Entertainment Report . . .

AARON CARTER MOM SAYS HE IS A DRUGGIE?

A publicist for Aaron Carter spoke to the New York Post about allegations of his drug use that Carter's mom made to the National Enquirer. Publicist Brad Zeifman said, "Aaron Carter is bewildered and saddened by the allegations made by his mother. Aaron emphatically denies having or having ever had a drug problem. Jane Carter is clearly trying to exploit her son's success in order to promote her book deal and other projects. After severing his management contract with her, his mother continuously attempts to use the media to damage his career and further her own."

The 17-year-old singer fired his mom as his manager in December of 2003 after an accountant notified Carter's father that Jane Carter had removed $100,000 from her son's bank account without permission. They worked out their financial differences in a meeting the following month. Carter's mother and father managed his career together for 10 years, but separated in March of 2003 and are now divorced. Carter is legally emancipated from his mother. Boy band impresario Lou Pearlman now manages his career.

Carter's new CD single, "Saturday Night," was released last week and he is currently touring several U.S. cities. The tour is scheduled to wind up in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 24th. His yet-to-be-titled new album is expected out in early summer.


PERHAPS ASHLEE SHOULD FOCUSING ON LEARNING HER OWN MATERIAL FIRST

Even though she's currently on her first headlining tour in support of her debut album Autobiography, Ashlee Simpson is already looking ahead to her sophomore CD. Ashlee tells MTV News, "This summer, whenever I get off tour, I am going to start writing a new album and kind of focus on that for a while. I've been really into '80s music, and hopefully my next album will have that feel to it. I'm really excited to write my new record."

Ashlee says that she her new songs will be about her personal growth rather than romance. She says, "I feel like I've gone through a lot and I am at a different place in my life. This time I have dealt with a lot, you know, with myself, more than a relationship, which was the last record. So it'll be cool to go back in the studio and start writing. I've definitely got a lot to say."

LUNCH ON HER? 'DESPERATE HOUSEWIFE' TERI HATCHER EARNS $100K FOR CHARITY

The cost of a lunch date with Desperate Housewives stars Teri Hatcher and Jamie Denton cost one woman $100 thousand dollars last Thursday, reports the AP. But the expensive meal is for a good cause -- the money paid by an anonymous bidder benefits the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, an organization headed by director Steven Spielberg.

The fundraiser didn't originally include Denton as part of the lunch bunch. But Hatcher jumped on stage to help the auctioneer move the original offering of lunch for four, plus Hatcher. To make the bidding more heated, the actress offered up her onscreen boyfriend. She said, "I'm gonna add Jamie Denton. And he's gonna rub the shoulders of any woman at this lunch with me. That's gotta be worth at least another $10. It will be the best lunch of your life. I will make sure of it."

A WHINE SESSION WITH THE TWO JACKSONS

Michael Jackson appeared on Reverend Jesse L. Jackson's radio program, Keep Hope Alive, yesterday (March 27th), where he told listeners that he is determined to fight all charges against him. According to CNN, Jackson said: "I gain strength from God...and I gain strength from the fact that I know that I am innocent. None of these stories are true. They are totally fabricated." The pop star went on to say, "I'm a strong person. I'm a warrior, and I know what is inside of me. I'm a fighter, but it's very painful at the end of the day. I'm still human, you know. I'm still a human being, so it does hurt very, very, very much."" Blah. Blah. Blah.

The Life of a Shelter Dog

This film might be a little harsh for some but for others - just the wake up call you need. This film is for every single person that has adopted a dog in December but tire of them by May for various reasons (too big, too busy, too furry, too this, too that). Have your pet spayed or neutered. Volunteer at a local rescue. Or simply stop getting pets if you aren't responsible.

The Life of a Shelter Dog

BACKYARD PUPPY

This was taken from a website hosted by our friends at SWOAN. Visit their site today to see available pets for adoption in your area.

I don't remember much from the place I was born. It was cramped and dark and we were never played with by the humans. I remember Mom and her soft fur, but she was often sick, and very thin. She had hardly any milk for me and my brothers and sisters. I remember many of them dying, and I missed them so.

I do remember the day I was taken from Mom. I was so sad and scared, my milk teeth had only just come in, and I really should have been with Mom still, but she was so sick, and the Humans kept saying that they wanted money and were sick of the "mess" that me and my sister made. So we were crated up and taken to a strange place. Just the two of us.

We huddled together and were scared, still no human hands came to pet or love us. So many sights and sounds, and smells! We are in a store where there are many different animals! Some that squawk! Some that meow! Some that peep!

My sister and I are jammed into a small cage, I hear other puppies here. I see humans look at me. I like the "little humans," the kids. They look so sweet, and fun, like they would play with me!

All day we stay in the small cage, sometimes mean people will hit the glass and frighten us, every once in a while, we are taken out to be held or shown to humans. Some are gentle, some hurt us. We always hear "Aw they are so cute! I want one!" but we never get to go with any.

My sister died last night, when the store was dark. I lay my head on her soft fur and felt the life leave her small thin body. I had heard them say she was sick, and I should be sold at "discount price" so that I would quickly leave the store. I think my soft whine was the only one that mourned for her as her body was taken out of the cage in the morning and dumped.

Today, a family came and bought me! Oh happy day! They are a nice family, they really, really wanted me! They bought a dish and food and the little girl held me so tenderly in her arms. I love her so much! The Mom and Dad say what a sweet and good puppy I am! I am named Angel. I love to lick my new humans.

The family takes such good care of me, they are loving and tender and sweet. They gently teach me right and wrong, give me good food, and lots of love! I want only to please these wonderful people! I love the little girl and I enjoy running and playing with her.

Today, I went to the veterinarian. It was a strange place and I was frightened. I got some shots, but my best friend, the little girl, held me so softly and said it would be OK, so I relaxed. The vet must have said sad words to my beloved family, because they looked awfully sad. I heard severe hip dysplasia, and something about my heart...I heard the vet say something about backyard breeders and my parents not being tested. I know not what any of that means, just that it hurts me to see my family so sad, but they still love me, and I still love them very much!

I am 6 months old now. Where most other puppies are robust and rowdy, it hurts me terribly just to move. The pain never lets up. It hurts to run and play with my beloved little girl, and I find it hard to breath. I keep trying my best to be the strong pup I know I'm supposed to be, but it is so hard. It breaks my heart to see the little girl so sad, and to hear the Mom and Dad talk about, "it might now be the time."

Several times I have gone to that veterinarian's place, and the news is never good. Always talk about Congenital Problems. I just want to feel the warm sunshine and run, and play, and muzzle with my family.

Last night was the worst, pain has been my constant companion now, it hurts even to get up and get a drink. I try to get up but can only whine in pain. I was taken in the car one last time. Everyone is so sad, and I don't know why. Have I been bad? I try to be good and loving, what have I done wrong?
Oh if only this pain would be gone! If only I could soothe the tears of the little girl. I reach out my muzzle to lick her hand, but can only whine in pain.

The veterinarians table is so cold. I am so frightened. The humans all hug and love me, they cry into my soft fur. I can feel their love and sadness. I manage to softly lick their hands. Even the vet doesn't seem so scary today. He is gentle and I sense some kind of relief for my pain. The little girl holds me softly and I thank her for giving me all her love. I feel a soft pinch in my foreleg. The pain is beginning to lift, I am beginning to feel peace descend upon me. I softly lick her hand. My vision is becoming dreamlike now, and I see my Mother and my brothers and sisters, in a far off green place. They tell me there is no pain there, only peace and happiness. I tell the family, good-bye in the only way I know how, a soft wag of my tail and a nuzzle of my nose.

I had hoped to spend many, many moons with them, but it was not meant to be. "You see, " said the veterinarian, "Pet shop puppies do not come from ethical breeders."

The pain ends now, and I know it will be many years until I see my beloved family again. If only things could have been different.

(This story may be published or reprinted in the hopes that it will stop unethical breeders and those who breed only for money, and not for the betterment of the breed. copyright 1999 J. Ellis)

Entertainment Report

THUGS IN MUSIC


JAY-Z ASSOCIATE FAILS TO SHOW FOR COURT DATE

Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith, a close friend of Jay-Z, who is accused of pepper-spraying R. Kelly during the infamous Best Of Both Worlds concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City last October, failed to show up for a court date in December in relation to the incident. Kelly's lawyer, Ed Hayes, told the New York Post's Page Six, "To go on the run from a misdemeanor assault seems like he's trying to avoid being a witness in the civil case."

Hayes is referring to the $75 million lawsuit that R. Kelly filed against Jay-Z and the promoter of the Best Of Both Worlds tour for kicking him off of the tour following the October 29th incident. According to Kelly, he allegedly saw two men in the audience at Madison Square Garden that night with guns, so he left the stage. When the singer attempted to return to the stage he was allegedly hit with pepper spray by Smith. The next day he was booted from the tour.


EXPERTS SAY LIL' KIM WILL NOT GET ANYTHING CLOSE TO 20 YEARS

Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil' Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Jones, was found guilty of three counts of perjury and one count of conspiracy by a jury last week for lying to authorities and a federal grand jury investigating a February 2001 shootout outside of New York City radio station WQHT-FM. The rapper could receive up to 20 years behind bars when she is sentenced on June 24th, but two legal experts predict she will receive far less when sentenced by federal judge Gerard Lynch.

Ridiculous Gas Prices

With fuel prices at record levels, and all estimates pointing toward even higher numbers at the gas pump this summer, most motorists are probably walking past the easiest ways to help keep some money in their wallets. Representatives of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company say a close watch on the air pressure in a vehicle's tires is an effective way to keep fuel consumption in check. Running a tire 20 percent underinflated -- only 5 to 7 pounds per square inch (PSI) -- can increase fuel consumption by 10 percent. That easily may cost motorists two or three miles per gallon.

Weekly Pet Report . . .

I visited the animal shelter today. There are plenty of great dogs and cats currently available to responsible homes. There is an adoption fee for each of the pets but portions of it are refundable once the animal is spayed or neutered. PLEASE do the world a favor and have your animals spayed or neutered.

LOST dogs - If you have lost a pet, please remember to VISIT the shelter to see if your family friend is there. Calling is fine but with all the varieties of dogs and cats out there, it is sometimes hard for staff to tell if it is in fact your pet. It is best to GO SEE for yourself rather than take a chance that your pet might be adopted or worse, euthanised. The animal shelter is located at 6th and Texas (just off 6th and Lee).

Here is a short list of what animals are currently available:

Dachsund and Miniature Pincher - these two sweeties are available and eager to go to a new home. Although it would be nice to keep them together, it is not necessary. They are adult dogs that are ready to be a part of your family. Stop by and see them today.


Lab Puppies - there are several chocolate and black lab puppies available for adoption. These pups are chubby, playful and wanting to go home with you. Remember that labs love to run and play so please make sure you have ample space for these little ones.

Shep. mix - this big guy is a cream and black shepherd mix pup approximately 1-2 years old. He is a great dog with a sweet temperment and lots of kisses to dole out. If you have room for this fella, he would sure like to cuddle up on your floor and call it home. Visit him today!

Available animals change on a regular basis so stop by! Please remember to BUY collar and tags for your pet or risk losing them forever. They rely on you to protect them so spend the $10.00 to identify them so they can be returned to you if lost.

Entertainment Report . . .

WOMAN CLAIMS NAME OF ASHLEE SIMPSON FILM WAS CHANGED BECAUSE OF COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
The title of Ashlee Simpson's upcoming feature film debut has been changed from Wannabe to Undiscovered. Ashlee says the name was changed because the president of the film's production company, Lion's Gate, liked her song "Undiscovered." But the Canadian Press reports that Robin Devine of Toronto, Canada says that she trademarked the word "wannabe" 15 years ago and insists the title was changed after she contacted the company. A spokesperson for Lion's Gate confirmed yesterday (March 16th) that the company was contacted by Devine, but denied comment on why the name was changed. Devine says that she trademarked the name in 1985 after she heard her husband say it. She says that she has no problem with people using the word when they're speaking, but that she won't allow anyone to use it to sell anything without licensing it from her first.

JOSS STONE TO BECOME NEW FACE OF THE GAP
Joss Stone has been tapped as the new "it-girl" for the Gap. According to Access Hollywood, the 17-year-old British singer will replace Sarah Jessica Parker in the long-running advertising campaign for the clothing store. Her ads are now in production and will be featured in the Gap's Summer 2005 series, expected to begin airing on television by the end of April. Other celebrities featured in Gap ads have included Madonna, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige.

JENNIFER ANISTON TO STAR IN 'BREAK UP'
Jennifer Aniston will star alongside Vince Vaughn in Universal Pictures upcoming comedy The Break Up, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film, which is based on an original idea by Vaughn, is slated to begin production in early June for a February release. Aniston, who recently experienced her own break-up with Brad Pitt, is keeping busy with multiple movie projects including Rumor Has It, Friends With Money and Derailed.

Weekend Entertainment Report . . .

Weekend Thug Report
Rapper Jadakiss has denied news reports that he was threatened by four men on Wednesday night (March 9th) after leaving a Notorious B.I.G. memorial celebration at The Roxy in New York City. According to initial reports, four men in a stolen tow truck allegedly threatened the rapper, but Jadakiss explained that the men were actually fans who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The rapper told Allhiphop.com, "They brandished their hammer (gun) from the car. Those were fans that were riding with me that happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time...The cops are switching it to make rap seem so violent." The four men attempted to flee the scene, but the tow truck crashed into a police vehicle and they were apprehended.

On Thursday, March 10th, Lil' Kim took the stand in her own defense in her federal perjury and obstruction of justice trial in New York City. New York Newsday reports that the rapper denied lying to a grand jury in 2003 about a shooting which took place outside of New York City radio station WQHT-FM on February 25th, 2001.

The rapper testified that she felt intimidated when prosecutors questioned her in 2003. She said, "I felt like I was being badgered. I felt I was a victim there (at the shooting)." The rapper added, "I did the best I could to remember. I did not lie. I'm not guilty of any of these crimes."

50 Cent and The Game held a press conference at the Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture in Harlem yesterday (March 8th) to announce that they have put their differences behind them, although the rappers barely made eye contact, and their body language suggested that there was still a lot of tension between them.

During the press conference, 50 Cent read from a prepared statement, "In the shadow of the untimely death of Biggie, today marks the anniversary of his death, we're here today to show that people can rise above even the most difficult circumstances."

Bronx, New York-based rapper Fat Joe has made it clear that he isn't a battle rapper, but he feels so disrespected by 50 Cent's "Piggy Bank" that he feels compelled to respond. The rapper told Music Choice, "I wasn't even gonna answer back, because I never like this stuff. But enough is, well, enough."

The rapper added the he would only address the issue once. He said, "One time, one time only, and I'm gonna keep it moving. I don't care if that dude makes 60,000 songs about my mother, my father, whatever. I'm just going to keep it moving, because I know where this could end. I've seen this movie before."

50 Cent is currently promoting his new album, The Massacre, and with all of his success, it's no wonder that up-and-coming rappers want to emulate him. Allhiphop.com reports that one of those up-and-coming rappers is 50 Cent's cousin who has adopted the name 25, but he shouldn't expect any help from his superstar cousin.

50 Cent said, "I got a little cousin that's a fraud. He raps like he me, and he ain't start that s**t until I got on. He's a f***ing fraud. I don't even talk to him. I tell you why. I don't want it to be my fault when n***as get their hands on him. I tell his mother, 'He won't stop, and you haven't been making an effort to make him stop.' They tell him, 'Oh you sound like (me) a little bit.' I'm like, 'No, you haven't gone through the same things I have.'"

The rapper added, "If he was in this room, he wouldn't know that n***as is on him. He doesn't have that street sense to know if n***as wanted to hurt him. He calls himself 25, so he can associate himself with 50. I don't talk to him because I know n***as would get their hands on him."


Green Day cd brings boy out of coma
A Welsh Green Day fan emerged from a coma after listening to the band's Grammy-winning American Idiot album, according to the BBC. Nine-year-old Corey George of Aberaman, Wales, had been in a coma and on life support for two weeks before his family played the "punk rock opera" for him. Within an hour of hearing the disc, George reportedly woke up and began moving his fingers and toes. George was hit by an SUV while crossing the street on his ninth birthday. He has been taken off the critical list, although he is still unable to speak or move.

Ashlee Simpson is not another Milli Vanilli
The songwriter who co-wrote "Pieces of Me" and "Shadow" with Ashlee Simpson says the rumors that she--not Ashlee--did the singing on the teen's debut album Autobiography are simply not true. Kara DioGuardi--whose credits also include songs for Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson, and Celine Dion, tells MTV News, "Ashlee can sing. Did I help in the phrasing? Yes, because I wrote the song, but it's not me singing. She's evolving as a singer. These are young girls...They all have ability, but there's a lot pressure on these girls. When I haven't sung for a while and I sing, it sounds like sh**."

Willis and Lohan were hands off
Page Six of the New York Post has backtracked on the story about Lindsay Lohan and Bruce Willis groping each other. The gossip column says that their eyewitness may have gotten it wrong. Publicists for both Lohan and Willis insist the two kept their hands to themselves on Tuesday (March 8th) night after the screening of Hostage. "She is not interested in Bruce Willis in any way but as the producer of her next film (Just My Luck)," said Lohan's representative.

WEEKLY WEIRD NEWS . . .

Boy's kite sparks UFO sighting calls
Read full story here

Teacher Sent Students To Get His Pot, Shared It
FRESNO, Calif. -- Christopher Bochin is in trouble with the law for allegedly being a little too sharing with his students. Read full story here

Laundry nudist overexposed
A La Crosse (Wisconsin) man who admitted he stripped naked at a La Crosse self-serve laundry earlier this month told police he had no sexual intentions but was making a statement about personal rights.
Read full story here

Weird News Weekend. . .

Mom jailed for paltry '01 income tax bill
Her alleged offense: failure to appear in court on a charge of failure to file a 2001 city income tax form. She says she owed the city only 96 cents.
Read full story here

Man sped 19 times in one night
A YOUNG Swiss driver who was caught breaking the speed limit 19 times in a night was stripped of his driving licence, fined and given a suspended prison sentence.
Read full story here

Things other people accomplished when they were your age
This is great . . . enter your age and get a list of accomplishments by people that were that same age. Example: at age 21, English chemist Humphry Davy discovered nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), and suggested that it may have use as an anaesthetic.
Check your age here

Maryland Boy Among Those On Hilton's Phone List
A Maryland family has had to change its phone number, because seven-year-old Josh Eisner was being bombarded with calls from strangers around the world.
Read full story here