MAVERICKS FIRE AVERY JOHNSON

Avery Johnson, coach of the year in 2006, is out after Dallas' latest playoff collapse. Johnson lost his job Wednesday, a move the team referred to as “relieving him of his duties.” The softer tone made sense considering that in three-plus seasons Johnson guided the Mavericks to the finals for the first time and to a club-record 67 wins the following season.

Johnson got the news during a meeting at his condominium Wednesday morning. Donnie Nelson, the team’s president of basketball operations, was there, while team owner Mark Cuban joined via cell phone from Chicago.
This is something that needed to happen,” Johnson said. “There’s no animosity or bitterness. We all still really care about each other, but it was time to go in a different direction. … We didn’t win the championship, but if you look at the whole body of work that we put together over the last 3 1/2 years … we’ll put it up against anybody.”
Johnson might not be unemployed very long. The New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls are among the teams needing coaches, and both might want a young, proven coach who preaches defense and discipline.

BAJAN COVER GIRL

Rihanna graces the cover of April's Luire Magazine in Japan.





Rihanna's video for the new single Take A Bow premiered just a few days ago and it looks like Universal Music decided to change the album cover of the Take A Bow single.


E3 NEW MUSIC VIDEO BLITZ

// Plies f/ Ne-Yo - ‘Bust It Baby, Pt. 2’ //
Bust It Baby, Pt. 2’’ featuring Ne-Yo is the lead single off Plies’ album Definition of Real (June 10). The video was directed by Plies. Look for cameos from Rick Ross and DJ Khaled.


// The-Dream f/ Young Jeezy - ‘I Luv Your Girl’ //
The Dream’s latest video for “I Luv Your Girl” featuring Young Jeezy off his debut album LoveHate.


// Lloyd f/ Ludacris - ‘How We Do It’ //
Here's Lloyd’s new video for “How We Do It (Around My Way)” features Ludacris. His third album Lessons in Love will be released July 15th.

E3 SNAPSHOTS


Jill Marie Jones was spotted on the red carpet of the LG HDTV event last night in Hollywood.
Actor Hosea Chanchez was spotted at ESPN Pre-Draft Party at Club Touch.


David Banner and Lil Mo

Mike Jone with his new artist

Actress Tamera Mowry was spotted getting some coffee in Beverly Hills on Monday afternoon.
Keyshia Cole and Tocarra were spottedclubbin' at club Belvedere last night.
(Peep LeToya Luckett in the background.)


Halle Berry was seen getting her golf on yesterday with her boyfriend and friends.

Larry Johnson and girlfriend Julissa Bermudez were spotted in St. Peter, Barbados on Monday.

John Legend was at a private dinner celebrating the release of Estelle's debut album "Shine" in New York City.

Eve hit up the official launch party for the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.
Lyfe Jennings signed copies of his new album at J&R Music in New York City.


Lil Mama and T-Pain visited TRL at the MTV Studios in New York City.

NOW HEAR THIS

The King is back with a new song called “No Matter What.” Since October 26, rapper T.I. had been on a court-ordered house arrest for allegedly attempting to purchase three machine guns and two silencers. While awaiting his trial T.I. pened a new album. The album, titled Paper Trail, is a reference to T.I.'s return to writing his lyrics on paper, which he hasn't done since releasing his first album I'm Serious almost seven years go. Paper Trail is due in stores this September.




For the TV viewers without cable or satellite who couldn’t catch Mr. Sean Combs form Da Band, Danity Kane, or Day26 on MTV, the CW network teamed up with burlesque-team-turned-pop-group the Pussycat Dolls, to create Girlicious. The first track to be released from the group is Like Me which features Jazze Pha. Girlicious' debut album is set to drop on July 1st.

HAVE YOUR PEOPLE, CALL MY PEOPLE

Ellen Degeneres debuted her new American Express commercial on her daytime talk show yesterday. It’s the newest installment to the “Are you a Cardmember?” campaign. Featured in the ad with Ellen is R&B powerhouse BeyoncĂ© Knowles-Carter. With Ellen in the mix you know the commerical has to be funny. Check it out below:

DETAILS OF THE DREAM WEDDING

Actress Tia Mowry looked stunning at her elegant nuptials to actor Cory Hardrict.

The Gown: Mowry commissioned red carpet darling Kevan Hall to create her flowing, one-shoulder wedding dress. For her four bridesmaids, Mowry chose custom antique rose silk chiffon cocktail length dresses. Her twin sister and maid of honor, Tamera, wore a vibrant aubergine silk chiffon strapless style.

The Location: Mowry and Hardrict said "I do" in an outdoor ceremony, before heading in to the hotel's ballroom for the reception. "The night was filled with such joy, peace, love and just extreme excitement," the bride says. "It was a party. It was a celebration!"

The Bouquet: The bride's bouquet featured different shades of pink roses.

The Cake: To match her pink rose bouquet, Mowry showcased a four-tiered vanilla and red velvet confection decorated with the blooms.

Source: Instyle

BEACH BEAUTY

Christina Milian plus other young Hollywood celebs are featured in a new ad campaign with Ocean Pacific.


OUT & ABOUT

Fashion and Football: A 2008 NFL Draft Style Event took place at the Manhattan Automobile Company in New York City. Guest who stooped thru included David Banner, Estelle, NFL players Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Peterson.



Mario and Aisha Tyler were spotted at the 10TH Annual Young Hollywood Awards this weekend in Los Angeles.

JUST ASK DIDDY


Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kevin Bacon, Lindsay Price, and Matt Lauer are some of the New York-based celebrities participating in “Just Ask the Locals,” New York City’s tourism campaign. The campaign features print advertisements and videos of the celebs sharing their favorite eats, shopping spots, entertainment, and places to visit in the city.

ALWAYS LOOKING GOOD

Actress Halle Berry was spotted at the the Silver Rose Gal Celebrity Golf Classic in Beverly Hills. It's her first post-pregnancy appearance.

Elise Neal also attended the Jenesse Silver Rose Gala and Auction.

OUT & ABOUT

Kelis (center) at GAP Presents GQ Lounge at the Viceroy Hotel in Palms Springs, CA on Sunday during the Coachella Music and Arts Festival weekend.



Mya performed with the Chicago cast at the 8th Annual North Shore Animal League’s “Tour For Life” Grand Finale” at FAO Schwartz.


Over the weekend celebs and their kiddies were spotted courtside at the Hawks game in Atlanta.
Black celebs such as Jennifer Freeman, Angel Conwell, and Porscha Coleman hit up the Celebrity Weekends at B.B.Kings at Universal City on Friday.