12-30-05 EUR: Carey's 'Mimi' is Top CD of 2005 / Sharpton Wants N.O. Cop Probe

EUR Headlines

MARIAH’S ‘MIMI’ NAMED TOP ALBUM OF 2005: Singer massacres competition in down-to-the-wire battle against of 50 Cent.
*With only three days to spare before the end of 2005, Mariah Carey has surpassed rapper 50 Cent in a race for the best-selling album of the year. Read Full Story

BAD BOY SUED OVER ‘READY TO DIE’ SAMPLES: Publishing company says label never had permission for loops on three tracks.
*Music publishing company Bridgeport Music Inc, and sister company Westbound Records are suing the late Notorious B.I.G., his record label Bad Boy and parent company Universal for copyright infringement, claiming the parties never got permission to sample their work for songs on Biggie’s 1994 debut album, “Ready to Die.” Read Full Story

BERRY, OPRAH TOP PARADE MAGAZINE POLLS: Annual pop culture and entertainment tally available on Parade.com Jan. 1.
*According to an annual pop culture and entertainment poll released by Parade magazine, Americans feel that billionaire TV mogul Oprah Winfrey is the smartest entertainer in showbiz, and that Halle Berry is by far the best dressed. Read Full Story

DEE, PARKER, WHITFIELD PRAISED BY WOMEN FILM CRITICS: Ladies, however, have no love for Damon Dash.
*Legendary actress Ruby Dee has received a lifetime achievement award from the Women Film Critics Circle, an association of women film critics and reporters from around the country, who are involved in print, radio, online and TV broadcast media. Read Full Story

OH I THINK THEY HATE ME: D4L manager responds to shade thrown by Dem Franchize Boyz.
*With their hit “Laffy Taffy” sitting at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart this week, the Atlanta-based rap group D4L has chosen to respond to a series of accusations flung their way by members of Dem Franchize Boyz, the group behind the hit “I Think They Like Me.” Read Full Story

BEAUCHAMP’S ‘EMMETT,’ JERSEY’S ‘BURNING’ DUE ON DVD: Civil rights era documentaries come with lots of extras.
*Two critically-acclaimed civil rights-era documentaries are headed to DVD in the coming months. Read Full Story

WILL SMITH’S ‘HITCH’ IS BLOCKBUSTER’S ‘MOST RENTED’: Bernie Mac’s ‘Guess Who’ and ‘Crash’ in the top 10.
*"Critics may get the first word on movies, but the final reviews ultimately come from the people,” begins a statement from movie rental chain Blockbuster. Read Full Story

WRESTLER EXPLAINS LAWSUIT AGAINST JAY-Z: Former WWE star Diamond Dallas Page says legal action followed failed attempts to settle.
*The former WWE wrestler who is suing Jay-Z for allegedly swiping his Diamond hand symbol has spoken out about the case during a recent radio interview. Read Full Story

MUSIC/FILM BITS: ‘Four Bros’ DVD No. 1; Smith inspired by Mandela; Eminem sets a date; Ciara to work Orange Bowl; Mary loves Mariah; MiJac book.
*John Singleton’s “Four Brothers” has debuted at No. 1 on the DVD chart for the week ending Dec. 25. Read Full Story

KATRINA BITS: Brown U. Offers $1.1 Million to affected students; Marsalis and NYC Katrina volunteers to drop New Year’s ball; Vibe to action celebrity-signed pool table.
*Brown University is offering $1.1 million in grants to students at three HBCU schools that were severely affected by Hurricane Katrina. Read Full Story

ABDUL-JABBAR BEHIND FILM ON HOOPS, JAZZ AND HIP HOP: Laker legend filming a documentary exploring link between all three.
*Former Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is filming a documentary that explores the connection between basketball, jazz and hip hop music. Read Full Story

ITTY BITTY BITS: Lil Jon in Miami; Chris Brown in Englewood; Najee Ali named Top Newsmaker by OurWeekly; Lil Flip's ice stolen in 'Las Vegas.'
*Lil Jon will count down the New Year for revelers at Skybar at The Shore Club Hotel in Miami Beach (1901 Collins Ave.) Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-30-05 EUR FEEDBACK: Mary J & Jamie's new music
"I really like Mary's CD, but I'm surprised that Jamie's was very tasteless. He focused too much on sex and tried too hard to keep up with the younger artists' style. I thought he had his own style and would have been much more conservative like Luther or Stevie." Read Full Story

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12-29-05 EURextra: Mariah On Fifty's Heels / Mary J.'s Number One Breakthrough

EUR Headlines

BLIGE’S NO. 1 ‘BREAKTHROUGH’: Mary J. album enters Billboard on top; Jamie Foxx and Biggie right behind her.
*Mary J. Blige’s new album “The Breakthrough” is enjoying the view atop The Billboard 200 album chart after selling a leading 727,000 copies in the U.S. this week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Read Full Story

MARIAH CAREY ON 50 CENT’S HEELS: Bragging rights for biggest selling 2005 album comes down to the wire.
*Mimi may have been emancipated this year, but nobody told 50 Cent. As of Christmas day, the rapper’s latest disc, “The Massacre,” was the best-selling U.S. album of 2005 with 4.8 million copies in the streets since its March release. Read Full Story

JERMAINE JACKSON CLAIMS REALITY TV SERIES IS A GO: JerJac says he got $7 million for 13 episodes; no networks have come forward to confirm.
*Sources told the New York Post that Jermaine Jackson has been telling folks he hooked up a $7 million deal for 13 episodes of the family’s proposed reality show. Read Full Story

WEAR AND TEAR, NOT BIRD, DAMAGED OPRAH’S PLANE: Officials backtrack on original statement.
*It wasn’t a bird that took down Oprah Winfrey after all. Read Full Story

ANOTHER WILL SMITH IMPOSTER HANDLED: Man who stole entertainer’s identity goes back to prison.
*It’s been a bad week for folks trying to capitalize on the fortune of Will Smith. Last weekend, the rapper/actor won the rights to the domain name willsmith.tv after its registered owner - a man calling himself Barney Rubble - failed to respond to Smith’s formal complaint. Read Full Story

ROSIE PEREZ BUSTS HIP DANCING TO BEYONCE: ‘Crazy in Love’ actress got too excited on the treadmill.
*Rosie Perez, who famously writhed and gyrated her hips to begin Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” in 1989, nearly broke one of them last weekend while attempting to dance on a moving treadmill. Read Full Story

BLEDSOE EXPLAINS REASON FOR JOINING VHI’S ‘FIT CLUB’: ‘Cosby’ star says more pressure put on black actresses to be thin.
*Ten years after Tempestt Bledsoe had a regular TV gig hosting her own talk show, the “Cosby Show” star returns for a run on the small screen in VH1’s third season of “Celebrity Fit Club,” premiering Sunday, Jan. 1 at 9 p.m. Read Full Story

MAN NABBED IN J.LO/ANTHONY EXTORTION CASE: Suspect was demanding $1 million for stolen 2004 wedding video.
*A convicted murderer was arrested in New York Tuesday (Dec. 27) after attempting to extort $1 million from Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony in exchange for their 2004 wedding video. Read Full Story

BOUTIQUE LAUDS BERRY, DAWSON FOR FASHION CHOICES: Actresses singled out for popularizing trends.
*Halle Berry and Rosario Dawson have made the first annual Crimson Mim List of 2005 Shoe Coups, the famous Bay Area boutique’s recognition of this year’s signature styles and the celebrity ambassadors who turned the fashion industry on its ear. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Pimp Juice bandits at large; Sigel’s court date; Hendrix on rock poll; Swayze courts rap; Akon in South Africa; DMX working from jail.
*Somebody done stole Nelly’s Pimp Juice. A thief escaped with over 5,000 cases of the popular energy drink from the St. Louis headquarters of the Fillmore Street Brewery, which manufactures the beverage. Read Full Story

WEST COAST CUSTOMS NO LONGER PIMPIN’ MTV’S RIDES: Owner unhappy with the way company is portrayed.
*Surprisingly, there is a line to be crossed when it comes to MTV’s car makeover series “Pimp My Ride,” and MTV has crossed it. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-29-05 EUR FEEDBACK: Time for Kelly Rowland to be her Own Woman
"Ms. Kelly Rowland (12-27-05 EUR), my goodness girl ... 'And I'm going to play all the songs for Beyonce and see which ones are her favorites. I always look to her for advice' ... OK??? What I would like to know is did she play the songs from her last album for Miss B and let her pick her favorites on that one?" Read Full Story

12-29-05: EUR All ON ONE PAGE
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12-28-05 EUR: Birds Ground Oprah's Private Jet / 'Sleeper Cell' Slept On

EUR Headlines

BIRD GROUNDS OPRAH’S PRIVATE JET: Winfrey and Steadman forced back to the runway after bird cracks windshield.
*Somewhere in Santa Barbara lies a dead bird whose final moment was spent taking down the mighty Oprah Winfrey. Read Full Story

TONY DUNGY GREETS MOURNERS AT SON’S FUNERAL: Colts unsure when coach will return.
*On Tuesday, about 200 Indianapolis Colts players, coaches and team officials flew to Tampa, Florida for the funeral of James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Colts coach Tony Dungy. Read Full Story

FILM REGISTRY PRESERVES ‘HOOP DREAMS,’ ‘RAISIN’: Works are among 25 selected for safe keeping by the Library of Congress.
*The films “Hoop Dreams,” “A Raisin in the Sun” and the original 1934 version of “Imitation of Life” are among the 25 movies picked this year for the National Film Registry, a compilation of significant films being preserved by the Library of Congress. Read Full Story

TV’S FIRST BLACK GAY TALK SHOW RETURNS: Second season begins tomorrow on Dish Network and select Time Warner outlets.
*“The Herndon Davis Reports,” America’s first black gay, TV talk show, returns for a second season Thursday, (Dec. 29) at 10 p.m. on the Dish Network’s Healthy Living Channel 223 and on select Time Warner cable outlets. Read Full Story

GRAZ DELETES SCHWARZENEGGER AMIDST TOOKIE BACKLASH: Gov’s name taken off hometown stadium and city’s Web sites.
*Arnold’s Schwarzenegger’s famous “Terminator” line, “I’ll be back,” may never again apply to his hometown of Graz, Austria. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: Keys hits the ‘Street’; 'Sleeper' slept on; ‘Dolittle 3’; ‘A Team’ reunion; Will's domain.
*Alicia Keys will appear Thursday and Friday on Sesame Street as part of a two-episode visit about self esteem. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Killah doll; Barbados Jazzfest; Carey’s demands.
*A line of Ghostface Killah action dolls are now available courtesy of the Wu Tang Clan rapper and 4 Cast Limited. Read Full Story

SPORTS BITS: Shaq vs. Sumo wrestlers; NBA All-Star practice; TNT taps Pharrell.
*Returning Miami Heat coach Pat Riley is reaching deep into his bag of tricks to help star center Shaquille O’Neal increase his 7-foot-1, 340-pound presence in the paint. Read Full Story

KATRINA BITS: Katrina documentary; New Orleans HBCUs to reopen in January.
*Spike Lee isn’t the only filmmaker to focus on New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-28-05 EUR FEEDBACK: Response to Morris O'Kelly
"Mr.O'Kelly, finally someone who has a grasp on reality has spoken. I agree with you 100%. The behavior of these Hip-Hop ignoramuses is ridiculous. Anyone who tries to defend them and their foolishness needs to have their heads examined. Keep on speaking the truth. Some of us are listening!" Read Full Story

12-28-05 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
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12-27-05 Foxy Brown Gives Judge The Tongue / Singer Betty Wright's Son Killed

EUR Headlines

FOXY BROWN SLIPS JUDGE THE TONGUE: Rapper cuffed to court bench Friday for disrespectful behavior; HSAN’S Chavis an eyewitness.
*Foxy Brown was almost thrown in jail for 30 days and forced to fork over a $1,000 fine during a court date Friday for allegedly showing disrespect to a judge, including sticking out her tongue to prove that she wasn’t chewing gum. Read Full Story

BRAND NUBIAN’S SADAT X ARRESTED: Rapper taken in on gun charges in Harlem.
*Former Brand Nubian rapper Sadat X was arrested on gun charges in Harlem Thursday after he allegedly flashed a pistol at a group of teens on 158th and Broadway. Read Full Story

SOUR NOTES FOR BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM: Group asked to leave NY school where it practices.
*The Boys Choir of Harlem is facing eviction from the New York Public School where it rehearses for free and often provides instruction. Read Full Story

SINGER BETTY WRIGHT'S SON KILLED: Patrick Parker shot on Christmas Eve.
The son of legendary R&B singer Betty Wright has been shot and killed in the South Florida community of Opa-Laka. According to a source close to the family, 21-year-old Patrick Parker was gunned down after an altercation at a Christmas Eve party. Read Full Story

ROWLAND EXCITED ABOUT SOLO ALBUM: Ex-Destiny’s Child in the studio working on ‘very personal’ second disc.
*With her group Destiny’s Child in the rear view mirror, Kelly Rowland is ready to make another solo run with a new album to be released by Columbia Records next year. Read Full Story

G-UNITY SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER: Artists deliver toys and checks to organizations on both coasts.
*Sponsored by The G-Unity Foundation, Inc., its founder 50 Cent and his G-Unit Records recording artists Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, Spider Loc, Mobb Deep, M.O.P., and Olivia, surprised children at three nonprofit organizations across the country. Read Full Story

RAPPER B.G. ARRESTED FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP: Former Cash Money M.C. had concealed weapon in vehicle.
*Rapper B.G., whose real name is Christopher Dorsey, was arrested Sunday for possession of a firearm and drug possession after police in Michigan found a concealed weapon in his vehicle following a traffic stop. Read Full Story

KIDS BOWLED OVER BY ROCAWEAR LOVE: Label held first annual Bowl-A-Thon to hip children to entertainment industry jobs.
*Rocawear.com recently held their first ever Bowl-A-Thon in New York as an outreach event aimed at exposing kids to different job opportunities within the entertainment and fashion industries. Read Full Story

ITTY BITTY BITS: MiJac speaks; Harper & Dern marry; Coleman hired; JB in D.C.; Oprah plays cupid.
*Michael Jackson has given an interview to the BBC about life following his child molestation trial, which he described to the British media outlet as the “hardest thing I've ever done in my life.” Read Full Story

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE MAY RESCUE KING CENTER: Board of civil rights site behind move to sell venue to feds.
*The board of the King Center in Atlanta is currently weighing an option to sell the site to the National Park Service in order to preserve its future and resolve its dire upkeep issues. Read Full Story

SPORTS BITS: James Dungy’s funeral; cops stop Parker & Longoria; Rasheed Wallace’s cousin killed.
*The entire Indianapolis Colts team is in Tampa, Florida today to attend the funeral of Coach Tony Dungy’s son, James Dungy. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-27-05 EUR FEEDBACK: "Mr. Joseph C. Phillips, Why Lie?"
"(EUR columnist) Mr. Joseph C. Phillips, the path I choose to come at you from, I do not choose lightly. I recognize and respect your intelligence, and while I almost always disagree with your point of view, I appreciate the debate." Read Full Story

12-27-05 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
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12-23-05 EUR: Mariah Re-Writing Record Books / Was Coach's Son's Death Suicide?

EUR Headlines

MARIAH ENTERS ALL KINDS OF RECORD BOOKS: Singer earns 17th No. 1 single; is one of two artists to go quintuple platinum this year and does not do fur.
*Not only has Mariah Carey sold more than 5 million copies of her latest album “The Emancipation of Mimi,” she is one of only two artists to do so in 2005, according to the Recording Industry Assn. of America (RIAA) Read Full Story

COACH TONY DUNGY’S 18-YEAR-OLD SON FOUND DEAD: Investigators believe suicide was the cause of death.
*James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, was found dead in his Florida apartment early Thursday of what investigators say was an apparent suicide. Read Full Story

AAFCA AWARDS ‘CRASH,’ HOWARD, SINGLETON: Black critics group opens criteria to honor Huffman for ‘Transamerica.’
*The African American Film Critics Association has selected “Crash” as its Top Film of 2005 and director John Singleton for its special Achievement Honor. Read Full Story

‘CHRIS’ EPISODE DRAWS COMPLAINTS: UPN receives angry letters after Dec. 15 episode exposes Santa Claus.
*Before Bobby Brown blurted to viewers of his reality show Wednesday that Santa Claus doesn’t exist – to the complete embarrassment of his daughter Bobbi Kristina – UPN’s “Everybody Hates Chris” dropped the same “bombshell” on its viewers, and received “a handful” of letters from angry parents for doing so. Read Full Story

TYRESE HAS BIG PLANS FOR THE WEST COAST: Singer/actor (and fledgling rapper) wants to be the Puffy of the left coast.
Tyrese Gibson has so many big ideas swimming around his head that he often goes for days without sleep. The 26-year-old, who was introduced to the world exactly 10 years ago singing on a bus in a Coca Cola commercial, has since become a bonafide R&B balladeer and credible actor with four films under his belt. Read Full Story

BRANDY AND RICHARDSON BACK TOGETHER: Tragic death of Knicks player’s brother leads to reconciliation.
*Brandy and her ex-boyfriend Quentin Richardson of the New York Knicks are reportedly dating again following the death of his 31-year-old brother earlier this month. Read Full Story

MORE DRAMA AT MIJAC’S NEVERLAND: Fox 411 reports that unpaid employees are ready to file suit.
*Fox 411 columnist Roger Friedman is reporting that the 50 or so employees left at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch are on the verge of filing a lawsuit against the singer after going four weeks without receiving a paycheck. Read Full Story

FOXX OFFERS FARRELL RESPITE FROM VICES: Jamie shares his home with ‘Miami Vice’ co-star following rehab.
*Jamie Foxx has offered his home to “Miami Vice” co-star Colin Farrell as a place to crash in the midst of his announced addiction to prescription medication. Read Full Story

10TH ANNUAL PRISM AWARDS: Benefit Hurricane Katrina Survivors
By Gerald Radford / MYfeedback@eurweb.com
The 10th annual Multicultural Prism awards (an organization that celebrates and honors outstanding artists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporations whose direct efforts encourage positive change in their businesses and communities) were recently held in Los Angeles at the Universal Hilton, and the support from the entertainment community was tremendous. This year’s theme was “Tragedy to Triumph: Hollywood Cares.” Read Full Story

MURDER INC. BOOKKEEPER GETS GOVT. ANKLE BRACELET: Lone conviction in Gotti money laundering trial is a house arrest for Cynthia Brent.
*Cynthia Brent, the former bookkeeper for Murder Inc., was sentenced to two years probation and six months house arrest Monday for improperly breaking down cash deposits in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid filing mandatory file currency transaction reports. Read Full Story

DON KING WANTS BOXING MATCHES FOR TROOPS IN IRAQ: Hair-raising promoter talking with White House about raising morale of forces.
*Don King, a long time supporter of President George W. Bush and the war in Iraq, is reportedly in talks with the White House to stage exhibition fights in the war-torn country to raise morale among the troops. Read Full Story

MUSIC/FILM/TV BITS: ‘Happy Hour’ delayed; Game album multiplatinum; Carey dethrones Brown; ‘Heist’ steals 13 episodes; ‘Days’ actor Reynolds directs.
*“Happy Hour,” the forthcoming joint album project from producer Jazze Pha and rapper Cee-Lo, had its release date pushed back to February, reports MTV.com. Read Full Story

EVENT CALENDAR: Jigga plays Santa; Warwick in Mamaroneck; Braxton on parade; Ebony honors NFL; Game’s Hurricane in-store.
*Jay-Z will be handing out $10,000 worth of toys to every single kid at Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects, his former home before making millions in the rap game and becoming the president of Def Jam Records. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-23-05 EUR FEEDBACK: 'Apprentice' Mess / More Tookie
"Regarding the Randal Pinkett/'Apprentice' controversy, it shows that Donald Trump is a trip and a coward by having Randal make the decision so he could look like the bad guy and that Donald really just didn't want to have to give it to a black person." Read Full Story

12-23-05 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
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12-22-05 EURxtra: Fugees' Hill & Praz Speak Out / 3 Knifed at Biggie CD Release Party

EUR Headlines

FUGEES’ HILL AND PRAZ SPEAK OUT: Lauryn tells Essence of ‘toxic’ fame; Praz says he wasn’t feeling reunion.
Hill says her decision to retreat from the music business stemmed from it becoming a "very toxic situation" for her: "I discovered people could only acknowledge red and blue and I was somewhere between. I was purple," she told the magazine. “And when I can't be whole, I have a problem.” Read Full Story

WHO STABBED YA?: Three people knifed at a Biggie album release party in Manhattan.
*Unfortunately, the distraction of a transit strike in New York City wasn't enough to stop folks from acting a fool at the club. Read Full Story

‘CRASH’ LANDS ITSELF A CIVIL RIGHTS COALITION HONOR: Film to get prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey award for its handling of race issue.
*The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), the nation's premiere civil rights and human rights coalition, announced that it will honor Lions Gate's film "Crash" with the 2006 Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award, the organization's highest honor given to those committed to the advancement of civil and human rights. Read Full Story

SECURITY THICK AT 50 CENT’S TORONTO CONCERT: Rapper plays gig despite static from city; plus Sirius Christmas special and cell phone game on deck.
*A beefed up security force, mixed with uniformed and plainclothes policemen were on hand at Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum Tuesday night as 50 Cent performed in the face of a movement by local politicians to keep him out of the city. Read Full Story

CHAD JOHNSON’S REINDEER GAME?: Bengals receiver says planned touchdown celebration Saturday will be Christmas related.
*All eyes will be on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson on Saturday, should he make it to the end zone at home against the Buffalo Bills. Read Full Story

MIJAC’S EX-WIFE SAYS HE ABDUCTED THEIR KIDS: Debbie Rowe files lawsuit; plus, Fox 411 reports singer loses family estate in Encino.
*Debbie Rowe, the woman who birthed Paris and Prince Michael for Michael Jackson, held a secret custody hearing Monday in which she asked a judge to order Jackson to bring the little ones back from Bahrain. Read Full Story

TWISTA DUMPS ‘CHI-ROCK’ IN TRADEMARK DISPUTE: Rapper agreed to ditch the name challenged by Chicago rap collective.
*Chicago rapper Twista has agreed to let go of the name “Chi-Rock” in a trademark dispute with Faheem Shabazz, president of the city’s Chi-Rock Hip-Hop Nation founded in 1985. Read Full Story

AL SHARPTON DECIDES AGAINST CBS SITCOM: Reverend says discussions between his office and Paramount have ended.
*Al Sharpton has opted not to move forward with his plans for “Al in the Family,’ a proposed CBS sitcom that was to be patterned after “All in the Family” and star the reverend himself. Read Full Story

YOUNG BUCK PLAYS SANTA FOR YOUNGER BUCKS: G-Unit rapper spreads Christmas cheer at children’s home in Nashville.
*G-Unit rapper Young Buck, who was hit with three years probation and 80 hours of community service by a judge last week, visited the Fannie Battle Day Home for Children in his native Tennessee Monday, bringing toys for all 72 kids and a pizza lunch from Dominoes. Read Full Story

SHAQ LOOKING TO BOUNCE CHILDHOOD OBESITY: NBA star joins ‘JammX Kids'’ effort to get children active and eating right.
*Kids growing up these days are in deep trouble when it comes to nutrition and exercise. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Janet rules Google; Motown Legends Casino; Blige eying fashion line; Diddy in ringtone ads; Eminem's 'Curtain Call' No. 1.
*The buzz surrounding rumors of a secret Janet Jackson child has propelled the singer to the top of Google News’ most searched items of 2005. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-22-05 EUR FEEDBACK: Grown Ass Man's Christmas / St. Tookie?
"Steven Ivory, regarding your 'Grown Ass Man's Christmas' article (12-20-05 EUR), brotha I feel you. I have my CD of 'The Nutcracker' playing on my computer as I type this message. (I have the DVD too.) I TiVo'd 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' that aired on Friday and have watched it every night after I get home from work." Read Full Story

12-22-05 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
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12-21-05 EUR: Randal Defends His Decision Not to Split 'Apprentice' Grand Prize

EUR Headlines

RANDAL DEFENDS DECISION NOT TO SPLIT ‘APPRENTICE’ CROWN: Season 4 winner uses sports analogy to explain reasoning.
*"If you were to be awarded the gold medal or win the NBA Championship . . . and you were offered the opportunity to give the gold medal to the silver medalist, you probably wouldn't be willing to do it,” said Randal Pinkett, the latest winner of Donald Trump’s glorified job interview/reality show “The Apprentice.” Read Full Story

PAGE KENNEDY’S BAD RAP: Actor spits lyrics addressing the rumors surrounding his ‘Desperate’ exit.
*Over an ominous piano-filled beat, Page Kennedy has unleashed his pent up fury at the media for spreading what he calls “complete lies” about his firing from "Desperate Housewives." Read Full Story

IRV GOTTI ADMITS BEING SCURR’D AT TRIAL: Mogul tells MTV the ordeal was tough on him, label and family.
*Lounging poolside at his west coast “Murder Inc. Pad” in Encino, CA, Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo tells MTV that there are several dimensions to his current state of happiness after being acquitted last Dec. 2, along with his brother Chris, on money-laundering and racketeering charges. Read Full Story

T.O. TO CO-HOST NFL-SANCTIONED SUPER BOWL EVENT: Suspended Eagle tapped for ‘Gridiron Celebrity Hoops’ charity game.
*The NFL has thrown Terrell Owens a bone. The suspended Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver will co-host an official NFL-sanctioned celebrity basketball game with actress Gabrielle Union and comedian Alex Thomas during Super Bowl weekend in Detroit. Read Full Story

SCHWARZENEGGER BATTLES HOMETOWN OVER TOOKIE: Gov. fires back at Austrian officials who denounced his refusal to grant clemency.
While thousands of mourners gathered at Bethel A-M-E Church in Los Angeles Tuesday for a memorial service and the House of Winston Mortuary on Monday to file past the open coffin of Stanley Tookie Williams, a battle sparked by his Dec. 13 execution was picking up steam in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s current home in Sacramento, and his birthplace in Austria. Read Full Story

MIJAC’S LAWYERS DENY FINANCIAL ‘DOOMSDAY’: Attorney says Tuesday was spent with all parties discussing options.
*The deadline for Michael Jackson to pay back the $200 million in loans held by the Fortress Investment Group came and went Tuesday as lawyers for the King of Pop continued to speak with related parties in an attempt to solve the matter. Read Full Story

EMINEM SONGS USED FOR TORTURE IN AFGHANISTAN: Human rights organization says U.S. blasted rapper’s music to break down prisoners.
*For those who feel that listening to Eminem is akin to torture, you’re not alone. According to a new report issued by the New York-based organization Human Rights Watch, the United States operated a secret prison near Afghanistan's capital and used music from Eminem as a means of torture for detainees. Read Full Story

KOBE WAS DEFINITELY FEELIN' IT LAST NIGHT: Laker superstar explodes for 62 points.
Kobe Bryant was "in the zone" Tuesday night at Staples center in Los Angeles. The superstar guard scored a career high 62 points in only 3 quarters to lead Lakers to a 112-90 thrashing of the Dallas Mavericks. Read Full Story

COUSINS WANT CONTROL OF ROSA PARKS’ ESTATE: Family members are not happy with appointed executors.
*Thirteen nieces and nephews of the late Rosa Parks are asking a judge to disregard her old will and name a nephew, William McCauley, to take control of the estate. Read Full Story

GREAT WHITE WAY STILL COLORED ‘PURPLE’: Oprah-financed production is last week’s fifth biggest money-earner.
*“The Color Purple” continues its strong box office showing following a second musical number from the production that aired Dec. 9 on the talk show of its main producer, Oprah Winfrey. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: D’Eva’s Simmons dumping; ‘Johnson Family Vacation 2’; ‘Idol’ schedule; ‘Blunts & Stunts’ in Detroit.
*Gossip Web sites are reporting that ex-"NYPD Blue" star Henry Simmons has denied being bisexual and says it was not the reason he was dumped by model Eva Pigford. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Lil’ Kim gives toys; Cypress’ greatest; Foxy’s spree; Wall, Jones M.I.A. in ‘Bama.
*She may be behind bars, but Lil’ Kim is still making sure that the kids in the neighborhood near her Philadelphia Federal Detention Center have plenty of toys for Christmas. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-21-05 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
12-21-05 EUR Newsbits And Feedback All On ONE Page Read Full Story