadership IV: No Leader Left Behind,” is designed to prepare ethnic minority parents and caregivers from across the country to assume leadership roles in their local communities and schools. For more information or to view the full conference schedule, visit: http://www.pta.org/3546.htm Wyclef Jean is teaming with the Western Union Company to officially launch the "Random Acts of Giving" campaign at Western Union's flagship store (1440 Broadway - between 41st and 40th St.) A free Wyclef Jean jam session will be held following the press event at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square on Monday, Nov. 9. Also, Wyclef and Stewart Stockdale will walk through Times Square and give away gifts to passerby between 11:45 a.m. and noon. Taylor Swift makes light of her Kanye West encounter at the MTV Video Music Awards in a new promo for this weekend's "Saturday Night Live." After announcing that she will be the host, cast member Bill Hader tells her, "Whoops, Kanye West just called. He thinks Beyonce should host instead." Swift rolls her eyes and whispers to herself, "Wow." Watch clip here: http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/453041/taylor-swift-snl-promo-pokes-fun-at-ka nye-incident.jhtml SUPREME COURT REJECTS CIVIL RIGHTS ERA CASE: Murder leaves questions regarding statue of limitations. The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to review the 2007 conviction of a former Ku Klux Klan member in the 1964 kidnapping and murder of two black teenagers, reports UPI. By refusing to review the case, the justices left in place the trial judge's decision to let the prosecution go forward more than 40 years after the crimes, despite questions about a five-year statute of limitations on kidnapping. James Ford Seale was accused in the slayings of Charles Eddie Moore and Henry Hezekiah Dee, kidnapped by the KKK while hitchhiking near Meadville, Miss., The Christian Science Monitor reported. The teenagers were taken to a remote area, beaten then thrown alive into the Mississippi River with their mouths and hands taped and their bodies tied to an engine block, the Monitor said. The Mississippi courts refused to prosecute the case, but the U.S. Justice Department took it up in 2007. Seale was sentenced to three life sentences. The rejection by the U.S. Supreme Court sets no precedent, complicating federal prosecutions of up to 22 defendants for civil rights crimes. Defense lawyers argue that after the Seale murders federal law changed to implement a five-year statute of limitations on kidnappings. Prosecutors argue that there has never been a limitation on kidnappings that led to murder, the Monitor said. The high court rejection evoked an unusual protest from the court's most liberal member, Justice John Paul Stevens, and its most conservative, Justice Antonin Scalia. Stevens, joined by Scalia, wrote, "A prompt answer from this court will expedite the termination of this litigation and determine whether other similar cases may be prosecuted." OPENING THIS WEEK: Kam's Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun For movies opening November 6, 2009 by Kam Williams BIG BUDGET FILMS The Box (PG-13 for mature themes, violence and disturbing images) Cameron Diaz and James Marsden co-star in this remake of "Button, Button" the Twilight Zone episode about a cash-strapped couple agonizing over whether to keep an anonymous gift of a million dollars which, if accepted, will simultaneously cause the death of a perfect stranger. Cast includes Frank Langella, James Rebhorn and Gillian Jacobs. A Christmas Carol (PG for scary images) Animated, Disney version of the Charles Dickens classic about a miserly, cold-hearted curmudgeon (Jim Carrey) who has to experience an epiphany in order to be able to appreciate the holiday season. With voice work by Bob Hoskins, Colin Firth, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Oldman and Fionnula Flanagan. The Fourth Kind (PG-13 for terror, disturbing images, mature themes, violence and brief sexuality) Sci-fi thriller revolving around a curious psychologist (Milla Jovovich) investigating the 40-year pattern of mysterious disappearances from a tiny Alaskan town suggesting abduction by UFOs. With Will Patton, Elias Koteas and Corey Johnson. The Men Who Stare at Goats (R for profanity, drug use and brief nudity) Screen adaptation of the Jon Ronson best seller about a reporter (Ewan McGregor) covering the War in Iraq who stumbles upon the story of a lifetime when he meets a special forces agent (George Clooney) who claims to be a member of a top secret psychic unit. Supporting cast includes Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and Stephen Root. Precious (R for rape, child abuse, pervasive profanity and ethnic slurs) Lee Daniels directs this super-realistic screen adaptation of the Sapphire best seller, set in Harlem in 1987, about a teenage mom's (Gabby Sidibe) attempt to finish school and to find love in the face of a monstrous mother (Mo'Nique) who insists she'll never amount to anything. With Mariah Carey, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz and Sherri Shepherd. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS Act of God (Unrated) Introspective documentary examines the emotional effect of lightning on seven folks who miraculously survived being struck by bolts from the sky. Collapse (Unrated) Crystal ball bio-pic about cop-turned-visionary Michael Ruppert, the radical thinker who accurately forecast the current financial crisis in his self-published newsletter. La Danse (Unrated) Dance documentary featuring seven productions mounted by the Paris Opera Ballet. (In French with subtitles) Endgame (PG-13 for violence, profanity and disturbing images) South African docudrama revolving around the secret negotiations between the Apartheid regime and the African National Congress which led to a peaceful transition to majority rule. With Clarke Peters as Nelson Mandela, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Thabo Mbeki, Matthew Marsh as F.W. de Klerk and Timothy West as P.W. Botha. Make the Yuletide Gay (Unrated) Out-of-the-closet comedy about an openly-gay college student (Keith Jordan) who pretends to be straight while home over the holidays by dating his high school sweetheart (Hallee Hirsh) only to run into trouble when his boyfriend (Adamo Ruggiero) shows up unannounced. Splinterheads (Unrated) Road comedy about a young slacker (Thomas Middleditch) who falls for a traveling carnival con artist (Rachael Taylor) with a jealous boyfriend (Dean Winters). With Christopher McDonald, Lea Thompson and Frankie Faison. That Evening Sun (PG-13 for violence, sexuality, profanity and mature themes) Revenge drama featuring a feisty octogenarian (Hal Holbrook) who runs away from his nursing home only to discover that his son (Walter Goggins) has leased the family farm to his arch enemy (Ray McKinnon). You Cannot Start without Me (Unrated) Musical bio-pic chronicles a year in the life of Moscow-born Valery Gergiev, the principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. OPINION OR DISCRIMINATION: Sales clerk fired over ‘gay marriage’ comment. A Massachusetts man said he was wrongfully fired for voicing his opinion about gay marriage. But his employer, Brookstone at Logan International Airport in Boston, said the employee violated the company’s tolerance policy and that’s why he was fired. According to World Net Daily, Peter Vadala said it all started after his female manager told him she was getting married. "At the start of the day, she told me she was getting married. I told her 'Congratulations,' and asked, 'Where's he taking you on your honeymoon?'" Vadala said in an interview. "She replied that her partner was a 'she,'" he continued, "So I immediately tried to change the subject."I think she knew I was uncomfortable talking about it," he continued. "But, she brought it up to me three more times during the day. "After the fourth time she told me about her plan to marry her partner, I told her, 'I think homosexuality is bad stuff,'" Vadala said. "That's what I said. I wasn't rude about it and I didn't act disrespectfully to her," he said. "All the woman said to me as she left the store was, 'Human Resources, buddy. You keep your opinions to yourself!'" Gay marriage is legal in Massachusetts and is protected by law. Still Vadala said he should be entitled to his own opinion. The company confirms Vadala was fired a few days later by letter. The letter accused Vadala of "harassment" and described his comments as "inappropriate and unprofessional." Further, the letter charged, he was "imposing" his beliefs upon others. GET PAID AT CHURCH: Pastor gives $1,000 away each Sunday to people in need. One Chicago area church has doubled its attendance by giving money away every Sunday morning. Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Alsip has grown from a normal 1,600 to 2,500 parishioners at its three services each week since the cash giveaway started more than a month ago. Rev. Dan Willis pulls a number of one seat from a bag and the worshiper in that seat wins a cash prize. Two of the churchgoers win $250 and the third gets $500. The church gives away $1,000 each Sunday, Willis said. One Sunday, he gave away 15 savings accounts with $25 already in them. And he had bank representatives at the service so church members could set up accounts. The cash prize is part of the pastor’s recent focus on helping his congregation pay bills and begin a debt-free life, "We've had so many of our people displaced from jobs, facing foreclosure," Willis told the Chicago Tribune. "When people's faith was high, their debt was down. When their faith was down, their debt was high. I realized the two are connected." Willis concedes the cash prize is a gimmick to fill the pews. But he's unapologetic about the plan, because it's working. SCIENTOLOGY A FRAUD?: Court ruling and celebrity defection bad PR. A French court’s decision to convict The Church of Scientology of fraud has some high profile members separating themselves from the church. The conviction and the resignation of Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis from the church over a litany of concerns was aired publicly last week and has rocked the church’s foundation. On one hand, it was just another bad press week for the embattled institution founded in 1953 by the late science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. But for former Scientologists and scholars of the movement, the setbacks pose a greater challenge coming on the heels of defections of top-level Scientologists. "With any organization, the loss of a substantial number of your most experienced people and chaos at the upper levels is problematic," David Bromley told USA Today. Bromley is a Virginia Commonwealth University professor who studies new religious movements and has written on Scientology. "There are PR implications, the possibility of legal actions ... That dwarfs the other things." Despite a recent survey showing Scientology membership on the decline, church spokesman Tommy Davis said Scientology is flourishing, with more than 8,000 Scientology churches, missions and groups in 160-plus nations. He said assets and property holdings have doubled over the past five years, including a new church in Rome and another opening this weekend in Washington, D.C. "From our perspective, things are going pretty great," Davis said. "In fact, that's downplaying it. Actually, what's happening with the church right now is frankly spectacular. To the degree there are these various things happening, it really is a lot of noise." Celebrities such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley are known members of the religious sect. PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE NEEDY: Forty year old program gets a boost from the World Wide Web. The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree program is expanding to the World Wide Web with the help of JC Penney retail store. Now those who want to donate items for the holidays can do so by shopping on-line. "By leveraging the strength of jcp.com, we are helping to modernize an American tradition – the Angel Tree program – and creating an innovative way to help families in need in our communities across the nation," Mike Boylson told the Christian Post. Boylson is executive vice president and chief marketing officer for JC Penney. "Launching this program with The Salvation Army allows us to elevate our support for a cause that is extremely important to our customers and Associates, underscoring our focus on the ‘Joy of Giving’ this holiday season. FedEx Ground is supporting the effort by shipping gifts purchased through the internet site for free to any of the 1,200 Salvation Army collection centers nationwide. The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree program has been in operation for more than 40 years. Thanks to the new partnerships it will be promoted through a multimedia marketing campaign including in-store, print, online and e-mail advertising as well as social media initiatives on Facebook. The Salvation Army is an evangelical Christian ministry that serves nearly 30 million Americans each year through a wide range of social services that includes providing food for the hungry, relief or disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. GOSPEL SUPERFEST: Concert to be held at HBCU. *The second annual Gospel Superfest is set for January 2010. The event will be recorded at the historical Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and will be hosted by actors Vivica Fox and Flex Alexander. Featured artists will be J. Moss, Richard Smallwood, Vickie Winans, The Whispers, Karen Clark-Sheard and many others. Dr. Bobby Cartwright created the event last year and AllState Insurance has pledged to be the corporate sponsor for years to come. EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE Today’s ‘Live Better With Willie Jolley’ Tip: Make It A Winning Life Every day is a great day, and even if it doesn’t feel like a great day you can make it one! My friend Dr. Wolf Rinke, author of Make It a Winning Life, says that life is essentially what you make it and that you must make things happen for yourself. You make every day a great day by programming your mind that it is a great day. Psychiatrists state that most illnesses are psychosomatic, which means that your mind creates them. We all know people who, no matter what kind of illness you might mention, have either had that condition or are having it right then! There is a definite relationship between the psyche, which is your mind, and the soma, which is your body. Just as your mind creates the illness in your body, studies show that if you program your mind with positive rather than negative information, the mind can create an exhilarating and exceptional day-every day. Every day can be a great day and your life can be a winning life. You have to be willing to make it that way! Think great thoughts, do great things, and make it a winning day! Visit my website at www.williejolley.com free motivation and make every minute count! CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS Nov. 6: Singer Eugene Pitt of the Jive Five is 72. Singer Corey Glover of Living Colour is 45. Actress Thandie Newton is 37. Nov. 7: Director Troy Beyer is 45. BET personality Melyssa Ford is 33. Nov. 8: Actress Alfre Woodard is 57. Singer Diana King is 39. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK Afrobella is dedicated to product reviews, ruminations about culture, music and fashion style, plus interviews with women all shades of beautiful. Check it out here: www.afrobella.com. Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com. BLACK HISTORY Nov. 6, 1900: James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson composed "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing." Nov. 7, 1876: Edward A. Bouchet received the Ph.D. degree in physics at Yale University and became the first black person to receive a doctorate at an American University. Nov. 8, 1938: Crystal Bird Fauset becomes the first black woman elected to a state legislature in the U.S. acquiring this distinction by being named to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com) Click for the latest entertainment headlines Click for the latest Obama - Political headlines Speak Out Currently, 1 comments have been made on this story. View Comments or Post Comments.	... Powered by Mochila
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