02-28-06 EURxtra: Busta Rhymes Hiding out in LA? / Tyra Undercover as Stripper

February 28, 2006

BUSTA RHYMES SAID TO BE HIDING IN L.A.: Rapper reportedly trying to avoid being subpoenaed following shooting of bodyguard.
*The New York Daily News is quoting a “high-ranking police source” who claims rap star Busta Rhymes is hiding out in Los Angeles to avoid being served with a subpoena in New York over the shooting death of his bodyguard. Read Full Story

TYRA BANKS GOES UNDERCOVER AS A STRIPPER: TV host gets to the 'bottom' of men’s fascination with shake joints.
*T-Pain speaks for a number of men in his latest single “I’m In Love with a Stripper,” and now Tyra Banks wants to find out the reason behind the obsession. Read Full Story

PRINCE COUNTS DOWN TO ‘3121’: Musician drops new single ‘Black Sweat’; promotes the ‘Purple Ticket Campaign.’
*The promotion machine behind Prince’s March 21 release of his “3121” album has picked up steam since beginning Feb. 4 on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” Read Full Story

WE REMEMBER OCTAVIA BUTLER: Acclaimed science fiction writer died Sunday from injuries suffered after a fall.
*Author Octavia E. Butler, renown as the first African American woman to receive notoriety as a science fiction writer, died Sunday at her home in the north Seattle suburb of Lake Forest Park. She was 58. Read Full Story

SHoWEST LAUDS ‘IDOL’ VET JENNIFER HUDSON: ‘Dreamgirls’ actress to be crowned ‘Female Star of Tomorrow’ at upcoming convention.
*The praise just keeps on coming for “American Idol” veteran Jennifer Hudson. The star of the upcoming feature film “Dreamgirls” has been selected as Female Star of Tomorrow at the upcoming ShoWest convention, to be held March 13-16 in Las Vegas. Read Full Story

BONDS PUTS REALITY SHOW BEFORE INTERVIEWS: Slugger forces reporters to sign waiver clearing footage of them for new ESPN series.
*Baseball star Barry Bonds has announced that he will not grant interviews with members of the media unless they sign a release waiver allowing footage of them to be shown on his upcoming reality TV show on ESPN. Read Full Story

JUVENILE MOURNS NEW ORLEANS IN NEW ALBUM: Rapper’s ‘Reality Check’ sets tone with first single.
*Juvenile’s Atlantic Records album “Reality Check,” the rapper’s first since leaving Cash Money Records, is a beloved ode to his hometown of New Orleans and the people affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Read Full Story

LITTLE BROTHER GIVES THE ‘PEOPLES’ WHAT THEY WANT: Acclaimed N.C. rap trio joins Dilated Peoples on MTV Jams tour.
*The critically-acclaimed North Carolina rap trio Little Brother will join Dilated Peoples on their 2006 MTV Jams tour. Both groups will also be joined by ABB labelmates, Defari. Read Full Story

TERRENCE HOWARD & TOP CAR DESIGNER TEAM UP: Pair's Jeep Commander to be auctioned off to raise funds for students.
*A new 2006 Jeep Commander anointed with Academy Award® nominee Terrence Howard’s personal touch will be unveiled during the upcoming NAACP image awards, set to air Friday, March 3rd on FOX. Read Full Story

PRESS TREATED TO SET VISIT OF 'DREAMGIRLS': Beyonce & The Dreamettes give reporters a sneak peek at film
You’ve been hearing about it for the last few years: “The Tony Award winning musical, DREAMGIRLS, which launched the careers of Jennifer Holiday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Loretta Devine is gonna be adapted to the big screen.” Lauren Hill, Kelly Price, Alicia Keys, Usher and other well-known R&B contemporaries have all been rumored to be part of the project, but the movie never came to fruition…until now. Read Full Story

LAWMAKERS MOVE TO STOP IMPOSTER BANDS: Groups claiming to be Platters, Drifters, Coasters targeted by real artists.
*Classic R&B and doo-wop legends of the 50s and 60s are banning together to seek legislation that would stop copycat groups from using their names to tour the country. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: King’s ‘Law’; Carey in ‘Tenn.’; Mowry’s got ‘Game’; thankful Perry; Freeman loves ‘Capote.’
*Regina King is in final talks to join Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Jill Ritchie and Kelli Williams in the ABC dramady pilot “Women in Law.” According to the Hollywood Reporter, the story centers on women working at a law firm. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Master P & brother to stand trial; Dereon’s flimsy house?; Rowdy Sammie; platinum Biggie.
*Master P is being ordered to stand trial for gun felony possession. The rapper, a recent contestant on "Dancing with the Stars," whose real name is Percy Miller, and his brother, Vyshonn "Silkk The Shocker" Miller, will be arraigned March 13 in Los Angeles Superior Court. Read Full Story

GOSPEL BITS: New Clark Sheard album; Kirk Franklin tour; Christopher 'Play' Martin's gospel/rap DVD.
*Gospel artist Karen Clark Sheard spoke to Billboard.com about her latest album “It’s Not Over,” recorded for Word/Curb/Warner Bros. at her home church, Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of Christ in Detroit. Read Full Story

EVENT CALENDAR: Tavis at Jamestown; Essence Fest adds acts; Indie Black Film Fest in ATL; NABOB adds Howard; actors Boot Camp in D.C.; Epps’ ‘Rap Dreams’ in Oakland.
*Television and radio host Tavis Smiley will bring his annual "State of the Black Union" symposium to Virginia in February 2007 as part of the 18-month commemoration of America's 400th Anniversary, organized by the group Jamestown 2007. 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

02-06-06 EUR FEEDBACK: More Madea
"Note to feedbacker Sheila (02-27-06 EUR) and her comments regarding Al Green: Bull! I am in my 40's and I STILL refer to the Reverend as 'Grits Green' because the comedians in the '70s had a field day with this one episode in his life. It was funny then and it's still funny now." Read Full Story

02-28-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
02-28-06 EUR Newsbits and Feedback all on ONE Page Read Full Story

02-27-06 EUR: Madea Locks Down #1 / Busta Bust-Up Audio Tape Being Shopped

EUR Headlines

FOXX A WINNER AT NAACP IMAGE AWARDS: ‘Mac’, ‘Chris’; Samuel L.; Carey also win at 37th annual ceremony.
*Actor Jamie Foxx picked up the first major award for his musical endeavors during the 37th Annual NAACP Image Awards, taped Saturday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Read Full Story

MADEA ELECTRIC SLIDES TOWARD BOX OFFICE CROWN: Tyler Perry comedy earns $30.3 million to clobber closest competitor.
*Tyler Perry fans already know that Madea is not to be messed with. Over the weekend, the “pistol-grip-pump-on-my-lap-at-all-times” matriarch managed to reduce a team of eight life-saving sled dogs to scared little puppies as “Madea’s Family Reunion” took over the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office. Read Full Story

AUDIO TAPE OF BUSTA BUST-UP SHOPPED TO MEDIA: Unnamed source reportedly seeking $50,000 for recording of fight preceding shooting.
*The New York Daily News says that an unnamed source has made contact with an offer to sell an audio tape of the argument that took place at Busta Rhymes’ video set before his bodyguard Israel Ramirez was shot and killed. Read Full Story

HALLE BERRY’S PERFECT STORM: Actress says after two films, her character has finally arrived.
*While the first two “X-Men” films grossed over $700 million at the box office and was warmly received by critics, Halle Berry thought her character Storm was severely slept on in relation to the film’s other mutant characters – including Wolverine, Magneto and Jean Gray. Read Full Story

CASE TOSSED AFTER JUDGE REFUSES ‘R. KELLY’ TESTIMONY: Accused man allegedly threatened to pull an ‘R. Kelly’ on underage girl.
*Prosecutors in Sacramento were forced to drop their case against a man accused of accosting an 11-year old girl after a judge rejected their testimony about a slang term involving R. Kelly. Read Full Story

SUGE LAUNCHES DEATH ROW EAST WITH QUEENS RAPPER: Artist Lake proud to carry new venture on his shoulders
*Suge Knight has finally made good on his mid-nineties promise to open an East Coast office of Death Row. Read Full Story

TRACY MORGAN GETS PROBATION IN DUI CASE: Former ‘SNL’ actor receives ruling after pleading no contest.
*After initially pleading not guilty on Jan. 13 to two misdemeanor drunk driving charges, actor Tracy Morgan changed his plea to no contest on Feb. 17 and received three years’ probation, authorities said Friday. Read Full Story

OSCAR CENSORS CAN RELAX DURING ‘PIMP’ ODE: Three 6 Mafia says they’ll keep it clean during historic performance.
*The members of rap trio Three 6 Mafia said their appearance onstage at the Academy Awards to perform “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” their Oscar-nominated song from “Hustle & Flow,” will be all cleaned up and profanity free to avoid the wrath of the FCC. Read Full Story

CORRECTION: PLAYBOY JAZZ FEST ANNOUNCES LINEUP: Cosby returns as host; Branford, Stanley Clarke/George Duke Project on the bill.
*Bill Cosby will return as host of the Playboy Jazz Festival this year, with a lineup that includes Branford Marsalis, Jamie Cullum, McCoy Tyner and Elvis Costello and the Imposters with Allen Toussaint. Read Full Story

P-FUNK’S MOTHERSHIP REVS ENGINES IN D.C.: Ten-city tour kicks off tonight at 9:30 Club.
*Funk legend George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars lift off tonight in the town he crowned Chocolate City. Read Full Story

EUR FILM REVIEW ('Madea's Family Reunion'): Tyler Perry Back in Drag as Sassy Senior Citizen.
*When we last encountered Mabel “Madea” Simmons, the revenge-minded sister was pistol-whipping her granddaughter’s philandering husband in the Diary of a Mad Black Woman. This time out, the sassy senior citizen has toned-down her act to offset her trademark intensity with equal measures of inspirational advice. Read Full Story

PATENT OFFICE TELLS DAMON WAYANS ‘N**** PLEASE!’: Comic unsuccessful in trying to trademark N-word for clothing line and retail store.
*For the past 14 months, actor Damon Wayans has been in a battle with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to clear his use of the term “nigga” for a new clothing line and retail store. Read Full Story

‘SOURCE’ EXECS MAYS, BENZINO GET T.R.O.: Move allows duo one last shot to try and regain control of the publication.
*Source magazine co-owners Dave Mays and Ray “Benzino” Scott were awarded a temporary restraining order on Thursday (Feb. 23), which gives them a final window of opportunity to attempt to regain ownership of the magazine. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: Tamala & Bobby; Denzel denies lovechild; Djimon’s ‘Blood’; USC taps Singleton; Will in India; ‘Oprah’ fugitive sentenced.
*Actress Tamala Jones tells Smooth magazine that Bobby Brown tried to get with her sexually on two occasions. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Sky calls Williams; Game’s ‘Advocate’; Diddy’s agents; Luke retires; Marie’s ‘Ooh Wee’; Fats gives back; Kanye wins award.
*Former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams has become a minority owner of the WNBA’s newest franchise, Chicago Sky. Read Full Story

EVENT CALENDAR: Skinny Austin; Snoop, Mario in South Africa; Howard’s Hip Hop conference; Capital Jazz Fest; Mandela's degree; Star hearing 'Voices.'
*According to IMDB.com, jazz star Patti Austin will appear at the post-Oscars Governor’s Ball on March 5 , one of several public appearance since having her stomach stapled. 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

02-27-06 EUR FEEDBACK: Madea, Madea, Madea
"I saw ('Madea's Family Reunion') this weekend and it was very, very good. All of the actors in the movie were excellent, especially Lisa Arrindale Anderson. She should be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar." Read Full Story

02-27-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
02-27-06 EUR Newsbits and Feedback all on ONE Page Read Full Story

02-24-06 EUR: 'Madea' Opens Today / Feedbacker Asks Why 'Madea' Gets Pass?

EUR Headlines

IT’S A VERY GOOD ‘MORN’TING’ FOR ‘MADEA’ CAST: Underwood, Kodjoe, Whitfield and Perry discuss joys of starring in anticipated film.
*By now, everyone has seen the “Madea’s Family Reunion” trailer where the gun-toting grandmother goes nuts on some kid on a schoolbus who told her to shut up. Well there’s a story behind that a**-whuppin that brings a smile and chuckle to the actor who plays her. Read Full Story

KIMORA LEE SIMMONS RELEASES BOOK; DEFENDS MARRIAGE: Baby Phat mogul says wedding vows were not a business move.
*As if she weren’t busy enough plugging her new book “Fabulosity,” Baby Phat entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons has also had to defend herself against recent rumors that her marriage to Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons was more business-related than personal, and that the two are headed for divorce. Read Full Story

BEYONCE EXTENDS NO. 1 BILLBOARD RUN: ‘Check On It’ scores fifth straight week atop singles chart.
*Beyonce’s latest single “Check On It” featuring Slim Thug stays at No. 1 om the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a fifth straight week, holding James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” at NO. 2 and Nelly’s “Grillz” featuring Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp at No. 3. Read Full Story

MESEREAU EXPLAINS PARTING OF WAYS WITH MIJAC: Attorney said representation was always meant to be temporary.
*Attorney Tom Mesereau has released a statement disputing recent reports about his departure as legal counsel for Michael Jackson. Read Full Story

OPRAH SURPRISES HARVARD CLASS: TV mogul visits course that studies her as a business model.
*Oprah Winfrey slipped unnoticed into the back of a Harvard Business School class last week that had been studying her as a business model. Read Full Story

C-MURDER REQUESTS NEW TRIAL IN LOUISIANA: Jailed rapper wants conviction reinstatement overturned to avoid life sentence.
*With his second-degree murder conviction having been reinstated last year, New Orleans rapper C-Murder is requesting that a new trial be heard by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Read Full Story

ACTIVISTS STORM NAACP OFFICE OVER ‘BOONDOCKS’ NOD: Najee Ali and others ‘get gangster’ to protest McGruder’s Image Award nomination.
*Najee Ali, Executive Director of Project Islamic H.O.P.E., says he and a coalition of black activists “stormed into the NAACP Image Awards office” Wednesday morning (Feb. 22) to protest the Image Award nomination for Aaron McGruder's Cartoon Networks program "The Boondocks." Read Full Story

BET – FROM THE CATWALK TO KIM’S LOCKUP: Network premieres new ‘Rip the Runway’ and Lil Kim’ reality show next month.
*BET will premiere a new season of “Rip the Runway” on March 23, and its reality series “Lil’ Kim: Countdown to Lockdown” on March 9. Read Full Story

EUR REVIEW PREVIEW: 'Celebration of Gospel' Packs a Holy Ghost Punch
*BET celebrated Gospel in a big way Thursday night, bringing together some of the brightest stars in the industry to pay tribute to this continuously evolving form of music that is permanently interwoven into the fabric of our lives. Read Full Story

FCC REFUSES TO BACKTRACK ON CBS FINE: Penalty of $550,000 upheld for Janet’s wardrobe malfunction.
*The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reportedly decided to keep its $550,000 fine against CBS in tact as punishment for Janet Jackson’s exposed breast during the 2004 Super Bowl. Read Full Story

PLAYBOY JAZZ FEST ANNOUNCES LINEUP: Cosby returns as host; Branford, Grover, Stanley Clarke/George Duke Project on the bill.
*Bill Cosby will return as host of the Playboy Jazz Festival this year, with a lineup that includes Branford Marsalis, Jamie Cullum, McCoy Tyner and Elvis Costello and the Imposters with Allen Toussaint. Read Full Story

RAVEN-SYMONE URGES BLACKS TO DONATE MARROW: Disney Channel star to appear at San Diego drive for 5-year-old Kayla Smith.
*Actress Raven-Symone, star of the Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven,” will appear at the15th Annual San Diego Annual Heritage Day Festival and Parade tomorrow (Feb. 25) hoping to encourage more blacks and African Americans to become bone marrow donors. Read Full Story

A WHOLE LOTTA WHOOPI: Actress teams with Jimmy Fallon for song; films video narration for Universal Studios Tour.
*Whoopi Goldberg has joined forces with actor/comedian Jimmy Fallon to record a cover of the Kinks’ classic “You Really Got Me” for the new animated film “Doogal,” which opens today from the Weinstein Company. Read Full Story

JOHN THOMPSON INKS LIFETIME DEAL WITH CLEAR CHANNEL: Clock will never run out on Georgetown legend’s daily radio show.
*Fans of Washington D.C.’s daily "John Thompson Show," from 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays on 980 WTEM, can relax knowing that the program will never be cancelled unless the host himself decides it’s time to go. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Ursh in Cleveland; Ne-Yo leak; Snoop’s HHGL; ‘Crooklyn 3’; Carey & Cam?; Beenie’s ‘Undisputed’; TRL awards; new T.I. film & CD.
*In the wake of reports claiming Usher has rarely been seen around the Cleveland Cavaliers since becoming part owner of the NBA franchise last year, his peeps have sent a press release stating the R&B superstar attended the Cavaliers’ game against the Orlando Magic on Feb. 21, “receiving praise and a warm welcome from hundreds of fans at Gund Arena.” Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: Fuqua’s ‘Shooter’; Scott’s ‘Gangster’; ‘Brokeback’ in Jamaica; Lee vs. 50; ‘Harlem in Hollywood’; SamJac’s wedding; Star’s marriage; Africa on Comcast.
*Antoine Fuqua has signed on to direct the political thriller "Shooter" for Paramount Pictures. Based on Stephen Hunter's 1993 1novel "Point of Impact,” the story will star Mark Wahlberg as a marksman – living in self-exile after causing the death of an innocent person – who is persuaded by his former associates that they need his help to prevent an assassination. 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

02-24-06 EUR FEEDBACK: 'Why Does Madea Get a Pass? This whole (Madea) Onslaught is a Disgrace!'
"Well, I tried to stay quiet but, I couldn't hold my tongue any longer. I would like to voice the opinion of the silent educated majority of Black Americans who think that this whole Madea onslaught is a disgrace!" Read Full Story

02-24-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
02-24-06 EUR Newsbits and Feedback all on ONE page Read Full Story

02-23-06 EURextra: Busta's Sealed Lips Could Lead to Grand Jury / Prince & Tamar

EUR Headlines

BUSTA’S SEALED LIPS COULD LEAD TO GRAND JURY: Police and prosecutors threatening to force rapper to talk about bodyguard killing.
*New York police and prosecutors are threatening to send Busta Rhymes before a grand jury in an effort to force him to talk about the murder of his bodyguard earlier this month. Read Full Story

PRINCE AND TAMAR ON A MINI TOUR: Pair has scheduled shows in Minneapolis, Chicago and Philly; sweepstakes on iTunes offers private concert at his crib.
*Prince and his new protégé Tamar, last seen rocking together on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” will perform a joint gig this Saturday (Feb. 25) at the Orpheum Theater in his hometown of Minneapolis. Read Full Story

THUG CROONER JAHEEM A ‘CLASS’ ACT ON BILLBOARD: Singer reaches personal milestone with first No. 1 album.
*Jaheim is enjoying his first-ever view from the top of The Billboard 200 chart following the No. 1 debut of his new album, "Ghetto Classics." Read Full Story

THANDIE NEWTON WINS 'BAFTA': Black actresses not overlooked in England
*For some silly reason, most film reviewers came to the conclusion that last year was a bad year for black actresses. In the face of that conventional wisdom, I pointed out 10 praiseworthy performances by sisters in my annual Blacktrospective. Read Full Story

TERRENCE HOWARD BASKING IN PRE-OSCAR GLOW: Nominated actor says he’s happy ‘to be considered among the best of this year.’
*Terrence Howard says he’ll be sporting a Dolce & Gabanna tux when he walks the red carpet of the Academy Awards next month. Read Full Story

ELDERLY OPRAH FANS RIPPED OFF BY CON MAN: Head of D.C. travel company swindles group by advertising ‘Oprah’ show hookup.
*All they wanted to do was see them some Oprah Winfrey. Instead, about 70 people in the Washington D.C. area, most of them elderly, were swindled out of $500 by the head of a travel company who didn’t follow through on his advertised promise. Read Full Story

MORGAN FREEMAN TO GET UCLA’S SPENCER TRACY AWARD: Honor recognizes outstanding performances and achievement in film.
*UCLA will award Morgan Freeman with its annual Spencer Tracy Award in a ceremony to be held March 7 on campus. Read Full Story

THE RETURN OF PHAROAH MONCH: Rapper signs with new Rifkind label for first album since 1999.
*After an intense bidding war, rapper Pharoahe Monch has inked a deal with a new unnamed label founded by Loud Records/SRC founder Steve Rifkind that will be distributed by Universal. Read Full Story

LIL JON TO DROP NEW SOLO ALBUM ON TVT: Crunkster works out differences with label and is ready to resume work.
*Lil Jon will soon head back to the studio to work on his fourth full-length album, entitled “Crunk Rock.” Read Full Story

JAMES BROWN ON THE GOODFOOT IN CHINA: Godfather of Soul performs in mainland China for the first time in his career.
*An audience in mainland China was able to enjoy the Hardest Working Man In Showbiz for the first time on their own soil. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: Rock’s ‘Wife’; Diesel’s ‘Wheelman’; Woodard honored; Cuba’s mama; ‘Dreamworks’ pics.
*Chris Rock has been cast in the Fox Searchlight film "I Think I Love My Wife," a remake of the 1972 French film "Chloe in the Afternoon." Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Mario’s new LP; more J.Lo baby rumors; P.E. enlists Paris; creepy K-Fed; EW&F on ‘Regis.'
*R&B teen dream Mario will work with Jermaine Dupri and Alicia Keys for his next album, due in June. "I'm really looking forward to working with Alicia [again],” Mario tells MTV of the singer, who produced two tracks on his 2002 debut LP “Mario.” 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

02-23-06 EUR FEEDBACK: I have a suggestion for what your (02-20-06 EUR) headline SHOULD have been.
"Hey EUR, regarding Monday's (02-20-06 EUR) story on the black Winter Olympic speedskating star, Shani Davis, I have a suggestion for what your headline SHOULD have been." Read Full Story

02-23-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
02-23-06 EUR Newsbits and Feedback all on ONE page Read Full Story

02-22-06 EUR: MiJac Recording With Kanye in London? / 310 Pacts With Howard

EUR Headlines

MIJAC RECORDING WITH KANYE IN LONDON?: Word is L.A. Reid convinced producer to put finishing touches on Katrina single.
*Fox 411’s Roger Friedman is reporting that Grammy-winner Kanye West has been working with Michael Jackson in London on his star-studded charity single “I Have This Dream.” Read Full Story

310 INKS DEAL WITH TERRENCE HOWARD: Actor to endorse company’s footwear worldwide.
*Terrence Howard has been hired by 310 Global Brands, Inc. to be the new spokesperson for its 310 footwear line. Read Full Story

WENDY WILLIAMS POPS CORK ON CHAMPAGNE DEAL: Radio’s gossip maven is new face of Georges Vesselle.
*New York radio personality Wendy Williams has signed on to become part owner of The House of Georges Vesselle champagne as well as its spokesperson in the United States. Read Full Story

EUR INTERVIEW ('MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION'): Tyler Perry on Madea and More
By Kam Williams
Born in New Orleans on September 13, 1969, Tyler Perry’s is a true rags-to-riches story. He overcame a troubled childhood during which he had to endure the endless abuse of his own father. Read Full Story

RAY CHARLES SHADES HEADING TO SMITHSONIAN: Late singer’s Ray-Bans to be on display through summer.
*A pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses belonging to the late Ray Charles will be displayed at the National Museum of American History throughout the summer. Read Full Story

JAMAICA CONSIDERS BANNING ‘BROKEBACK’: Country may keep citizens from seeing critically-acclaimed flick due to its homosexual content.
*The Jamaican Cinematograph Authority was expected to decide Tuesday (Feb. 21) whether it will allow “Brokeback Mountain” to be played in theaters throughout the country. Read Full Story

GOLF MAGAZINE PULLED FOR RACIALLY OFFENSIVE COVER: ‘The Green’ magazine’s Feb/Mar issue features photo of 1784 sign ‘Negroes For Sale.’
*A golf magazine may have bogeyed its intention to celebrate African American and Women's history in its latest issue by placing a photo on the cover that has been criticized as racially offensive, causing one retail chain to ask that all copies of it be destroyed. Read Full Story

NAACP ANNOUNCES THEATRE AWARD WINNERS: Loretta Divine, James Avery, late August Wilson victors.
*Actors Hill Harper and Valarie Pettiford hosted the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Theatre Awards, produced in an effort to acknowledge the contributions of African Americans in theater. Read Full Story

OVERVIEW OF 16TH ANNUAL NAACP THEATRE AWARDS: Eugenia Wright, the Kleopatra Girl's ringside report.
From production to publicity, this year’s NAACP Theatre Awards presented by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood branch was a standout as they celebrated 16 years of producing award shows honoring African Americans in Black Theatre. The awards were held Monday evening at the Directors Guild on Sunset Blvd. Read Full Story

NEW LINE OF ROCAWEAR WATCHES DUE IN THE FALL: Launch follows licensee agreement with Vestal Group.
*Rocawear has announced a new licensee agreement with Vestal Group Inc., under which the company will create the Rocawear timepiece collection for both men and women. Read Full Story

PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Awards handed out for best feature, director, short and documentary.
*The winners of the 2006 Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) were announced at the recent closing awards ceremony in Los Angeles, California. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: Smith’s ‘Reign’; Rhames in Aquaman pilot; Dule in ‘Psych’; Winfrey’s will; ‘Dreamgirls’ pics; ‘Conviction’ on iTunes.
*Jada Pinkett Smith is in talks to star in the Columbia Pictures drama “Reign O’er Me,” which stars Adam Sandler as a man still wracked with grief following the Sept. 11 attacks and Don Cheadle as his best friend and psychiatrist determined to help him cope with the loss. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Mya thug triangle; Prince silences MiJac; Fresh Fest 06; DMX LP; Foxx joins T.I.; Aretha’s weight; Snoop’s mouth; Cohen’s fate.
*Singer Mya has found herself at the center of the latest battle between 50 Cent and his nemesis, The Game - who raps longingly about the R&B star in his hit single “Dreams.” Read Full Story

EVENT CALENDAR: Chris Rock at Director’s Guild; Wonder honored in sculpture; LADWP honors ‘African American History Makers.’
*Chris Rock and the cast of his UPN sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” will discuss the series at The Museum of Television & Radio's 23rd annual William S. Paley Television Festival on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Directors Guild Association Theatre in Los Angeles. 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

02-22-06 EUR FEEDBACK: Another reader chimes in on Shani & Mos
"First and foremost, I want to congratulate Shani Davis and his mother for ignoring all naysayers, black and white, and continuing to pursue his dream of being the best speedskater in the world. His story seems quite parallel to that of Venus and Serena Williams. In both cases, there is a supportive and outspoken parent who dares speaks out against the racism and lack of support of the black athlete in a white dominated sport." Read Full Story

02-22-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
02-22-06 EUR Newsbits and Feedback all on ONE Page Read Full Story