Fashion store sues Winfrey's mom for unpaid bill

MILWAUKEE �

A high-end clothing store in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is suing Oprah Winfrey's mother for weakness to pay her bill.

The civil complaint says Vernita Lee of Milwaukee owed Valentina almost $156,000 for purchases and interest as of July first and has failed to make the monthly minimum payment of $2,000.

Store attorney Joseph Niebler Sr. says his customer tried to resolve the matter with Lee in front filing the lawsuit in Waukesha County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit says Lee told store officials she doesn't think she owes the money. Reached by

Mp3 music: Luther Allison

Artist: Luther Allison: mp3 download    Genre(s):  Blues     Luther Allison's discography:      Luther's Blues    Year: 2001    Tracks: 12      Bad News Is Coming    Year: 2001    Tracks: 11      Live in Chicago    Year: 1999    Tracks: 19      Live Geneva 1994    Year: 1994    Tracks: 6      Love Me Papa    Year: 1992    Tracks: 9      Serious    Year:     Tracks: 10 An American-born guitarist, singer, and ballad maker world Health Organization lived in France since 1980, Luther Allison was the man to bible at vapors festivals in the mid-'90s. Allison's comeback into the mainstream was ushered in by a recording contract with an American record company, Chicago-based Alligator Records. After he gestural with Alligator in 1994, Allison's popularity grew exponentially and he worked steadily until his dying in 1997. Born August 17, 1939, in Widener, AR, Allison was the fourteenth of 15 children, the son of cotton farmers. His parents moved to Chicago when he was in his early teens, only he had a solid knowingness of blues before he left Arkansas, as he played organ in the church and conditioned to whistle gospel in Widener as well. Allison recalled that his earlier sentience of vapors came via the kinsfolk radio set in Arkansas, which his pop would toy at nox. Allison recalls listening to both the Grand Ole Opry and B.B. King on the King Biscuit Show on Memphis' WDIA. Although he was a talented baseball player and had begun to ascertain the cobbling deal in Chicago after high schooltime, it wasn't long earlier Allison began to focus more of his attention on playacting blues guitar. Allison had been hanging out in vapors clubs all through high schoolhouse, and with his brother's encouragement, he honed his string-bending skills and powerful, soul-filled vocal proficiency. It was patch living with his family on Chicago's West Side that he had his first sentience of lacking to become a full-time bluesman, and he played bass behind guitarist Jimmy Dawkins, world Health Organization Allison grew up with. Also in Allison's neighborhood were constituted vapors greats like Freddie King, Magic Sam, and Otis Rush. He distinctly remembers everyone talking about Buddy Guy when he came to town from his native Louisiana. After the Allison menage affected to the South Side, they lived a few blocks away from Muddy Waters, and Allison and Waters' boy Charles became friends. When he was 18 years old, his comrade showed him basic chords and notes on the guitar, and the super shiny Allison made speedy advance after that. Allison went on to "blues college" by session in with some of the most legendary names in vapors in Chicago's local venues: Muddy Waters, Elmore James, and Howlin' Wolf among them. His offset fortune to record came with Bob Koester's then-tiny Delmark Record label, and his number 1 record album, Making love Me Mama, was released in 1969. But like anyone else with a record out on a small mark, it was up to him to go out and promote it, and he did, putting in prima, show-stopping performances at the Ann Arbor Blues Festivals in 1969, 1970, and 1971. After that, people began to pay attention to Luther Allison, and in 1972 he signed with Motown Records. Meanwhile, a growing chemical group of john Rock & roll fans began showing up at Allison's shows, because his style seemed so reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix and his live shows clocked in at just under four-spot hours! Although his Motown albums got him to places he'd ne'er been before, like Japan and unexampled venues in Europe, the recordings didn't sell well. He does have the distinction of existence one of a few blues musicians to record for Motown. Allison stayed engaged in Europe through and through the rest of the 1970s and eighties, and recorded Love Me Papa for the French Black and Blue label in 1977. He followed with a telephone number of live recordings from Paris, and, in 1984, he settled outside of Paris, since France and Germany were such major markets for him. At home in the U.S., Allison continued to perform periodically, when intimate blue devils festival organizers or blues societies would rule book him. As complete a guitar player as he was, Allison wasn't a straight-ahead Chicago blues musician. He learned the vapors long ahead he got to Chicago. What he did so successfully is hold his base of Chicago blues and supply touches of john Rock, soul, reggae, casimir Funk, and jazz. Allison's offset two albums for Alligator, Soul Fixin' Man and Racy Streak, ar arguably 2 of his strongest. His talents as a songster ar fully developed, and he's well-recorded and well-produced, often with horns mount his band. Another one to seem for is a 1992 reissue on Evidence, Love Me Papa. In 1996, Motown reissued some of the three albums charles Frederick Worth of substantial he recorded for that label (betwixt 1972 and 1976) on bundle phonograph recording. Comfortably into his mid-50s, Allison continued to revel club and festival audiences around the public with his protracted, sweat-drenched, high-energy shows, finish with eye-popping guitar playing and inspired, soulful vocals. He continued to spell and record until July of 1997, when he was diagnosed with inoperable lung crab. Just over a month later, he died in a hospital in Madison, WI; a tragical end to one of the big blue devils riposte stories. 1998's posthumous Live in Paradise captured one of his net shows, recorded on La Reunion Island in April 1997. Thomas Ruf, wHO was inspired by and became a friend of Allison's shortly before the bluesman's death, issued Underground on Ruf Records in 2007.

Progress Made In NHS Diabetes Care, UK

Peaches Geldof - Geldofs Husband Terrified Of Meeting Sir Bob

LATEST: PEACHES GELDOF's unexampled husband is "terrified" of meeting her father SIR BOB GELDOF.

American rocker Max Drummey wed Peaches in Las Vegas last week (ends15Aug08) despite solely dating for one calendar month.

And Drummey admits he is terrified of meeting his new father-in-law.

He says, "He's always been friendly only as you'd expect, he has what I call a healthy scepticism about me - I consider any father would if their daughter got married the way of life we did.

"I'm terrified of meeting him face to face simply that's going away to happen soon - it's all been arranged."

The musician also confesses he had never heard of the other Boomtown Rats rocker in front he met 19 year old Peaches.

He adds, "Sir Bob is nowhere near as well known in the U.S. as he is in the U.K. I understand he's a real legend simply I don't know very much about him.

"I do know he's been knighted though, which is amazing."

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Rapper Minister Sentenced To Life In Prison

LATEST: American rapper MAC MINISTER has been sentenced to life in prison house after he was institute guilty of the double murder of fellow musicians ANTHONY 'FAT TONE' WATKINS and JERMAINE 'COWBOY' ATKINS.

Minister - real nominate Andre Dow - was convicted last month (Jul08) on iI counts of first degree murder and two counts of cabal to give murder.

And on Thursday (31Jul08), he was ordered to spend life behind bars without the possibility of word of honor, reports AllHipHop.com.

Prosecutors claimed the 2005 murders were in revenge for the brutal killing of hip-hop star Mac Dre in Kansas City, Missouri in 2004.

Co-defendant Jason Mathis, who was accused of conspiring and carrying verboten the slayings with Dow, was apt the same sentence - but retained his sinlessness and promised to appeal the finding of fact.

He told the court, "I'm not going to put on no frontage for cypher. I'm not going to do no 40 years. You give me lifespan without countersign, my outlook is gonna be like f**k it, excuse me. You give me 40 to life, my brain is gonna be the exact like way."

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Monday Morning

   
Artist: Monday Morning

   Genre(s): 
ROck: Alternative
   

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Discography:


   
 Fool's Paradise

   Year: 2005   
Tracks: 12

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Dave Brubeck Quartet

   
Artist: Dave Brubeck Quartet

   Genre(s): 
Jazz
   

---

Discography:


   
 Back Home

   Year: 1981   
Tracks: 6


   
 The Crossing

   Year: 1969   
Tracks: 9

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Second Romantic Weekend For Aniston & Mayer?

Bruce Dickinson

   
Artist: Bruce Dickinson

   Genre(s): 
Metal: Heavy
   Rock
   

---

Discography:


   
 Tyranny Of Souls

   Year: 2005   
Tracks: 10


   
 Accident Of Birth

   Year: 2003   
Tracks: 12


   
 The Best of Bruce Dickinson ..

   Year: 2001   
Tracks: 14


   
 Scream For Me Brazil

   Year: 1999   
Tracks: 12


   
 The Chemical Weddings

   Year: 1998   
Tracks: 10


   
 Alive In Studio A

   Year: 1995   
Tracks: 12


   
 Alive At The Marquee

   Year: 1995   
Tracks: 12


   
 Balls To Picasso

   Year: 1994   
Tracks: 10


   
 Tattooed Millionaire

   Year: 1990   
Tracks: 10


   
 [1997] Accident of Birth

   Year:    
Tracks: 13


   
 [1994] Balls to Picasso

   Year:    
Tracks: 10


   
 [1990] Tattooed Millionare

   Year:    
Tracks: 10

---

 

"Meerkat Manor" star killed by vehicle

Animal Planet has confirmed that another of the stars of "Meerkat Manor: The Next Generation" was killed in a hit-and-run accident on April 28.

The 6-inch meerkat was crossing a road in the Kalahari Desert when it was struck by a vehicle, said Animal Planet spokeswoman Tahli Kouperstein.

Season 4 of the docusoap (which premieres at 9 p.m. June 6) had already wrapped, so the animal's character will finish the season alive, she said.

The character's death will be acknowledged in the following season. (The name of the dead meerkat can be found easily through some Googling.)

Although bloggers, who had already picked up the news of the recent accident, blamed the death on a researcher on the project, Kouperstein said the driver is unknown.

"In the Kalahari, trucks just keep going. So we don't know whose truck it was," she said.

Each meerkat had been uniquely marked, so they could identify the body, she said.

Tributes to the character are already being posted on YouTube. Fans said they were just getting used to the idea that the animals might die of natural causes but were disheartened that a person was responsible.

Animal Planet said the channel would hold off on its tribute, so as not to spoil the show for those who don't, or don't want to, know.

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Michael Jackson says ranch foreclosure averted

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Entertainer Michael Jackson said on Sunday a foreclosure sale on his Neverland Ranch set for this week was averted after a loan on the California property was sold to Colony Capital, a large real estate investment firm.


The loan had been held by Fortress Investment Group, a New York-based private equity and hedge fund group.


The loan was about $23.5 million, according to a source familiar with the matter.


In a press release, Jackson said he was in discussions with Colony and its founder, Tom Barrack Jr, "with regard to the ranch and other matters."


Representatives of Jackson and Colony did not provide additional details. A Fortress representative could not be reached for comment.


The formerly high-flying singer and songwriter saw his career slammed by child molestation charges in 2005. Even though he was acquitted on all counts, he has faced significant financial problems in recent years.


(Reporting by Dane Hamilton; editing by John Wallace)

Sir Elton John Offered Highest Ever Gig Offer

Sir Elton John has reportedly been offered a multi-million dollar pay cheque to play an hour-long gig for a female Russian mogul.
 The British singer is set to receive £2.6 million to perform at the launch of the tycoon's new hotel in Moscow, Russia, later this year.
 If the star accepts the deal, he will set a record for the highest fee ever paid to a single artist.
A source tells The Sun, "Initially Elton turned (it) down because he's so busy. But when the offer crossed the £2 million barrier it was too much to refuse, even for someone of his means. And let's be honest, £2.6 million buys a hell of a lot of flowers.
 "He's on the verge of saying yes."
 Sir John, 61, pocketed £1.5 million when he performed at a private gig in 2001.

Pitbull, Mr. Vegas Diss

   
Artist: Pitbull, Mr. Vegas Diss

   Genre(s): 
Other
   

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Discography:


   
 Culo 2

   Year: 2004   
Tracks: 2

---

 

Spike Lee takes a swipe in Cannes

Also lets slip Michael Jordan docu

Related Content Complete Cannes coverage

CANNES -- Spike Lee is in Cannes to promote his Italy-set war film "Miracle at St. Anna," but he couldn't resist taking a few swipes at some fellow directors, including Joel and Ethan Coen and Clint Eastwood.


Speaking about death in his World War II period drama, Lee said that, unlike the Coens, he was respectful in the way he portrayed death.


"I always treat life and death with respect, but most people don't," Lee said at a press briefing. "Look, I love the Coen brothers; we all studied at NYU. But they treat life like a joke. Ha ha ha. A joke. It's like, 'Look how they killed that guy! Look how blood squirts out the side of his head!' I see things different than that."


Speaking about the casting for his tale of four black American soldiers in Tuscany during World War II, Lee said that black actors appear in war films too infrequently.


"Clint Eastwood made two films about Iwo Jima that ran for more than four hours total and there was not one Negro actor on the screen," Lee told reporters. "If you reporters had any balls you'd ask him why. There's no way I know why he did that -- that was his vision, not mine. But I know it was pointed out to him and that he could have changed it. It's not like he didn't know."


Lee said that his film is in the final stages of post-production and will be complete by the end of July, with an Oct. 10 release date likely -- exactly one year after shooting started. The film's score and about 10 weeks of mixing remain before completion. He said the film is likely to premiere at a festival: either Venice or Toronto.


Lee also told the Hollywood Reporter he is starting work on an as-yet-unnamed documentary about basketball great Michael Jordan, set for release in early 2009. Lee and Jordan starred in a series of award-winning ad spots for sporting goods company Nike in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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Fierce and Cause 4 Concern

   
Artist: Fierce and Cause 4 Concern

   Genre(s): 
Drum & Bass
   

---

Discography:


   
 Quarantine (QRN002)

   Year: 2003   
Tracks: 2

---

 

Kirsten Dunst - Dunst I Fought Depression In Rehab Not Drink Or Drugs

Actress KIRSTEN DUNST has blasted reports she checked into rehab to tackle substance abuse issues, explaining she was depressed.

In her first interview since entering a Utah treatment centre last year (07), the Spider-Man star insists she spent six months trying to conquer the blues but eventually realised she needed help.

She tells E! News, "I didn't go to Cirque Lodge for alcohol abuse or drug abuse. I went there for depression. It was a good six months before I decided to go away.

"I was struggling, and I had the opportunity to go somewhere and take care of myself. I was fortunate to have the resources to do it.

"My friends and family thought it was a good idea, too. But I didn't know where to go. My doctor recommended Cirque Lodge."

Dunst admits speculation about her health and personal problems haven't helped her in her battle: "Depression is pretty serious and should not be gossiped about.

"There's been a lot of misrepresentation about what is going on in my life... (That's) very painful for my friends and family.

"Everyone feels like they have to defend me. They hear the rumours, and it puts them in a defensive position. Now that I'm feeling stronger, I'm prepared to say something."

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Spears' manager is ordered to stay away

Britney Spears' self-styled manager Sam Lutfi has been served with a restraining order, which instructs him to stay at least 250 yards away from the star.
Courts documents say that Lutfi is also barred from communicating with Spears.
Reuters reports that lawyers for the singer's father, Jamie Spears, who has been granted temporary control of his daughter's business and personal affairs, filed court documents saying Lutfi was served with the order at his home on Thursday morning.
In court papers requesting the restraining order three weeks ago, Spears' mother Lynne claimed that Lutfi had drugged her daughter, cut her home phone line and was attempting to control her life.
Lynne Spears said that Lutfi told her and a friend that he gave Britney Spears pills ground up in her food to keep her quiet and at one point he told Britney she had to take 10 pills a day if she wanted to see her two young children.
Spears recently had her visitation rights for her two young sons stripped by a court after refusing to return them to their father Kevin Federline, who currently has custody of the children.

Mariah Carey opens up about marriage

Mariah Carey has broken her silence on her quickie wedding to rapper and actor Nick Cannon last week."We really do feel we are soulmates," Carey tells People Magazine, following their sunset ceremony at the pop star's Bahamian estate. "I never felt a love like this was in the cards for me." Cannon adds: "She is beautiful on the outside and 10 times as beautiful on the inside."Photos of the pair's wedding appear on the cover and inside this week's issue of People magazine.Talk Show host Oprah Winfrey also revealed on her show yesterday the wedding wasn't quite as last minute as reported.Mariah visited Oprah before the Bahamas wedding and "she already had, on her body, a tattoo on her back that said 'Mrs. Cannon,'" Winfrey said. "They were already planning on doing it."Watch a video of Oprah revealing the secret and more of the couple's wedding photos here.




The singer's friend Andre Leon Talley, an editor of American Vogue magazine, also revealed the 38-year-old singer is "so happy" following her nuptials to Cannon.He said: "She is very happy. I've spoken with her and she is superb. She is over the moon. I received an email from her and she is so happy. She really sounds like someone on her honeymoon."Andre also said he approved of Nick - who appears in the video for Mariah's new single Bye Bye - adding: "I love Nick Cannon for Mariah. For Mariah, this is poetry."Meanwhile, Mariah is still scheduled to perform at Time magazine's 'Time 100' party tonight.A source close to the singer said: "She hasn't dropped out yet. As of right now, Mariah is still scheduled to perform, as had been previously arranged before her wedding."- BANG! SHOWBIZ, NZHERALD STAFF