12-18-08 EUR: Akon Pleads Guilty / Paris Bennett Gets Jazzy For Xmas

EUR Headlines - December 18, 2008

AKON PLEADS GUILTY TO TOSSING FAN: Singer avoids jail time in plea bargain entered Wednesday.
*Singer Akon pleaded guilty to harassment Wednesday for throwing a fan off stage during a concert last year in Fishkill, New York. Read Full Story

TARAJI P. HENSON: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Interview with Kam Williams
*The name Taraji P. Henson and Academy Award are being whispered in the same breath in the wake of her compelling performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button where she holds her own opposite several Hollywood heavyweights, including Brad Pitt and Oscar-winners Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton. Read Full Story

PARIS BENNETT GIVES THE 'ROYAL' TREATMENT: 'American Idol' alum releases jazzy holiday disc.
By Kenya M. Yarbrough
*Paris Bennett might be known as an “American Idol” finalist, but the young singer has every intention of being an American idol. Inspired by jazz greats like Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn, Bennett wants to bring that kind of legendary sound to popular airwaves. Read Full Story

OBAMA BITS: Time's 'Person'; Is he doing a doobie?!; Blago update; more Cabinet choices (one from GOP); Chappelle, Patti Austin at inaugural gigs; Obama action figure.
*Time magazine has announced that President-elect Barack Obama is its 2008 Person of the Year after he became the first African-American to win the White House. Read Full Story

SIMON COWELL DISCUSSES DEATH OF PAULA FAN: 'Idol' judge also dismisses Paula's allegations that producers put her in danger.
*During a telephone conference call with press on Wednesday, "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell said the alleged suicide of former contestant and diehard Paula Abudl fan, Paula Goodspeed, hit the production very hard. Read Full Story

VICK MAY MOVE TO HALFWAY HOUSE IN JAN: Lawyer for jailed NFL star makes statement to bankruptcy judge.
*Jailed NFL star Michael Vick could be moved from a federal prison in the Midwest to a Virginia halfway house by Jan. 20, one of his attorneys told a federal bankruptcy judge Tuesday. Read Full Story

TRACY MORGAN TAKES IN 'ROOMMATES': Actor to star in and produce comedy for Paramount.
*"30 Rock" actor Tracy Morgan will star in and produce "Freshman Roommates," a comedy feature inspired by the ubiquitous e-mail scams purporting to be sent by a Nigerian prince looking for help in accessing his fortune. Read Full Story

EMANUEL CLEAVER II ON OBAMA PRESIDENCY: Kansas City's first black mayor warns African Americans not to have unreasonable expectations.
*Writing in Wednesday's Washington Post, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver seeks to temper high expectations many African Americans may have of the nation's first black president, Barack Obama. Read Full Story

LIL WAYNE SUED OVER 'DYING': Rapper accused of using sample without permission.
*Lawyers for Lil Wayne have asked for more time to produce documents in a lawsuit that accuses the artist of copyright infringement, reports the Associated Press. Read Full Story

SOULJA BOY'S 'ANIMATED SERIES' DUE IN JAN.: Rapper's label to release first webisode based on the teen rap sensation.
*A cartoon based on rapper Soulja Boy Tell 'Em will make its Internet debut next month for a three webisode run. Read Full Story

BENNETT'S DUKE ELLINGTON ART IN SMITHSONIAN: Painting reflects their longtime friendship; unveiling due in April.
*Tony Bennett has donated his original watercolor painting of Duke Ellington, titled "God Is Love," to the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, marking the legendary crooner's third painting that has been included in Smithsonian collections. Read Full Story

PETA NAMES LEONA LEWIS 'PERSON OF THE YEAR': British pop star chosen for her 'kindness to animals.' Singer gave up meat at 12.
*People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has announced British pop sensation and longtime vegetarian Leona Lewis as its Person of the Year. Read Full Story

BLUES MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCES NOMINEES: Mannish Boys lead with six; Buddy Guy, B.B. King also receive multiple nods.
*The group Mannish Boys received six Blues Music Awards nominations to lead the pack for next year's ceremony, to be held May 7 in Memphis. Read Full Story

BUN B, TIMBALAND LEND GINUWINE A HAND: Producers collaborate with singer on comeback album.
*Ginuwine's R&B comeback is receiving a significant assist from former collaborator Timbaland and Dirty South rap titan Bun B, reports Allhiphop.com. Read Full Story

NEW AT 'EUR THIS N THAT' BLOG: Dishin’ Dirt on Dame Dash, Kenyon Martin and lots more | Burger King’s New Claim to 'Flame'
*As we move forward into the new year, in anticipation of a new president, we're bringing you something new as well. Presenting the EURthisNthat blog. Read Full Story

MIKE JONES TO ENDORSE NEW COGNAC LINE: Rapper to team with company for promotional events and concert tour.
*Houston rapper Mike Jones has been tapped by ProConcept Marketing Group, Inc. to endorse the exclusive collection of cognacs from the "House of Dobbe'," the company announced. Read Full Story

ITTY BITTY BITS: McCoy kissed a girl and he liked it; SIRIUS XM brings back Strobe & Backspin; Iceman's honorary degree; Vince Young sues.
*Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy reportedly popped the question to his longtime girlfriend Katy Perry, who shot to sudden stardom this year with her pop hit "I Kissed A Girl." 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

EUR DVD REVIEW: Daryl Hall & John Oates: Live at the Troubadour
By Kam Williams
*Since the early Seventies, Daryl Hall and John Oates have been a veritable hit making machine, producing dozens of dance tunes which reached the top of the pop and R&B charts. Read Full Story

12-18-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
EUR all on ONE page! Read Full Story