OpenEntrance - What’s Really Going OnWhat’s Really Going On

This is almost becoming like a broken record.  I guess I could say at least it isn’t for drug possession, but  does that really make it better.

DMX has been arrested for a fifth time this year over allegations of identity theft.  He was detained by police in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday on suspicion of giving a false name and social security number to a hospital to avoid paying for his medical expenses.

Simmons is accused of visiting the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, in April and giving medical officials the fake name of Troy Jones.  He then allegedly failed to pay a $7,500 bill.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says, “He’s back in jail again. I don’t know why judges keep letting this guy out. Every time he goes in there, he gets out on bond. I’m hoping this is the one time he’s going to pay the penalty for his offense.”

The latest arrest is just one of many legal woes the hip-hop star has faced so far this year. To recap it all, in January, he was arrested for allegedly speeding down a Phoenix, Arizona freeway. In May, he was charged with suspected drug possession and animal cruelty following raids on his Arizona home.

A month later in June the star was arrested for allegedly attempting to buy drugs from an undercover officer, and earlier this month he was taken into police custody for violating his bail terms relating to a previous incident in June of driving without a valid licence.

An auction of soul legend James Brown’s belongings has raised over $850,000 - which will pay off the late singer’s outstanding tax bills. His possessions were sold to fans and celebrities alike who were eager to own a piece of music history. Brown’s former business managers, Buddy Dallas and Alford Bradley, had tried to halt the auction after learning the cash raised would go to his estate, but a judge ruled on Monday (14Jul08) that the sale could go ahead. The top lot was a black cape embroidered in metallic thread with the words James Brown, which fetched $47,500- more than double its estimate. The leader of the Late Show with David Letterman’s band, Paul Shaffer, bid $32,500 to win a medical bracelet which stated that Brown was a diabetic. Brown died of heart failure on Christmas Day in 2006 at the age of 73.

Source 

Organizers for the Rock Village Festival in Banatski Sokolac, Serbia have planned to immortalize Bob Marley in sculpture on August 23. The event’s website explains, “We are honored to announce that the first monument in Europe of the reggae legend Bob Marley will be erected in Banatski Sokolac. Our village thus enters into history and supporters and all those who respect this ‘liberty fighter armed with a guitar’ can take part in the unveiling ceremony.” Marley died of cancer at the age of 36.

It’s about time!!!!!

Akon’s court hearing for alleged misdemeanor endangerment and harassment charges has been delayed. He pleaded not guilty to charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment in December (07). He was accused of the charges following an incident while performing in New York in June (07).

It is alleged a fan threw an object at the star, which encouraged him to retaliate.  Akon - real name Aliuane Badara Thiam - was due in court yesterday, but it has now been delayed until August. The alleged victim’s mother, Patricia Smith called the hearing “pretty typical,” adding of the latest setback: “People can just hang in there long enough until the case goes in their favor.” Akon could face one year and 15 days in jail if convicted.

Source

The famous Jimi Hendrix guitar that was burned on stage at the Astoria venue in 1967 will be auctioned off later this month in London. Its been 40 years, but the instrument has finally been found and is expected to go for more than $1 million. Other lots for sale include the last surviving drum kit belonging to late Led Zeppelin star John Bonham and Jim Morrison’s final notebook of poetry written before his death in 1971.

Morgan Freeman has admitted that he is a little intimidated by his upcoming role as Nelson Mandela in the new film The Human Factor. Freeman is currently mastering Mandela’s voice and heavy accent stating that this will be the most challenging role of his whole career. In a recent interview, he says, “I’ve met Mandela several times and it’s the one role which does intimidate me. How do you play a man like that? You have to get it right - otherwise there’s no point.” The Human Factor is based on the John Carlin’s book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela + The Game That Made a Nation.