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Day One - Jury Selection For The R. Kelly Trial

Sat, 10 May 2008 09:07:00 EST

On the first day of his child pornography trial in Chicago, a suit-clad R. Kelly faced nearly 150 Cook County residents, bowed his head slightly, smiled and said, "Hello."

It probably behooved the R&B superstar to make as good a first impression as possible with these particular men and women: A dozen of them are expected to end up on a jury that could find him guilty and send him to prison for up to 15 years.

Known for sexually charged hits like "Bump N' Grind," Kelly, 41, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he videotaped himself having sex with a girl as young as 13.

After introducing Kelly to the jurors on Friday, Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan read the 14-count indictment against him. The initial session with potential jurors in Gaughan's stately, colonnade courtroom lasted only about 30 minutes, and reporters were not allowed in; one court official said there weren't enough seats.

Some of the potential jurors looked uncomfortable, and at least a few placed their hands over their eyes as the judge read some of the more graphic sections of the indictments, said Verna Sadock, a sketch artist who was in the room.

Each count is only a few sentences long and does not go into details about the allegations or possible evidence.

Earlier in the day, Kelly, dressed in a silver-blue suit and gold tie, sat expressionless in court. But the Grammy-winning artist looked more relaxed as he addressed the jurors, Sadock said.

The potential jurors - some carrying bags and coats, many looking serious and even glum - later filed out of the fifth-floor courtroom to fill out questionnaires for the next stage of jury selection. The questionnaires were not made public.

There was no afternoon session scheduled Friday and jurors were due back in court Monday morning.

Before jury selection began Friday, Gaughan denied a defense motion to again postpone the trial because of intense publicity surrounding the case, appearing to accept arguments from the prosecution that jury selection could weed out any tainted jurors.

But defense attorney Marc Martin said the jury pool had been "irrevocably poisoned" by a front-page story in Friday's Chicago Sun-Times that cited unnamed sources talking about a potential witness.

Many of the potential jurors would have read the article on the way to the courthouse, Martin said.

"There is no escaping the fact that the Sun-Times will be in every news box in Cook County," said Martin, adding that the contents of the story were also broadcast on TV and radio stations. "I heard it when I was putting on my tie this morning."

"Somebody out there is trying to sabotage Mr. Kelly's right to a fair trial," Martin said.

As he arrived at the courthouse Friday morning, Kelly didn't acknowledge the crowd outside as he walked through a special entrance. One raucous onlooker shouted "I love you"; another shouted "R. Kelly's a pedophile."

Once a jury's in place, prosecutors will have to surmount several hurdles if they hope to prevail.

Chief among them is that the alleged victim, now 23, says it wasn't her. And Kelly's lawyers - including prominent Chicago attorney Ed Genson - haven't admitted it's Kelly in the video.

The centerpiece of the trial is the video footage, which Gaughan ruled may be shown in open court.

Prosecutors claim the videotape was made sometime between Jan. 1, 1998, and Nov. 1 2000, and that the girl was born in September 1984. Kelly was indicted on pornography charges June 5, 2002, after the tape surfaced.

Some of the trial proceedings have been kept secret by the judge, and it's unclear whether prosecutors have sought - or been granted - permission to tell jurors about accusations that Kelly allegedly had sexual relations with other minors.

Media outlets, including The Associated Press, have filed a motion seeking to get court records and hearing transcripts unsealed. Gaughan has said he would rule on that motion May 16.

Gaughan, who has imposed a gag order, also said he would later rule on a defense motion to consider appointing a special prosecutor to investigate apparent leaks to the Sun-Times.

Reporters complained Friday about being keep out of the courtroom as the judge read the indictment to jurors.

One attorney for the news media in their motion to get access to the records and transcripts said it wasn't clear if Gaughan intended to keep reporters out.

"It was possibly inadvertent, but the press obviously should have been there," said Damon Dunn. "Criminal trials are constitutionally required to be public. And the public can only attend the trial through the press."

Tina Turner Goes On Tour

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:30:00 EST

Soul legend Tina Turner on Friday unveiled plans to tour for the first time in eight years after her friend and film icon Sophia Loren told her it was time to hit the road again.

Turner, 68, came out of retirement when she sang her hit song "Proud Mary" with R&B singer Beyonce at February's Grammy Awards, and the pair brought the crowd to its feet. Turner, who has been living in Europe, said that after the duet fans begged her to go back on tour.

An eight-time Grammy winner, Turner will bring her show to 17 cities across the United States and Canada, starting with an October 1 performance in Kansas City, Missouri, and wrapping up in Montreal, Canada on December 8.

"My blessing is that most of my audiences are right there with me," Turner said in an interview on "The Early Show" on the U.S. television network CBS.

"They're so ready," Turner said. "It's just like -- even when they're in their chairs, they don't stay in their chairs very long!"

Tina Turner Tour Schedule

Kansas City - October 1, 2008
Chicago - October 3, 2008
Chicago - October 6, 2008
Los Angeles - October 13, 2008
Anaheim - October 14, 2008
San Jose - October 19, 2008
Sacramento - October 22, 2008
Phoenix - October 24, 2008
Miami - October 30, 2008
Ft. Lauderdale - November 2, 2008
Orlando - November 5, 2008
Atlanta - November 9, 2008
Toronto - November 13, 2008
Boston - November 16, 2008
Washington, D.C. - November 23, 2008
Newark - November 26, 2008
Uniondale - December 3, 2008
Montreal - December 8, 2008

Whitney Wows Crowd In London

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:25:00 EST

Whitney Houston has taken another step in her comeback. The diva wowed the crowd when she performed Thursday at the Caudwell Children Legends Ball, at Battersea Park in London.

During her hour-long set, Houston "both looked and sounded amazing," a guest tells PEOPLE. "She was fantastic."

Houston, who is working on a new album with her old friend Clive Davis, sang hits, including, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," "I Will Always Love You," "The Greatest Love of All," and "Saving All My Love for You."

"It was like her greatest hits, only live," adds the guest.

Houston, who has had a tumultuous custody battle with her ex-husband Bobby Brown, brought daughter Bobbi Kristina, 15, on stage and introduced her as "the love of my life." The pair performed a duet of "My Love Is Your Love."

Among the evening's guests was singer Kelly Rowland, who said before the show began, "I'm jumping through my skin to see Whitney again."

As for Houston's troubled past, the Destiny's Child singer said, "People should not judge her. She's done more than prove herself."

DMX Arrested For A 2nd Time This Week

Fri, 09 May 2008 17:52:00 EST

Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies arrested rapper DMX at his Cave Creek home early Friday morning on suspicion of misdemeanor animal cruelty and felony drug possession.

The arrests stem from a raid deputies made on the rapper's home in August which led to the seizure of 12 dogs and the discovery of three more dogs buried in the back yard.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said it took months for labs to conduct tests on the animals to confirm they weren't being properly cared for.

Lawyers for DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, claimed the rapper was not at home at the time and wasn't aware of the dogs' condition.

"It was a tough case," Arpaio said. "We were not in a rush, we put a lot of time on it but you don't rush into an investigation."

Deputies also seized five pitbull puppies at the home Friday morning.

Arpaio said there was no evidence that the malnourished dogs were used in fights.

Deputies also seized cocaine and marijuana at the house, in the 2700 block of East Carlisle Road, Arpaio said.

It's the second arrest this week for DMX, who was booked on Tuesday on speeding allegations.

R. Kelly Accused Of Bribery

Fri, 09 May 2008 15:00:00 EST

As jury selections for the R. Kelly sex trial began today, new claims surfaced that an aide to Kelly allegedly paid off a woman to get her to return an incriminating sex videotape featuring the Grammy Award winning singer.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, last month Judge Vincent Gaughan held four closed-door hearings and was told that the Atlanta woman, who is expected to testify that she had a three-way sexual encounter with Kelly and the suspected underage girl at the center of his child porn trial, was allegedly paid by Kelly's aide to recover a sex tape featuring Kelly. It is unclear how much the aide allegedly paid the woman, but the woman did receive payment and arranged for the tape to be delivered to the aide.

The Atlanta woman was granted immunity from state and federal prosecution in exchange for her testimony. Federal immunity was provided to protect the woman from charges of transporting child pornography across state lines. Sources revealed the woman had been in love with Kelly.

During the April hearings, Judge Gaughan was told at one point the aide arranged for the woman to take a polygraph test to determine if she was telling the truth about the tape. It is not clear whether the embattled singer had any knowledge of the alleged deal.

Prosecutors became aware of the woman's dealings with Kelly's aide and decided to make her a witness in the case involving the initial sex tape. The Atlanta woman's testimony could prove damaging to the defense's case as she can identify the girl and testify if she was underage at the time. The girl, now in her 20s, has denied before a grand jury that she was involved in alleged act. She might become a defense witness at the trial.

Is Rev. Wright Being Paid By Clinton

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:57:00 EST

AWB - Hard To Believe They Are From Scotland!

Fri, 09 May 2008 11:42:00 EST

Watch AWB - Hard To Believe They Are From Scotland!

R. Kelly Arrives At Courthouse

Fri, 09 May 2008 11:59:00 EST

R. Kelly arrived at a Cook County courthouse Friday to face child pornography charges filed after a videotape allegedly showed him having sex with a girl as young as 13.

The Grammy-winning R&B singer didn't acknowledge the crowd as he walked with several other people and a videographer. Raucous onlookers shouted "I love you" and "R. Kelly's a pedophile" as he walked up a special walkway.

Jury selection was scheduled to start Friday in Kelly's trial, which has been delayed for six years.

Another delay was possible after defense attorneys filed a motion Wednesday seeking to postpone the trial again. Judge Vincent Gaughan could rule on that request Friday.

Judge Allows Biggie's Family To File Lawsuit

Fri, 09 May 2008 11:11:00 EST

A judge has reinstated a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by the family of slain rapper Notorious B.I.G., reversing an earlier decision to dismiss the case.

U.S. District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper threw out the lawsuit March 21 after determining the family missed a state deadline for bringing a claim against the city and two former police officers. The lawsuit was originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, then moved to federal court.

The family appealed, and the judge reversed her decision after finding federal claims in the case can proceed, according to court papers obtained Thursday.

Cooper gave the family 20 days to file a new lawsuit and drop the state claims.

B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace, was gunned down March 9, 1997, while leaving a party at a Los Angeles museum. The 24-year-old performer's killing remains unsolved.

Two wrongful death lawsuits were filed against the city on behalf of the rapper's widow, mother and two children.

The first lawsuit, filed in 2002, alleges wrongful death and civil rights violations. It ended in a mistrial in 2005. The case remains active, with the judge allowing the family to amend the lawsuit because of newly discovered evidence.

Cooper's recent ruling involved the secondary lawsuit, which contends that rogue police officers conspired to kill Wallace and that the Police Department covered up their involvement.

The Dean's List - Questions And Thoughts

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:56:00 EST

From time to time, The Dean's List has some extra time on my hands and my mind wonders about many things. Here are a few items I've been thinking about this week:

** Where is Oprah Winfrey now and her support for Obama, especially since she went to the same church?

** Don't you sometimes want to slap Elisabeth from the television show "The View?"

** Would you have ever imagined in your wildest dreams that Barbara Walters had Jungle Fever?

** Isn't the line-up for this year's Music Fest interesting?

** Don't you wish lilacs lasted longer than 2 weeks?

** Since Kobe Bryant won this year's MVP award (and it was well deserved), can we at least give a Vice-MVP award to Hornets Chris Paul "aka" CP3?

** What does one do when they have lost all hope, drive and confidence?

** Aren't you tired of hearing about celebrities being arrested for stupid sh%#?

** Now that the R. Kelly trial is finally started, do you think he will be found guilty or innocent?

** Hasn't American Idol been boring this year?

** The new song "Girls Around The World" by Lloyd featuring Lil Wayne is one of the first songs in a long time that makes me want to get up and dance (listen on WDKX.com).

** How do you help someone you love who really needs help, but are too proud to ask for or accept it?

** Do people still go out on dates?

You can write the Dean's List with your thoughts, comments or ideas at: thedeanslist1@gmail.com

Carmelo Anthony In Trouble With The Law Again!

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:52:00 EST

Three weeks after his DUI arrest, Carmelo Anthony was cited for speeding Saturday after cops caught him allegedly driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone.

A Denver cop pulled him over in the 2400 block of South Santa Fe Drive after getting a radar gun indication of 15 to 19 mph over the limit, the Rocky Mountain News reported.

On April 14, the NBA star was arrested in Denver and charged with driving under the influence. He's due back in court on June 5 to answer the charge.

Police spokesman Sonny Jackson says Anthony does not have to appear in court on the speeding ticket if he mails in the $130 fine.

Nick Cannon Talks About Love With Mariah

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:50:00 EST

In today's new issue of People magazine, Nick Cannon explains how he met, fell in love and married Mariah Carey - all within the span of one month.

It all started in late March when Carey cast him as her love interest in the video for her new single, "Bye Bye."

"From the first time we sat down to discuss the video at the Beverly Hills Hotel, we connected," Cannon said in the May 19 issue, which features exclusive photos from the wedding. "We had so much in common spiritually, and we laugh at the same things. I didn't have to put on my Mac Daddy suave mode. I was able to be myself with her. We are both eternally 12 years old."

They began showing up at various events together, sparking talk that a romance may be afoot. Carey kicked the rumors into high gear at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of her movie "Tennessee," where she sported a huge diamond on her left ring finger.

Next thing you know, the 38-year-old singer and the 27-year-old actor were exchanging vows on April 30 at Carey's Bahamian estate. Were Carey's friends surprised?

"Some were, but some weren't," she told People. "One thing (few people) knew was we got tattoos a few weeks earlier. So anyone who saw my (Mrs. Cannon) tattoo wasn't surprised."

Oprah Winfrey told her audience Wednesday that she saw the "Mrs. Cannon" tattoo when Carey appeared on her show about a week before the wedding, but thought nothing of it.

Cannon said, "To me rings are special and exciting, but tattoos mean more than anything. They're forever and ever. They professed our love."

According to People, a dozen guests attended their sunset wedding, where guests feasted on Maine lobster and Dom Perignon champagne. The bride wore a gown by Nile Cmylo that showed off her curves and faded from off-white to pale pink.

"My pastor Clarence Keaton flew in from New York," Carey said. "The whole wedding was really beautiful and sweet. Being there with loved ones under the sky ... it was a spiritual moment."

Cannon said he was speechless watching Carey walk down the aisle: "I was elated, but I was thinking, 'Don't pass out.' ... (The pastor) said, 'The eyes are the window to the soul,' then gave us an entire minute to stare into each other's eyes. So I was saying, 'Don't cry.'"

The pair said they're already thinking about having kids. "It's part of the whole purpose of getting married," Carey said. "I'd just want our children to have the best childhood and upbringing they possibly could."

Rihanna And Chris Brown Kissing

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:31:00 EST

Gary Dourdan Charged With Felony!

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:26:00 EST

"CSI" co-star Gary Dourdan has been charged with felony possession of heroin, cocaine and ecstasy stemming from his arrest last month, prosecutors said.

The 41-year-old actor was arrested after police found him asleep in his car in Palm Springs on April 28. He was allegedly parked on the wrong side of the street with the car's interior light on.

Prosecutors said Dourdan is scheduled to appear in court in Indio, about 130 miles east of Los Angeles, on May 28. The criminal complaint was dated Tuesday.

A call to Dourdan's attorneys wasn't immediately returned early Thursday.

Dourdan has played crime scene investigator Warrick Brown on CBS' "CSI" since 2000.

Several celebrities were in Palm Springs for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in nearby Indio.

Jay Z Mary J In NYC Guest Stewart Mootry

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:20:00 EST

Jay Z Mary J In NYC Winner Gracie Harris

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:16:00 EST

Foxy Brown Pleads Guilty

Thu, 08 May 2008 18:27:00 EST

Foxy Brown has entered a guilty plea in an assault case involving her Brooklyn neighbor and a fiercely-placed Blackberry telephone.

Brown plead guilty to one misdemeanor charge of menacing in Brooklyn Criminal Court today, and the prosecution threw out the felony assault charge stemming from the 2007 incident, in which Foxy allegedly smacked Arlene Raymond with the phone. The two were arguing about the noise made by the rapper's car stereo.

Brown, born Inga Marcharnd, was sentenced to time served, and a letter of apology was submitted. Foxy's legal woe's, which have haunted her for the past two years, seem to finally be drawing to close.

Dollar Bill

Thu, 08 May 2008 18:02:25 EST

Listen to Dollar Bill by DJ Envy

Dollar Bill remix

Thu, 08 May 2008 17:50:22 EST

Listen to Dollar Bill remix by DJ Envy&Red Cafe

Mariah's New Tattoo

Thu, 08 May 2008 10:36:00 EST

Mariah Carey knew all along that she was going to wed Nick Cannon, says pal Oprah Winfrey.

Before she tied the knot, Winfrey said that Carey had the words "Mrs. Cannon" tattooed on her back.

Winfrey dished about the shocking wedding on her talk show Wednesday.

Her pal Gayle King also appeared, via satellite, and recalled an interview she had with Carey a week before the April 30 ceremony.

King said that Carey told her, "I do have somebody, but I can't tell you who it is." When pressed, Carey finally admitted, "It is Nick Cannon. It's a secret. Don't tell anybody."

King said she thought even Carey herself didn't even know she'd be getting married so fast.

Not so, says Winfrey.

Before wedding, Carey visited Winfrey and "she already had, on her body, the tattoo on her back that said 'Mrs. Cannon,'" Winfrey said. "They were already planning on doing it."

King, who has spoken to Carey, then added, "Mariah told me herself that she has never felt this way about anybody before in her whole life. They have something special between the two of them that both of them feel.

King said she is "concerned they got married so quickly. I do think when you meet somebody you've only known a month ... that's a little scary."

Still, King added, "I'm happy for her."