05-31-06 EUR: Chris Tucker to Get 'Gangster' / Proof Shooting Was Lawful

EUR Headlines

CHRIS TUCKER TO GET ‘GANGSTER’ IN NEXT FILM: Acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair to direct actor in Bollywood remake.
*Actor Chris Tucker has lined up a popular Bollywood film for his follow-up to “Rush Hour 3.” Read Full Story

PROSECUTOR SAYS PROOF SHOOTING WAS WITHIN LAW: Mario Etheridge’s actions found to be in legal defense of another man.
*A county prosecutor in Detroit says the man who shot and killed rapper Proof in a nightclub shootout acted lawfully in defense of another man, but must still face weapons charges in the incident. Read Full Story

JAY-Z, BONO CRASH WYCLEF’S CHARITY BALL: U2 rocker hits audience with a surprise performance.
*People attending Wyclef Jean’s annual Monaco Grand Prix Ball benefit in Monte Carlo for his Yele Haiti charity got an unexpected treat from one of two guests to crash the party. Read Full Story

STAR JONES GETS CANDID: Diva gives insight into her weight loss via new book.
By DeBorah B. Pryor
*It seems Star Jones Reynolds has been causing a bit of a ruckus lately. Being chastised for her candid remarks and political views is nothing new for the co-host of the popular ABC morning television chat show, The View, of which she has been a part since its August 1997 debut. Read Full Story

GNARLS BARKLEY EXTENDS UK DOMINATION: Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse have the Brits going ‘Crazy.’
*It’s been a little over two months since the U.K. has experienced a song at the top of the singles charts other than “Crazy.” Read Full Story

FOREST WHITAKER HAS A ‘POINT’: Actor cast in Dennis Quaid assassination thriller for Columbia Pictures.
*Forest Whitaker is following up two high-profile roles with a part in the upcoming assassination thriller “Vantage Point” for Columbia Pictures. Read Full Story

CONDI RICE A MEMBER OF THE SOUL PATROL: ‘Idol’ winner Hicks counts Secretary of State among his legion of fanatics.
*Call it ‘Bama love. The U.S. Secretary of State can’t get enough of the gray-haired soul from “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks, and was among the 30.2 million viewers Wednesday night who watched the contestant from her home state of Alabama take the title. Read Full Story

BOOK/THEATER BITS: Morrison honored in NY; ‘Color Purple’s’ Withers-Mendes to drop solo album; Uggams part of special ‘Master Class’ revival.
*A party was held for author Toni Morrison Friday at the Time Warner Center in New York to celebrate her numerous literary accomplishments, including the writing of such books as “Beloved,” "Jazz," "Song of Solomon," and "The Bluest Eye." Read Full Story

R. KELLY’S AGENTS LINKED TO FRAUD IN SOUTH AFRICA: Durban woman accused of using singer’s name to defraud investors.
*More legal drama has shoehorned its way into the R. Kelly camp. South Africa’s News 24 is reporting that Durban police officers may travel to California to interview the R&B singer’s agents, who allegedly received R10.8m from a Durban woman who was arrested for fraud. Read Full Story

EUR REVIEWS 'DATE MOVIE': Silly Spoof of Romantic Comedy Genre Out on DVD
By Kam Williams
*Being a big fan of romantic comedies will undoubtedly add to your enjoyment of Date Movie, a silly spoof from the writing/directing team of Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, the same brains behind the Scary Movie trilogy. This go-round, the irreverent pair have set their sights on so-called chick flicks, rewriting memorable scenes from dozens of familiar hit films, including My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Meet the Parents, and The Wedding Crashers, to name a few. Read Full Story

VENUS SAYS DON’T COUNT WILLIAMS SISTERS OUT: Tennis star disappointed at low ranking, but vows a comeback.
*As she faced a room of reporters after her first round French Open win Monday, Venus Williams had no clue where she stood among the rest of the women in the WTA. Read Full Story

ITTY BITTY BITS: Shonda’s new pilot; Laws loses case; Paris goes hip hop; M-Rod out of jail.
*“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes has a new ABC pilot on deck about a group of female journalists. Read Full Story

MORE ITTY BITTY BITS: Pac’s pops; Smith advises Willis; BEP joins Snickers; Luda in ‘Fishbowl.’
*Dr. Mutulu Shakur, the jailed father of late rapper Tupac Shakur, is preparing to drop a new album to commemorate what would have been his son’s 35th birthday. “A 2Pac Tribute: Dare 2 Struggle,” due June 16, will feature incarcerated rappers alongside signed artists such as the Outlawz, reports MTV. Mutulu Shakur has been behind bars for 19 years for activities in support of the Black Liberation Movement. Read Full Story

SPORTS BEAT: Tiger to play in U.S. Open; French Open update.
*In his first public appearance since the May 3rd death of his father, Tiger Woods announced that he is preparing to play in next month’s U.S. Open. 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

05-31-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
EUR newsbits all on ONE page. Read Full Story

05-30-06 EUR: Ice Cube Joins Anti-Oprah Brigade / Beyonce CD on Her 25th B-Day

EUR Headlines

BEYONCE TO DROP NEW ALBUM ON 25TH BIRTHDAY: Singer puts boyfriend Jay-Z in first single…and on a strict diet.
*For her birthday on Sept. 4, Beyonce will go against tradition and give away a present – her long-awaited sophomore solo album, appropriately titled, “B’Day.” Read Full Story

ICE CUBE JOINS ANTI-OPRAH BRIGADE: Rapper sounds off against talk show host's anti-rap stance in latest issue of FHM.
*Producers for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” may want to pitch the idea of having September’s season premiere feature guests Ludacris, 50 Cent and Ice Cube so that the four can discuss their opposing points of view on a very topical issue – hip hop lyrics. Read Full Story

POLICE SKEPTICAL ABOUT BEANIE SIGEL SHOOTING: No one heard gunshots, no shell casings found at the scene, police say.
*Police sources tell Philadelphia Daily News that investigators are skeptical about rapper Beanie Sigel's account of his shooting, which took place last week and sent him to the hospital with a wound in his shoulder. Read Full Story

KANYE, LUDACRIS GIVE IMPROMPTU PERFORMANCE IN COURT: Rappers spit verse of ‘Stand Up’ during copyright infringement trial.
*Kanye West took the stand in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday and performed a portion of the 2003 song “Stand Up,” which is at the center of a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by New Jersey rap group I.O.F. and production company BMS Entertainment/Heat Music LLC. Read Full Story

PRINCE NEARLY A NO-SHOW FOR ‘IDOL’ GIG: Singer shows up seconds before performance; plus, ‘Idol’ ratings news.
*Minutes before Prince was scheduled to perform live during the “American Idol” season finale, he and his people where nowhere to be found. Read Full Story

MARIAH CAREY SEEKS TOUR INPUT FROM RANDY JACKSON: Plus, singer’s new Gillette ad to be unveiled today in NY.
*Mariah Carey wants to shake things up for her upcoming “Adventures of Mimi” tour and has enlisted her favorite road dawg for the job. Read Full Story

MIJAC ALL UP IN TOKYO: Singer accepts award from MTV Japan; visits orphanage during first leg of Asian P.R. tour.
*With the type of emotion displayed at the end of his ballad “She’s Out of My Life,” Michael Jackson accepted MTV Japan’s “Legend Award” in Tokyo Sunday during the first stop of his scheduled promo swing through Asia. Read Full Story

MARY WILSON SAYS SHE’S NOT HAVING BYPASS SURGERY: Singer releases statement saying doctors chose another route.
*Following reports last week that singer Mary Wilson had suffered a heart attack and was scheduled for bypass surgery, the former Supremes member has released a statement denying both stories. Read Full Story

EUR FILM REVIEW: 'X-Men The Last Stand'
By Kam Williams
*The initial installment of X-Men (2000) was a character-driven affair which elicited sympathy for the mutants attending Professor Charles Xavier’s (Patrick Stewart) School for Gifted Students by establishing them not as superficial superheroes but as vulnerable outcasts struggling to find their way to fit into a world which would ostracize them as freaks. Read Full Story

WE REMEMBER DESMOND DEKKER: Ska legend dies of a heart attack in England.
*Desmond Dekker, the pioneering music legend who introduced Jamaican ska music to the world, has died, his manager said Friday. He was 64. Read Full Story

FOXY BROWN’S NAIL CASE TO RESUME IN JULY: Judge sets trial date, extends order of protection.
*A judge on Friday set a July 17 trial date for Foxy Brown’s assault case, which is rooted in an incident that occurred two years ago when she allegedly attacked two New York manicurists over a bill. Read Full Story

BONDS MOVES PAST THE BABE: Shot heard around the world gives slugger home run No. 715 on the all time list.
*It finally happened in his own back yard. Barry Bonds hit the 715th homer of his career on Sunday, sending the ball from Colorado Rockies pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim 445 feet over the wall and the athlete ahead of Babe Ruth on the all time home run list. Read Full Story

BABIES FOR BRANGELINA; GWEN STEFANI: Namibia wants to claim Shiloh as its own; Stefani’s hollaback boy arrives in Los Angeles.
*The Brangababy has finally arrived, and it’s a girl. Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt was born to parents Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at Welwitschia Clinic in Namibia late Saturday, reportedly via Caesarean section after a minor complication. Read Full Story

NBA MOTHERS RESOLVE DUI CASES: Amare Stoudemire’s mom sentenced to three years in prison; LeBron’s mother gets community service.
*The mother of Phoenix Suns star Amare Stoudemire was sentenced Friday to three years in prison in a drunken driving case, while LeBron James’ mom was found guilty of four charges stemming from an incident in which her SUV hit an unmarked police vehicle. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: ‘X-Men’s’ b.o.; Berry’s toe; Perry’s ‘Girl’; ‘Snakes’ Web site; Lionsgate gets ‘Brave’; Glover ‘Rewinds’; Star & Al; G. Garvin & Tyson foods.
*Halle Berry and her “X-Men: The Last Stand” co-stars have taken the weekend box office by storm, as its estimated $107 million in ticket sales is the largest ever for Memorial Day weekend and the fourth-biggest in box office history. Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: New Koch labels; Dash snags Plumm; Nelly/Neptunes sued; grateful Ghostface; DMX name change; Peas in S.A.; Banks at shady barbeque.
*KOCH Records has announced the addition of three new labels under its belt: Damon Dash Music Group, Kedar Entertainment and an imprint from Atlanta's Big Oomp. Read Full Story

SPORTS BITS: Williams an Argonaut; French Open update; no Wimbledon for Serena; Arenas arrested; Vikings fined; Ironhead dies; Richardson & racism,; Patterson mourned.
Suspended Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams is now a member of the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts. The 29-year-old signed a one-year contract for a reported $250,000 to play during the 2006 season. Read Full Story

EVENT CALENDAR: L.A. community leaders protest Danny Bakewell; Smokey honored in London; Jennifer Holliday hosts ‘Black 2 Broadway.’
*A number of Los Angeles community leaders are gathering at 3 p.m. today outside the offices of the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper (3800 Crenshaw Blvd.) to protest its publisher Danny Bakewell following a negative article written about a local politician. 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

05-30-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
05-30-06 EUR Newsbits and Feedback all on ONE Page Read Full Story

05-26-06 EUR: Prince Hinted at 'American Idol' Surprise in Biblical Email

EUR Headlines

PRINCE HINTED AT ‘IDOL’ SURPRISE IN BIBLICAL E-MAIL: Artist sent out an e-mail early Wednesday with the words, “First Corinthians 10:14.”
*No one knew what to make of an e-mail from Prince that was addressed to various news outlets Wednesday morning containing only his picture and the words “First Corinthians 10:14.” Read Full Story

LUDACRIS SAYS HE’S NO BITER: Rapper takes the stand to defend ‘Stand Up’ at copyright infringement trial.
*Chris “Ludacris” Bridges took the stand Thursday at a copyright infringement trial in Manhattan and affirmed that he did not steal lyrics for his 2003 hit “Stand Up,” as his accusers are claiming. Read Full Story

BEANIE RESTING AT HOME AFTER ROBBERY ATTEMPT: Philly rapper was shot in the upper arm, leaves hospital in a wheelchair.
*Rapper Beanie Sigel was treated and released from a Pennsylvania hospital Thursday after he was shot in the upper arm during a robbery attempt in Pennsylvania. Read Full Story

ESPN TO CUT BACK ON BARRY BONDS COVERAGE: Reporter covering slugger full time will scale back once Bonds hits No. 715.
*ESPN has decided to cut back on both its reality series starring Barry Bonds, and coverage of the San Francisco Giants slugger’s attempt to surpass Babe Ruth on the career home run chart. Read Full Story

JEWELERS SQUEAMISH OVER ‘BLOOD DIAMOND’: Bling industry bracing for backlash over Hounsou film.
*The U.S. jewelry industry is reportedly nervous and looking over its shoulder for the arrival of the upcoming film "The Blood Diamond," which tells how diamond smuggling in Sierra Leone was at the center of brutal civil wars. Read Full Story

WHITNEY’S DISHEVELED LOOK ‘A DISGUISE?’: Cherelle claims her homie dresses like a bag lady to avoid fans.
*Singer Cherelle is telling folks that her close friend, Whitney Houston, is looking a mess these days as a strategic move to avoid being recognized. Read Full Story

THE FILM STRIP: Halle Berry on 'X-Men 3'; gives The Film Strip high fives
By Marie Moore
*Back with a bang, Halle Berry takes a stand as a strong, black woman in “X-Men: The Last Stand.” There was some fear that she might not return because of her dissatisfaction with Storm’s limited role in the previous two “X-Men” films, but Berry says that was all a hoax. Read Full Story

CHAMILLIONAIRE RIDES DIRTY UP THE SINGLES CHART: Rapper unseats Rihanna’s ‘SOS’; Furtado/Timbo combo jumps in the Top 10.
*Houston rapper Chamillionaire scores his first Billboard No. 1, while a “Saturday Night Live” performance last weekend helped Nelly Furtado and Timbaland jump 21 places into the top 10 on this week’s Hot 100 singles chart. Read Full Story

BRYANT GUMBEL RETURNING TO MORNING TV?: Former ‘Today’ host rumored to be on shortlist for ‘GMA.’
*Within hours of ABC’s announcement that “Good Morning America” anchor Charlie Gibson would be replacing the pregnant Elizabeth Vargas on "World News Tonight," Bryant Gumbel’s name was mentioned as one of several being considered to fill the “GMA” void. Read Full Story

TWISTA'S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND JUMP-OFF IN MIAMI: He wants you to hang with him, Hoopz, Buffie The Body & Gloria Velez.
*Ya boy Twista is doin' it again. Doing what you ask? He's hangin in the MIA at this year's “2nd Annual Bottles & Models.” Twista and all three of his new found Miami Angels, Hoopz (VH1's Flavor of Love), Buffie The Body and Gloria Velez will serve as event hosts. Read Full Story

MIJAC’S DIVORCE MESS ALL IN THE STREETS: Plus, singer is house hunting in UK; will make “first official public appearance” in Japan.
A California judge ruled Wednesday to allow papers from Michael Jackson's divorce/custody case to be made public, the singer tells a British paper that he plans to move to the U.K., and his publicist Raymone Bain says he will travel to Japan Saturday in his “first official public appearance” since being acquitted of child molestation charges last June. Read Full Story

FORMER VIBE EXEC LAUNCHES NEW MAGAZINE: ‘21st Century Hustle’ is a business lifestyle brand aimed at ‘young urbanites.’
*Former Vibe magazine executive, Ali Muhammad, launches his new business lifestyle magazine, 21st Century Hustle, on Monday (May 29). Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: Phifer, LL in ‘Slow Burn’; Diddy dances to MTV; Singleton backs Brewer’s ‘Maggie’; Freeman gets ‘Gone.’
*Mekhi Phifer, LL Cool J, Taye Diggs and Chiwetel Ejiofor star in the upcoming suspense thriller “Slow Burn.” Read Full Story

MUSIC BITS: Cop wins judgment against Turk; B.G. preps new album; everyday Corey Clark’s hustlin’; Peebles honored by Black Star News.
*A Memphis area police officer has won a $10 million dollar judgment against rapper Tab "Turk" Virgil stemming from a shoot-out during an apartment raid in January 2004. 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

05-26-06 EUR FEEDBACK: 'Brother James, where is your article about how we black men demoralize ourselves?'
"Brother James, where is your article about how we black men demoralize ourselves? Where is your article to voice disdain for black men such as Bishop Don Juan and the other visible brothers that have provided an international stage for his buffoonery and degradation of the black male image. Where is your article about the apparent embrace of thug life and pimpdom lifestyles by our young men?" Read Full Story

05-26-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
05-26-06 EUR Newsbits and Feedback all on ONE Page Read Full Story

05-25-06 EURxtra: Janet Shows Off Her New Abs to 'Us' / Big's Family Deceived Court

EUR Headlines

JANET AND HER NEW WASHBORD ABS GRACE ‘US WEEKLY’: Singer affirms the weight gain was for a role.
*Appearing next to the bold print “How I Got Thin,” Janet Jackson poses on the cover of next week’s “Us Weekly” in a pink half-shirt that exposes her fresh, new six-pack abs. Read Full Story

QUINCY JONES TO PEN THEME SONG FOR BEIJING GAMES: Music legend inspired creatively by recent visit to the country.
*Super producer Quincy Jones was so moved during his first visit to China recently that he has offered to write a theme song for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Read Full Story

LUDACRIS, KANYE TAKE A ‘STAND’ IN COURT: Originality of their 2003 hit, “Stand Up” is in question.
*Rapper Ludacris appeared in a Manhattan courtroom Tuesday to defend his Kanye West-produced 2003 hit “Stand Up,” which currently sits in the center of a copyright infringement lawsuit. Read Full Story

JUDGE SAYS LAWYERS FOR BIGGIE’S FAM ‘DECEIVED’ COURT: Statement centers around documents regarding jailhouse informant.
*A federal judge is now saying that her court had been "absolutely deceived" by lawyers for the family of slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. in their wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles. Read Full Story

BRASS KNUCKLES NOT A GAME TO POLICE: Compton rapper arrested after cops discover weapons in his vehicle.
*The Game, born Jayceon Taylor, was arrested for possession of a deadly weapon – brass knuckles – while driving through Burbank, California on Saturday. Read Full Story

KNOWLES’ ‘HOUSE OF DEREON’ ADDS JUNIOR LINE: Collection of denim, knits, fur jackets and vests to launch in December.
*Beyonce and Tina Knowles have announced the addition of a new junior collection to their fashion line “House of Dereon.” Read Full Story

OPRAH FANS STILL TRYING TO GET HER A NOBEL PRIZE: Plus, talk show host is chosen to present at the Tonys.
*Some fans of talk show host Oprah Winfrey are stepping up their annual effort to get her nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, the annual distinction that recognizes individuals and organizations for their humanitarian work, peace movements, human rights efforts, mediation of international conflicts, arms control and disarmament. Read Full Story

2 LIVE CREW SETTLES CONCERT LAWSUIT: Group sought $15 million for drama surrounding 2000 show in Mississippi.
*The members of 2 Live Crew settled a lawsuit in Jackson, Mississippi Tuesday over a planned concert in 2000 that ended up cancelled amidst a flurry of fan arrests. Read Full Story

ESSENCE LINES UP SPEAKERS FOR YOUTH INITIATIVE: ‘ESSENCE Cares!’ to feature Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx and more.
*Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx and rapper Common are among the speakers and performers lined up for a new youth initiative to be introduced at the Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival Empowerment Seminar Series. Read Full Story

OPENING THIS WEEK: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
By Kam Williams
BIG BUDGET FILMS -- X-Men: The Last Stand (PG-13 for action violence) Final installment of the trilogy features the comic book super-heroes divided over whether to take the cure which will transform them from mutants into normal human beings or to retain their special powers and remain ostracized by society. Read Full Story

ASHFORD & SIMPSON, OTHERS TO PRESENT PIONEER AWARDS: Singing/songwriting duo among several presenters announced Wednesday.
*Ashford & Simpson, Jerry Butler and Gamble & Huff are among the list of presenters announced for the 2006 R&B Foundation Pioneer Awards, to be held June 29at the Park Hyatt Bellevue in Philadelphia, PA. Read Full Story

MUSIC/DANCE BITS: Juelz buys HipHopSodaShop; Ying Yang to get ‘2 Live’; M.I.A. banned from the USA: Diddy auctions himself; Dance Theater of Harlem given grant.
*Rapper Juelz Santana and Chicago Bulls’ guard Ben Gordon are joining forces to run a HipHopSodaShop flagship store on 125th Street in Harlem. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: Latifah’s ‘Life’; Lee’s ‘Time’; TV recastings; Beasties’ ‘Awesome’; return of the ‘Pimp’; Wal Mart’s ‘Voices.’
*Queen Latifah has signed on to star in HBO Films' "Life Support," a telefilm that centers on the HIV crisis in the black community. 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

05-25-06 EUR FEEDBACK: Darryl James responds to Tiamba
"Look Tiamba; I don't climb up on rooftops to tell you how to be a harpy, I just ignore you because I don't like harpies. So, why don't you afford me the same courtesy? If you can't take it anymore, close your eyes, because you are not in control of the free world or the free media. You were more condescending that you accused me of being, especially since you were being personally insulting to me." Read Full Story

05-25-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
05-25-06 EUR Newsbits and Feedback all on ONE Page Read Full Story