Saturday, June 6, 2009

Obama Names Black Man Head of NASA


By Associated Press May 23, 2009 12:03 pm

President Barack Obama on Saturday named former shuttle commander Charles Bolden to lead NASA at a critical time for the space agency.

The White House has ordered a complete outside review of NASA’s manned space program, including plans to return astronauts to the moon.

Bolden flew in space four times _ twice as shuttle commander _ and once was assistant deputy administrator at NASA headquarters in Washington. The 62-year-old Bolden left NASA in 1994.

If the Senate confirms Bolden, he would be the space agency’s first black administrator and the second astronaut to hold the post.

Obama also announced that he was nominating Lori Garver to be NASA’s deputy administrator. Garver was Obama’s NASA transition chief and is a former associate administrator at the agency.

“These talented individuals will help put NASA on course to boldly push the boundaries of science, aeronautics and exploration in the 21st century and ensure the long-term vibrancy of Americas space program,” Obama said in a statement.

White House science adviser John Holdren said in early May that the new panel will look at the design of new spacecraft to replace the space shuttle and go to the moon, as well as consider possible alternatives to the current design.

Also to be studied is the five-year gap between the shuttle’s retirement and the new moon vehicles, with the first new space capsule flying in 2015. During that time, starting in late 2010, NASA would have to rely on the Russians for space travel. The review will look at extending NASA’s use of the multibillion-dollar international space station beyond 2016.

NASA has spent $6.9 billion on its plan to return to the moon, which then-President George W. Bush presented as a response to the 2003 space shuttle Columbia accident.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 18TH, 2009


Good news for Natalie Cole. She received a kidney transplant this week. Cole had been on dialysis three times a week after her kidneys failed following her treatment for Hepatitis C. Cole’s publicist says she’ll postpone her summer tour while she recovers.

The King family drama continues. Why can’t Dexter, Martin, III and Bernice get along, and why are they fighting in the first place? The children of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King are out of control. At this point, the fighting has gone public. Can someone get these three together? Where is Jesse Jackson or Reverend Al? The latest drama involves a big screen movie that Steven Spielberg wants to produce about the life of Dr. King. Spielberg has the permission of The King Foundation, which Dexter heads up, but Martin, III and Bernice say they will sue Spielberg and DreamWorks Studios if they proceed with this project. It all boils down to money. I wish they would get it together. This is so embarrassing for the legacy of their parents.

Alicia Keys….. the other woman? Apparently so. Keys has always been notoriously quiet about her private life, but now she has hooked up with a man who wants the world to know she cooks him breakfast naked. Yes, in a new song, Producer Swizz Beats talks about his love for Keys and revealed this surprising tidbit. I sure hope she’s not fryin’ up bacon in a pan. Swizz Beats is an award-winning producer who is currently going through a nasty divorce with his wife. The wife, R&B Singer Mashonda who Beats has a son with, is not going away quietly. She says if her husband wants to have a life with Keys, he is going to have to pay her to go away. So what does Keys has to say? So far she has been quiet, but I’m sure her record company is not pleased that their star is caught up in some home-wrecking mess….hmmmmmmmmm!

Will Chris Brown be joining Michael Jackson for his London concert series? It could happen since Brown looks to revive his career after the Rihanna drama. The King Of Pop continues to make headlines leading up to the London shows in July. In a meeting last week with his father, Jackson made it clear his brothers were not welcome to join him for his concert series. Jackson says this about him and not the family. Papa Joe was begging Michael to include his brothers. Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine Tito and Randy could all use the exposure and the money, but Michael said no. He won’t even allow Janet to participate. Papa Joe tried all the tricks, even saying it would make his mother Katherine so happy to see her children come together while she is alive. Michael’s response: No. The family is likely getting sued because someone signed an agreement for the family to do a reunion concert in 2012. Michael’s response was to please leave him alone. Dang Michael!

Speaking of the Jacksons, Janet will forever be immortalized by boyfriend Jermaine Dupri. For her 43rd birthday, he got a tattoo of her on the right side of his body. Do you think she would do the same for him? Just asking……(smile).

Wanda Sykes is a new mommy. Sykes and her wife recently welcomed twin girls to their family. Sykes says she is excited about the expansion of her family. Despite the uproar she caused at the White House Correspondence Dinner, Sykes says the FOX network is fully committed to her Saturday, late night show, which kicks off in the fall.

The Real Housewives Of Atlanta is set to return to the Bravo network this summer, and the ladies will be armed with money. I hear the ladies are being paid close to $200,000 for the second season, and this does not include their numerous personal appearances.

Basketball Star turned Jazz Musician Wayman Tisdale died last week. Tisdale, 44, had been battling cancer for the past two years. Last year, he had his right leg amputated in hopes of stopping the cancer. Tisdale played three years at Oklahoma, and 12 years in the NBA, with stints in Indiana, Sacramento and Phoenix. When he left the NBA, he returned to his first love, music. He released eight albums as a jazz bassist. Tisdale is survived by his wife Regina and four kids.

This fall, Comedian Chris Rock will be releasing his hair documentary simply titled Hair. Rock goes behind the scenes and brings us the story behind our fascination with hair. Rock traveled all over the world conducting interviews with everyone involved with the hair business.

When will Jennifer Hudson admit the truth, and why is she mad at Essence magazine? She is currently on the cover, but she doesn’t appear to be happy with the story. She has also resumed her tour with Robin Thicke, and she is now sitting down throughout the concert and wearing flats. She is getting bigger and bigger. At this point, it’s like the elephant in the room. Admit it! You’re pregnant! What’s the big deal, and why are you being so secretive? Hudson is due to get married this summer to reality star turned wrestler David Otunga.

Sherri Shepherd is turning into the hardest working woman in show business. Shepherd has just signed a deal with the Lifetime network for a new show. The show, Sherri, will be loosely based on her life. Shepherd has often talked about how her husband cheated on her and got his mistress pregnant. Well, in the show, the girlfriend and baby move in with Shepherd. Shepherd will also be featured in the new Lee Daniels’ movie Precious, which comes out this fall. She will also continue her hosting duties on The View.

Speaking of Lee Daniels, guess who was the real star of the Cannes Film Festival? Apparently, it was Mariah Carey, along with her diamonds and her ego. Carey was there with Lee Daniels promoting their movie Precious. Carey goes ugly for this role as a counselor helping a troubled young girl. You gotta see the trailer. Carey actually looks good…. I mean she is really acting....go to our website at Wdasfm.com and click Patty’s Page and check out the trailer. Anywho, back at Cannes Film Festival, Carey had on five million dollars worth of jewelry. Sources say her ego was a little out of control. Carey had hubby Nick Cannon in tow, and they had their airs on.

Happy anniversary to The Cosby Show! Bill Cosby’s family sitcom remains the most watched series in TV history and marks its 25th anniversary this year with a special DVD box set, which is in stores now. It’s also the 20th anniversary of the movie Do The Right Thing. On June 20th, the Oscar nominated movie is being re-released on High-Def, Blu-ray and DVD. The new release will feature deleted and extended scenes, plus commentary from Writer-Director Spike Lee.

At the movies this week, two generations of the Wayans family spoof the teenage music films with Dance Flick. Keenen, Shawn and Marlon co-wrote the film, which stars Damon Wayans, Jr.

The CW network has cancelled the TV show The Game. The cast had hoped it would be spared, but the show is no more.

Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns returns to TBS on May 27th.

Whatever happened to Singer Michel’le? Well, she is currently suing her ex-husband, Record Mogul Suge Knight. They have a child together, and she has gone to court seeking spousal and child support payments. Michel’le is best known for her hit songs No More Lies and Something In My Heart. Michel’le also used to date Knight’s former business partner, Dr. Dre.

Congrats to Smokey Robinson! The legendary singer/songwriter is being honored at The 22nd Annual Rhythm And Soul Awards. Robinson is getting The Heritage Award. Previous winners include Earth Wind & Fire and Bill Withers.

In a recent interview with People magazine, Kirstie Alley talked about her recent battle with the bulge, and how she has the hots for Jamie Foxx. Alley proclaimed, I Would Love To Have A Booty Call With Him. I wonder how Foxx feels about this. He is currently planning a music tour, which will bring him to Philly on September 13th.

Vanessa Williams is hard at work on a new CD. The Ugly Betty Star says her new CD, The Real Thing, is a collection of songs with a jazz and Latin flavor.

Shaq has gone back to school. Shaquille O’Neal is preparing for life after basketball. He is currently enrolled in classes at Syracuse University, where he is studying how to be a sportscaster and commentator. Shaq is no stranger to the cameras with his TV commercials and acting roles. He has a great personality, so it’s just a natural next step for him.

Lil’ Kim needs a publisher for her new tell-all book. Kim reveals all about what led to her stint in a federal prison, and how she went from jail to Dancing With The Stars. The book is called The Price Of Loyalty. Kim served a sentence at a federal facility in Philadelphia for committing perjury involving a shooting in Manhattan a few years ago.

The TV One network is gearing up for the second season of its popular documentary series Unsung. The series features well known singers, and the real story behind their rise and fall. The second installment of the series kicks off June 7th, and will feature Melba Moore, Minnie Riperton, Shalamar and Florence Ballard of The Supremes.

Get Ready for the latest DeBarge music sensation. 19-year old Kristina DeBarge is the daughter of James DeBarge, and she just released a new album.

Lionel Richie is back with a new CD. Just Go is the title, and he’s also featured on the new issue of Jet magazine. Lionel says he is always asked about a Commodores reunion. He says the guys are talking about it, and it will happen.

LL Cool J is coming to a TV near you this fall. His new cop drama, a spinoff of the NCIS series debuts on CBS.

Jamie Foxx will be hosting The 2009 BET Awards. The show airs June 28th on BET. Beyonce is scheduled to perform, and The O’Jays are getting a lifetime achievement award. Ne-Yo and Maxwell are also scheduled to perform.

Look for the latest Tyler Perry movie, Madea Goes To Jail, on DVD when it comes out June 16th.

Teena Marie’s latest CD, Congo Square, arrives in stores on June 9th. Check out Teena Marie this year at The West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival. Teena Marie and The Whispers were just added to the lineup. It all takes place June 19th -21st on Ogontz Avenue, between 70th and 74th.

Beyonce is releasing a new video anthology based on her CD I Am….Sasha Fierce. Wal-Mart is carrying it exclusively starting June 16th.

Tavis Smiley is coming out with a new documentary called Stand, which arrives in stores on May 25th. The Stand documentary is a road trip featuring Smiley and ten of his friends, including Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and BeBe Winans, to name a few.

Get ready for the Neely’s. Pat and Gina Neely, from the Food Network show Down Home With The Neelys, have a new cookbook out filled with delicious recipes. Down Home With The Neelys is available in bookstores now.

Check out who’s coming to Good Morning America: Lionel Richie on May 29th, John Legend on June 5th, Jamie Foxx on June 19th and Queen Latifah on July 10th.

Singer Will Downing is marking his 20th anniversary in the music business with a new release called Classique. The album, his 14th, arrives in stores on June 16th. The new CD will feature Downing recording some classics including David Ruffin’s Statue Of A Fool and Barry White’s I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More. Downing says he’s excited about the project, and his health has been progressing since being diagnosed with the muscle disorder Polymyositis.

Will Smith and Samuel L. Jackson will be appearing in a new ABC money special called Unbroke. Unbroke is everything you need to know about money, credit cards, mortgages, the stock market and investing. The special airs May 29th on ABC.

Gladys Knight is coming out with a jewelry line. The singer/actress and business woman is exited about her new venture. The Gladys Knight Jewelry Line will be sold at major department stores and through The Home Shopping Network. The Gladys Knight Jewelry Line debuts in December. Also check her out in the new Tyler Perry Madea movie I Can Do Bad All By Myself, which opens in theatres in September.

The Norman Lear Collection, a boxed DVD set, is coming out on June 9th. Norman Lear is the famed producer behind the TV classics The Jeffersons, Good Times, All In The Family, Maude and Sanford & Son to name a few. The first seasons of those and other Lear classics will be included in the set.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller, which originally starred Walter Matthau, about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage. We also have the exclusive trailer of the new Lee Daniels’ movie Precious. The movie stars Mo’Nique and Mariah Carey, and is due out this fall. The trailer is powerful. This is another must see for me. Check both these movie trailers out on line at wdasfm.com under Patty’s page.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do some Stars look different when they are not performing? It’s because they leave their booty pads at home.

When will older male Celebrities learn that most young girls only want your money? The new trick is getting pregnant by the older boyfriend, and will be set for the next 18 years. The older boyfriend looks foolish grinning in public….. ‘cause he already has grown children. These men have no idea how everybody is snickering behind their back about how they are getting played.

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 11TH, 2009


Michael Jackson is back. The King Of Pop is making news about everything. Just to sum up this past week, he was hit with two major lawsuits. One was from Ola Ray, his co-star in the Thriller video. After 26 years, she feels she deserves a share of the royalties from the Thriller video. Jackson ex-publicist and assistant, Raymone Bain, hit him with a lawsuit as well. She is seeking $44 million for unpaid services. Bain claims Jackson stiffed her after years of loyal service. It was Bain who served as his spokesperson during his child molestation trial. Jackson is also dealing with promoters who claim he promised to do a reunion show with his brothers. The promoters claim they will derail his scheduled concerts in London if their contract obligations are not met. Jackson says he never signed an agreement. He has been busy rehearsing and trying to gain weight. Jackson has been told to put on some weight so he can handle his upcoming schedule. He has 50 sold out shows to do in London starting in July. He has been rehearsing with Director/Choreographer Kenny Ortega (High School Musical), who is staging the London shows. I hear Jackson may even do a duet with his 12-year son Prince Michael.

In other Jackson news, get ready for the Jackson brothers reality show. The show is scheduled to air on the A&E network and will star Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy. The show will focus on them as sons, fathers, entertainers and entrepreneurs. Now here is my big question, will the show deal with the tension between Jermaine and Randy? They both have children by the same woman.

Shaquille O’Neal is also doing a reality show for A&E called Love Shaq, which will focus on his family. And, then there’s a new reality show with MC Hammer. Hammertime will show his life after fame and fortune with his wife of 23 years and six kids.

Who leaked the nude pictures of Rihanna? The photos featuring her and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown are quite explicit. Chris Brown says don’t look at him. Meanwhile, Brown’s ex-dancers are speaking out on the issue of Rihanna. They are saying she caused the violent outburst involving Brown earlier this year, and that she was crazy and seeking publicity.

Jamie Foxx will be hosting the 2009 BET Awards. The show airs June 28th on BET. Beyonce is scheduled to perform, and The O’Jays are getting a lifetime achievement award.

Lil’ Kim is ready to tell all. The Price Of Loyalty is the name of the book that will go into detail about what led to her stint in prison a few years ago.

Get for latest Tyler Perry movie, Madea Goes To Jail, on DVD when it comes out June 16th.

KeKe Palmer, the star of the Nickelodeon show Tru Jackson, VP, has a hit on her hands. The live action comedy show has been renewed for a second season.

Congrats to Tina Campbell of the gospel duo Mary Mary. She is expecting baby number 4 with her husband.

Teena Marie’s latest CD, Congo Square, arrives in stores on June 9th. Check out Teena Marie this year at The West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival. Teena Marie and The Whispers were just added to the lineup. It all takes place June 19th -21st on Ogontz Avenue between 70th and 74th.

Beyonce is releasing a new video anthology based on her CD I Am….Sasha Fierce. Wal-Mart is carrying it exclusively starting June 16th.

Tyrese says he’s having a problem with a stalker. The woman has targeted Tyrese since his recent divorce telling him now that you’re divorced, you can be mine. Tyrese says the woman is a certified loon, and he needs protection. Tyrese recently divorced Norma Gibson, the mother of his young daughter.

Orlando Jones, Dawnn Lewis, Tichina Arnold and LaChanze have been added to the cast of the revival of The Wiz. Ashanti is starring as “Dorothy.”

Jennifer Hudson is on the new issue of Essence magazine. Hudson recently gave her fiancé a five-carat ring when she proposed to him. For the record, he proposed to her first a few months ago. A summer wedding is planned.

Jada Pinkett Smith is on the cover of the new issue of Ebony magazine. Her new TNT series, Hawthorne, debuts June 16th. In her Ebony interview, Jada talks about her marriage to Will Smith, their children and her career.

Reverend Run has his hands full these days. His 19-year old son Jo-Jo was arrested last weekend for possession of marijuana. To make matters worse, Jo-Jo crashed into a police car trying to get away from the cops. If you have watched the MTV show Run’s House, you know that Jo-Jo is not a bad kid. He is more of a follower than a leader, so I’m sure this did not sit well with his parents or his Uncle Russ.

Aisha Tyler, the popular actress/comedienne, is in line to get a daytime talk show on ABC.

Actor Courtney B. Vance is getting a new show on ABC. It’s a sci-fi drama called Flashforward. Vance is married to Actress Angela Bassett.

Vin Diesel (Fast and Furious) has signed on for the new John Singleton movie Wheelman. The live action movie is based on the videogame.

Is Rapper/Actor Common the new Mr. T? The A-Team movie is finally being made, and it appears Common is playing the role of “B.A. Baracus,” made famous by Mr. T. When Director John Singleton was attached to the project, Ice Cube was rumored to be playing the role. Then there was talk of Tyrese getting the part. When Singleton turned down the project, a new casting search was launched, and it appears the role is going to Common. The A Team movie is based on the hit 80’s TV show which, along with Mr. T, starred George Peppard, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz.

Tavis Smiley is coming out with a new documentary called Stand. Stand arrives in stores on May 25th. The stand documentary is a road trip featuring Smiley and ten of his friends, including Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and BeBe Winans, to name a few.

Nick Cannon, stop while you’re ahead! Cannon is participating in a public feud with Rapper Eminem, who may or may have not dated his wife, Singer Mariah Carey. Cannon will be hosting the NBC talent show America’s Got Talent. He should be concentrating on this, and not feuding with a rapper who has a new album to sell. In a series of interviews, Eminem has said some horrible things about what he supposedly did to Carey. He is probably lying to sell that new album. The past is the past! Whether he dated your wife or not, if you and Mariah are happy, go live your life. You don’t have to justify anything. Let Eminem talk his trash. He needs to rebuild his career. You’ve got Mariah Carey, her money and a new show. Don’t stoop to Eminem’s level.

Comedienne Wanda Sykes shook up a lot of people with her recent hosting stint at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner. Did Sykes go too far with some of her comments? She has a new talk show debuting in the fall on the Fox network, and she recently came out of the closet. Will this hurt her chances to launch the next phase of her career? Sykes is best known for her TV work with Chris Rock, The New Adventures Of Old Christine and The Wanda Sykes Show.

Ginuwine is trying to jump start his career. He has a hot new song out called Last Chance, and he is hoping this is the breakout song he’s been waiting for. In the meantime, he is suing his former business manager. Ginuwine says his former manager ripped him off for $400,000.

Congrats to Maya Rudolph. The former Saturday Night Live star is expecting her second child. Rudolph is also the daughter of the late Singer Minnie Riperton.

Get ready for the Neely’s. Pat and Gina Neely, from the Food Network show Down Home With The Neelys, have a new cookbook out filled with delicious recipes. Down Home With The Neelys is available in bookstores now.

Essence magazine is joining forces with the CNN network to report weekly on issues important to African Americans.

Check out who’s coming to Good Morning America: Lionel Richie on May 29th, John Legend on June 5th, Jamie Foxx on June 19th and Queen Latifah on July 10th.

Singer Will Downing is marking his 20th anniversary in the music business with a new release called Classique. The album, his 14th, arrives in stores on June 16th. The new CD will feature Downing recording some classics including David Ruffin’s Statue Of A Fool and Barry White’s I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More. Downing says he’s excited about the project, and his health has been progressing since being diagnosed with the muscle disorder Polymyositis.

Will Smith and Samuel L. Jackson will be appearing in a new ABC money special called Unbroke. Unbroke is everything you need to know about money, credit cards, mortgages, the stock market and investing. The special airs May 29th on ABC.

Gladys Knight is coming out with a jewelry line. The singer/actress and business woman is exited about her new venture. The Gladys Knight Jewelry Line will be sold at major department stores and through The Home Shopping Network. The Gladys Knight Jewelry Line debuts in December. Also check her out in the new Tyler Perry Madea movie I Can Do Bad All By Myself, which opens in theatres in September.

Ruben Studdard wants his fans back. Twenty million people voted him as their American Idol, and now he wants them to buy his new CD. Love Is will be a collection of romantic ballads. The CD is due out May 19th. Love Is will be Studdard’s fourth CD and features production from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Studdard does some remakes, including Michael Jackson’s I Can’t Help It and Al Green’s For The Good Times.

The Norman Lear Collection, a boxed DVD set, is coming out on June 9th. Norman Lear is the famed producer behind the TV classics The Jeffersons, Good Times, All In The Family, Maude and Sanford & Son to name a few. The first seasons of those and other Lear classics will be included in the set.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller with Walter Matthau about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When this female Singer first came on the scene, she was the talk of the town. She was stylish, fun and fearless. Then she decided to change her style, her choice in men and her management team. Her latest album flopped. Maybe she should call up her old management to get her career back on track.

When these two media Superstars hooked up, many thought it was a match made in heaven. He was going to be her next big star, but there was one big problem. One media star has a troubled past and it is coming back to haunt him. Now the other media star won’t have anything to do with him.